Château d'Arlempdes — Attraction in Le Puy-en-Velay

The site is quite big since about 100 people lived there once. Some of the levels are intact although don't expect more than "this room was the storage room/kitchen/dining room". Unfortunately none of the rooms were in a furnished state which would have contributed tremendously to the atmosphere. The sights of the Loire and the surrounding landscape are nice. Unfortunately the guide only had 30 minutes for one tour and thus did not 'have time' to talk in English. None of the plaquettes were in English as well which left me (as a pour French speaker) pretty clueless. There is a pamflet available in English but it is written in story mode and not really useable when trying to tie the room number signs you find in the castle to the purpose of the room. The castle seemed to have been quite an impressive site to have visited once... in its...

FR : dominant le village et la Loire, il ne reste aujourd’hui que des vestiges de ce château… mais suffisants pour imaginer sa grandeur passée ! C’est le premier château de la Loire (géographiquement parlant, car le plus proche de la source). Depuis les remparts, la vue sur les méandres de la Loire est absolument splendide. J’ai eu la chance de faire la visite guidée estivale : dynamique, pleine d’humour et menée par une passionnée du coin, bravo ! (Uniquement en juillet/août, sauf dimanches et lundis). ℹ️ Infos pratiques : ouvert du 29 mars au 15 octobre 2025 (fermé le lundi). Billets à prendre uniquement au manoir du château, en liquide ou par chèque — où l’on peut aussi boire un verre ou manger un morceau (c’est le seul commerce du village). Un incontournable de la région, rien que pour ses panoramas ! Et n’oublions pas qu’Arlempdes est classé parmi les 6 Plus Beaux Villages de France de Haute-Loire.

EN : overlooking the village and the Loire, only ruins remain of this castle today… but enough to grasp its former grandeur! Geographically, it’s considered the very first Loire castle, being the closest one to the river’s source. From the ramparts, the views over the meandering Loire are absolutely breathtaking. I was lucky to join the summer guided tour: lively, humorous, and led by a local enthusiast — highly recommended! (Available only in July/August, except Sundays and Mondays). ℹ️ Practical info: open from March 29 to October 15, 2025 (closed Mondays). Tickets must be purchased at the manor (cash or check only) — where you can also grab a drink or something to eat (the only shop in the village). A must-see in the area, worth it for the views alone! Plus, Arlempdes is one of the 6 “Most Beautiful Villages of France” in...

This is a hidden gem! If you are nearby, it is worth the visit. The ruins have been preserved and are so interesting, especially the history related to Diane de Poitiers. I especially loved that we were literally given the keys to the castle and allowed to wander at...