The imposing ruins of this 13th-century fortified castle, a military stronghold of the Bourbons, have been the focus of volunteer work for the past 50 years.
Built on the site of an ancient Gallo-Roman castrum, Montgilbert belonged to the de Saint Gérand family, who must have, if not built the castle, at least restored an earlier fortress between 1200 and 1215.
At the end of the 13th century, it passed to the Aycelin de Montaigu-Listenois family, then by marriage to the Vienne family. In 1434, Charles de Bourbon, in the midst of the Hundred Years' War, sold the castle to Rodrigue de Villandrando, a bloody Castilian mercenary who made the Bourbonnais his second homeland. In 1433, he had married Marguerite de Bourbon, half-sister of Duke Charles I and bastard daughter of Duke Jean I de Bourbon.
Guided tours available on request during the restoration period from 15/07 to 23/08/. ISMH .
Free access to the château all year round, but take care (don't go on a full moon, you might run into the red devil!).
Periode d‘ouverture : Ouvert toute l‘année
All year round, daily.
