Château de Bourbon-l'Archambault

The region around Bourbon-l'Archambault was already settled in ancient times. From the 10th century, the site developed into the center of a viguerie and the capital of the Bourbonnais. A first mention of a castrum is found in a chronicle from 761, reporting its destruction by Pepin the Younger. In 947, a wooden castle built by the Dukes of Bourbon was mentioned. This noble family established a significant duchy from the 12th century onwards. Under Philip Augustus and Archambaud VIII of Bourbon, the castle was expanded in the 13th century and equipped with round corner towers. Following the marriage of Mathilde I of Bourbon to Guy II de Dampierre, the castle came into the possession of the Dampierre family. Between the 13th and 14th centuries, it was expanded into a mighty fortress with fifteen towers. Louis I of Bourbon, the first Duke, had the fortress further enlarged around 1315 and founded a “Holy Chapel.” In the 14th century, the castle was repeatedly attacked and set on fire by English bands. Louis II had it rebuilt after 1370. John II renovated the “Holy Chapel” around 1485. After the death of Charles III in 1523, the castle passed to Francis I and later to Henry III, making it a royal castle. In the 16th century, the castle lost its military significance and was abandoned. In the 18th century, a fire devastated part of the castle, prompting Prince de Condé to undertake restoration work. During the French Revolution, the castle was confiscated, and in 1793, its demolition was decided, with three towers on the north front remaining. In the 19th century, the castle passed to the Duke of Aumale, Henri d’Orléans, who established a small museum in the ruins. Since 1974, the castle has been part of the Fondation Saint-Louis family foundation.

The castle ruin is located in the commune of Bourbon-l'Archambault in the Allier department in the Auvergne region, France, at an elevation of approximately 238 m above sea level.

The castle ruin can be visited today. Preserved are the three defensive towers on the north side, which once protected the lordly residence, as well as parts of the high curtain wall. The round bell tower “Qui qu’en Grogne,” with its clock installed in the 18th century, has also been preserved.

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