8 visits to dive into history: castles, dolmen, museum...

Castles and fortresses

• Château de Murol (15 minutes from the campsite): you will return to 1492 in the courtyard of Guillaume de Murol! This perfectly preserved castle is perched on the heights of Murol and offers a exceptional panorama from the top of its ramparts. The visit is passionate and adapted even for the youngest who will have a good time watching the knights jousting in the castle courtyard , not to be missed! The interior is furnished with many reconstructed rooms from the kitchen to the armory. Children love the visit (free for under 10s) but parents do too! Can be done even in rainy weather.
  Info on the Château de Murol website
  
  
• Jonas Troglodyte Fortress (30 minutes from the campsite): a surprising site carved into a volcano dating back to the 9th century! The visit will allow you to discover this castle that defended the valley, with over 60 cavities and stairs carved into the rock . A great discovery that will interest both children and adults! Guided tours , with costumed characters, are organized during the summer. We appreciate the coolness of the cavities on hot days.
  Bonus: two escape games have been created in the caves around medieval plots! (we haven't tried them yet, but we hope to be able to do so soon :-)
  More information on the Jonas Fortress website
  
  
• Château de la Bâtisse (15 minutes from the campsite): this domain dating back to the 14th century has undergone successive modifications until it became a magnificent pleasure residence with its French gardens. It now hosts visits allowing you to traverse history from the Gallo-Roman era to the century of enlightenment, passing through the Middle Ages, thanks to outdoor reconstructions. A nighttime show is also proposed during the summer.
  Info on the Château de la Batisse website

Ancient and archaeological sites

•   Gergovie Museum (20 minutes from the campsite): located on the site of the famous Battle of Gergovie (52 BC), this archaeological museum takes you back to the confrontation between Julius Caesar and Vercingetorix! An immersive room allows everyone to relive the battle by visualizing the places where it took place. Period objects and reconstructions also make the story more "palpable". Maybe a bit too theoretical for younger children, the museum is however fully accessible to children interested in history. We recommend it from 10 years old, as there is a lot of reading.
  Enjoy your visit to admire the panorama of the Gergovie plateau, a beautiful walk goes around it.
  Info on the Gergovie Museum website
  
  
• Oppidum of Corent (30 minutes from the campsite): it is said to be the capital of the Arvernes , a Gallic people who populated the region. Excavations are still underway on the Corent plateau site, but it is possible to discover some of the remains already uncovered. You can thus walk around the public square, pass through the Gaulish assembly hemicycle or see the remains of the Gallo-Roman theatre. A 3D reconstruction allows a virtual visit on the Oppidum of Corent site. On site, you need to be able to project yourself, but children really enjoy the idea of walking in the footsteps of the Gauls.
  
  
•   Mercury Temple (25 minutes from the campsite): the highest Gallo-Roman temple is perched at the top of the Puy de Dôme! It was built in the 2nd century in honor of Mercury, god of commerce and protector of travelers. You can now visit the remains either on a self-guided tour (free) or on a guided tour.

Dolmens and menhirs

Several megaliths are present around the campsite, dating back to a very ancient time between 2800 and 2700 BC. The two closest are the Fohet menhir (or Long Stone) and its 4.75m height (in Aydat, 5 min from the campsite), and the Cournols Dolmen (or the Fairy Cave) 15 min from the campsite. They always make an impression when you discover them, whether you're a child or an adult!

These sites can be easily combined over several days depending on the weather and the age of your children. Don't hesitate to ask us for advice at the reception to organize your visits according to your schedule :-)