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, which was renowned as “the strongest square in the kingdom” with its 20 towers and 3 enclosures. During your visit, follow the salamander, it will take you to the volcanic organs and at the(…)
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
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Photos: @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