Murol

Visit Murol, Auvergne

Murol is located north-west of Issoire and south of Clermont-Ferrand in the Puy-de-Dome department of the Auvergne at an altitude of over 800 metres.

The village of Murol stands in a picturesque setting at the bottom of a steep wooded slope, while the Chateau de Murol sits high above the town, on one of the volcanic domes typical of the region.

Chateau de Murol

The Chateau de Murol is a sturdy fortress that dates from the 12th century, with substantial reinforcements added two centuries later, at which time the living accommodation was also improved to make it more comfortable.

The views over the surrounding area are as impressive as the chateau itself - walk around the ramparts of the castle for the finest views.

During the summer the castle is promoted as an important tourist destination, with guided tours, exhibitions and re-enactments of medieval life, and sound and music shows.

The best description of the castle dates back to Guy de Maupassant, who in 1885 wrote:

It astonishes the eye more than any other ruin by its simple mass, its majesty, its grave and imposing air of antiquity. It stands there, alone, high as a mountain, a dead queen, but still the queen of the valleys stretched out beneath it. You go up by a slope planted with firs, then you enter a narrow gate, and stop at the foot of the walls, in the first enclosure, in full view of the entire country.

Other Murol highlights

Murol and the surrounding area has also long attracted the artistic community, including such renowned painters as Millet and Rousseau, and the Museum of Murol features many paintings by artists inspired by the surrounding landscapes.

Murol organises various events each year (especially on the 14th July each year) commemorating its long history and life in medieval period - see Murol Tourist Office (Rue de Jassaguet) when you visit for current information and details.

To visit near Murol

The nearby Lac Chambon is a good swimming lake in beautiful surroundings, a fine place to cool off after your visit.

Visit also the Chaudefour Valley, a designated nature reserve.

Suggested places to visit near Murol, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Saint-Saturnin 15km; La Bourboule 16km; Montpeyroux 21km; Puy-de-Dome 22km; Villeneuve-Lembron Chateau 22km; Issoire 24km; Parc des Volcans 25km; Clermont-Ferrand 25km; Usson 31km; Volvic 33km; Blesle 34km; Mozac 35km; Riom 37km; Riom-es-Montagnes 40km; Brioude 47km; Aulteribe Chateau 48km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Murol

Murol tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Notre Dame (Saint-Nectaire) - religious monument (3km) : Lac du Guery - site of natural beauty (10km) : Lac Pavin - site of natural beauty (10km) : Puy de Sancy - site of natural beauty (12km) : Jardins de Cordès - remarkable garden (14km) : Banne d'Ordanche - site of natural beauty (14km) : Eglise Notre Dame (Saint-Saturnin) - religious monument (14km) : Eglise de Notre Dame (Orcival) - religious monument (16km) :

French version: see Murol (Francais)