A Knights Castle is His Home

Travel to Murol via the D5 route from the Col de la Ventouse and you can admire the attractive countryside of the Puy de Dome region as you take in the views of the Sancy mountain range. Above Murol you will round a bend in the road and there ahead of you stands the powerful and dominant chateau of Murol before you begin to descend into the town of Murol itself, catching glimpses of the chateau from different angles as you zig zag down the side of the valley. It is hard to beat this solid stone mediaeval monument for dramatic impact. Perched above the town on an outcrop of basaltic rock it is among the very best surviving examples of 13th century French fortress architecture. Its exalted location is perfect for its original purpose as a stronghold against invasion from home or abroad, testament to the times in which it was constructed. Since 1889 the chateau has been classified as a 'monument historique' by the French Ministry of Culture.

Today, a group called 'les Paladins du Sancy' run the chateau and stage excellent authentic demonstrations of mediaeval combat, weaponry and horsemanship in the chateaus purpose built arena, which seats over 400 people.

Each week during the school holidays children can attend knights training school in the main hall in Murol where they can make costumes, shields and swords (from scrap materials, I would stress) and learn how to behave like a mediaeval knight. Afterwards the church square in Murol turns into a parade of trainee knights resplendent in their new outfits. Suddenly in the distance you hear the clatter of horses' hooves, growing in intensity as the baron and his men ride into the square. The lord dismounts and with great ceremony each trainee knight is requested to kneel before him and be knighted. Every new knight is provided with a certificate to mark their passage into the ranks of the nobility. Quite an achievement for any small child!

Murol (alt 833m/2733ft) is a small mountain village located in the Puy de Dome department of the Auvergne, one of Frances most beautiful regions.

The Puy de Dome is land of extinct volcanoes, lakes and rivers, providing one of the most unique landscapes in Europe. Many of the castles in the area were built by the prominent mediaeval barons as defensive strongholds high up in the mountains, such as Murol.

Located on the banks of the Couze de Chambon at the foot of the wooded Tartaret volcano, Murol is a pleasant place to stay and an excellent base from which to embark on a number of excursions by car, or by foot along one of the numerous and well signposted paths. A number of reasonably priced self 'catering properties and small hotels are available in and around the town.

Murol is also home to the art gallery 'Musée des Peintures de L'Ecole de Murols', (open from 1st June to 31st October from 10.00am - 12.00pm and 2.30 - 6.30pm, entrance €3.50) officially classified as a 'Musée de France'. Situated at the entrance to the 'Parc du Prélong' the gallery exhibits impressionist paintings from several artists who visited the region to paint at the beginning of the 20th century, inspired by the magnificent scenery, and in particular by the attractive winter landscapes.

Close to the gallery is a small cottage houses a collection of local artefacts from the Gallo Romains period (opening hours from 1st July to 15th September 3.00 - 6.00pm).

Bastille Day is one of the most important celebrations in France and Murol, with its history and traditions hosts one of the Puy de Domes most authentic Bastille Day celebrations. Every 14th July, to celebrate the storming of the Bastille in 1789, the people of Murol don the costumes of the nobility, peasants and soldiers from the period. There is a street market, marching bands and many other themed activities throughout the day. Even the food is given a revolutionary twist with themed menus offered in most cafes and restaurants. The fate of Marie Antoinette is re-enacted later in the day in the Parc du Prelong, where she arrives after being paraded through the town and, with typical French farce, is tried and beheaded. The whole day is rounded off with a ball at the Chateau and a fantastic firework display from its walls.

Events in and visits to Murol are inevitably dominated by the chateau. Whether you are a student of mediaeval architecture and traditions, a curious tourist or a parent of small children who dream of becoming a 13th century knight a visit will fulfil your expectations. But, Murol also fulfils the needs of the visitor who wants to explore the region on foot or by car and appreciate everything that this beautiful region has to offer.