Château Dauphin is a fortified castle classified as a Historic Monument. It was built at the end of the 12th century and completed in the 15th century.
Those who choose Pontgibaud as a travel destination can combine their stay with the desire to rent a holiday apartment.
Culture and History
Château Dauphin comprises a keep and six towers. Its grounds also include the listed sunken kitchen garden, which has been awarded the Jardin Remarquable distinction.
The Église Saint-Benoît was rebuilt after Pontgibaud’s first church, dating from the 12th century, was severely damaged by an earthquake in the 15th century. It has retained its Gothic appearance from that period. It was restored and extended in the 19th century; part of its interior furnishings come from the former Chartreuse du Port-Sainte-Marie.
The outbuildings of Château Dauphin house the Musée des Mines d'Argent. The exhibition is dedicated to the extraction and processing of silver-bearing lead ore and also includes a reconstruction of a mine tunnel.
Nature and Trails
La cheire de Pontgibaud is a 7.5 km circular hiking trail with a stated duration of two hours. The trail passes through a volcanic lava flow from Puy de Côme and by unusual rock formations. The route can be walked daily year-round, provided weather conditions are favourable.
The 47 km GR 89, the Chemin de Montaigne, also runs through the southern part of the Combrailles between Pontgibaud and La Celle. It follows part of the journey made by the humanist Michel Eyquem de Montaigne from Rome to Bordeaux in 1581.
Water and Fishing
On the Sélectif « sans tuer » – Sioule – Pontgibaud fishing stretch, only salmonids must be immediately returned to the water.
