Usson – Most Beautiful Village Of France®
Usson
A hilltop village classified as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (France’s Most Beautiful Villages), offering a gorgeous panoramic view of the Dore and Puys mountain ranges, which served as a place of exile for Marguerite de Valois, known as Queen Margot, the wife of King Henry IV of France. At the highest point of the village, you’ll find the unusual remains of a powerful fortress that disappeared in the 17th century.
At the end of the 16th century, Queen Margot was imprisoned in the fortress of Usson, reputed to be “the strongest place in the kingdom” with its 20 towers and 3 walls. During your visit, follow the salamander as it leads you to the volcanic organs at the top of(…)
Spoken languages
Opening hours
All year round, daily.
Prices and payment methods
- Free of charge.
Downloadable :
Comfort, facilities and services
- Bar
- Car park
- Picnic area
- Restaurant
- Temporary exhibition
- Toilets
Location
Accès
Exit N°13 off the A75 towards Parentignat. Turn left in front of the château.
You might also like…
Photo credits : @OTPI-David-Frobert, @OTPI-David-Frobert, @OTPI-David-Frobert, @OTPI-David-Frobert, @PAH-Norbert-Dutranoy, @OTPI-David-Frobert, @OTPI-David-Frobert, @OTPI-David-Frobert, @OTPI-David-Frobert, @OTPI-David-Frobert, @OTPI-David-Frobert, @PAH-Norbert-Dutranoy
Updated on 5 March 2026 by Auvergne Pays d’Issoire