castles for sale Courpière, France

13th-Century Medieval Fortress – Listed Historic Monument (MH / ISMH) Overlooking the fertile plains of Limagne and the foothills of the Livradois, east of Clermont-Ferrand and close to Billom, the Château de Mauzun rises from a basalt volcanic outcrop, a timeless sentinel of Auvergne’s history. Originally a fortified motte that became one of the principal strongholds of the Counts of Auvergne as early as the 10th century, Mauzun fully entered the history of France in the early 13th century. In 1210, King Philip II of France annexed Auvergne to the Kingdom of France and placed Mauzun under the authority of the Bishops of Clermont, contributing to its strategic development and prominence. Built according to the principles of the greatest medieval fortresses, Mauzun is remarkable for its exceptional scale: nearly 900 metres of ramparts protecting a vast lower bailey of approximately 3 hectares; an intermediate enceinte punctuated by 16 towers enclosing the outer courtyard; and a monumental keep measuring 50 metres on each side, flanked by four corner towers linked by massive curtain walls, with several levels of wall walks. In the 16th century, the fortress was enhanced with elements of comfort, notably a northern curtain wall opened with large sculpted windows, offering spectacular panoramic views. For almost four centuries, Mauzun stood as one of the symbols of power in Auvergne and remained a coveted site during every period of unrest. Gradually abandoned and partially dismantled, the château regained its unified ownership in the 19th century. In the 20th century, an initial restoration programme was undertaken, particularly the Captaincy Tower, converted into residential accommodation. Further works were resumed in the 21st century and remain to be completed. Today, Mauzun stands as an open-air lesson in medieval military architecture, a site of rare evocative power. Underground passages, defensive systems, a mysterious cistern, and its bold setting atop an ancient volcano continue to inspire research, reflection, and discovery. More than a real estate project, the Château de Mauzun is a heritage to be preserved — a place to be understood and respected. It is intended for a purchaser driven by a passion for history and architecture, willing to commit to a long-term vision in the service of preservation and transmission. Sale price: €675,000 (agency fees payable by the seller) Presented by Marie-Laure COURMONT Independent Real Estate Agent (EI) RSAC 883 633 018

Perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Dore gorges, this former fortified priory offers a spectacular setting and architecture steeped in nearly eight centuries of history. Facing due south, the property enjoys a commanding position, a protected environment, and remarkable views of the surrounding landscape. Listed on the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments since 1926, the architectural ensemble comprises a rectangular 15th-century main building, an imposing 13th-century keep, and an elegant 15th-century circular tower. Remodeled in the 18th century by the former prior, then restored in the 1910s by the painter Louis Retru, the château retains a particularly evocative neo-Gothic interior: monumental fireplaces, painted ceilings, murals, Versailles parquet flooring, and a trefoil window create a rare and authentic atmosphere. The main building offers approximately 156 square meters of living space spread over three levels. On the ground floor, the entrance is through the tower and leads to a kitchen with direct access to the garden, a spacious 32 sq m living room featuring a monumental fireplace, a painted ceiling, and decorative wall art, as well as an office with Versailles parquet flooring. A second 14 sq m living room, with a monumental fireplace and a trefoil window, completes this level. The first floor comprises two bedrooms, including a 23 sq m suite adorned with a monumental fireplace, a painted ceiling, and murals, with an en-suite shower room located in the tower. Another bedroom has a stone fireplace and access to a 7 sq m loggia. A painted office completes this floor. On the second floor are an 18 sq m bedroom, a bathroom, and an attic offering additional space to be developed. The keep, the true centerpiece of the property, comprises two barrel-vaulted rooms, one of which is pierced by three arrow slits. A staircase built into the thickness of the walls leads to a crenellated terrace of approximately 20 square meters. From this unique vantage point, one can admire a 360° panorama of the gorges and the surrounding countryside. Adjoining the main house, a 70-square-meter barn, currently used as a garage, offers interesting potential for conversion. It sits atop a remarkable 48-square-meter stone vaulted cellar. Outside, the castle extends into a charming terraced garden facing south. The courtyard stretches westward, at the foot of a magnificent 14th-century church. To the east, the grounds contain an additional tower as well as the remains of the former moat. The property comprises a total land area of 3,122 square meters. The electric central heating, plumbing, electrical system, mains drainage connection, and bathroom were all completed or renovated in 2010. The property is exempt from the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) due to its listed status as a Historic Monument. A timeless haven, ideal for those who appreciate heritage and character properties, this property offers the potential for an exceptional private residence or a cultural and tourism project, subject to obtaining the necessary permits.

Located 1.5 hours from Lyon, in a mountain resort, atop a promontory, stands a medieval fortified castle, classified as a historical monument. The property presents itself as a preserved architectural ensemble, whose silhouette imposes itself in the Forez landscape. The fortress rises to four levels, following a pentagonal plan with irregular sides. Each corner is flanked by cylindrical towers, except for the southeast corner which connects with the quadrangular keep. The five wings form an inner courtyard. Under the two-pitched roofs covered with canal tiles for the main residence, and the conical roofs of the round towers, the facades, made of granite rubble and light plaster, reveal a composition where mullioned windows, more recent openings, and fortification elements coexist. A walkway, supported by machicolations on consoles, runs along the top of part of the walls, while a Renaissance door testifies to the transformations made when the stronghold was converted into a lordly residence. Thus, the whole tells, in stone, several centuries of history and successive adaptations, without losing the nobility of its original character.This description has been automatically translated from French.

This medieval castle from the 12th and 13th centuries, listed in the Inventaire Supplémentaire des Monuments Historiques (ISMH), has undergone a complete structural restoration ensuring the long-term preservation of the building and highlighting its original fortifications — a remarkable testimony to its defensive past. Its impressive volumes and authentic materials now combine with a unique development potential in the region. Currently, the property houses a restaurant as well as six functional suites renovated in a contemporary style. A 215 m² wing and the 173 m² great hall (formerly the armory) remain to be restored, offering free rein for all kinds of projects: coworking or coliving space, wellness and rehabilitation center, boutique hotel, cultural or artistic venue… The inner courtyard, the true heart of the castle, harmoniously connects the various buildings and creates a convivial space around which life is organized. Ideally located, the castle enjoys a strategic position at the heart of a dynamic area, close to major highways, 11 km from Clermont-Ferrand/Aulnat airport, and just minutes from business centers and greenways. At the crossroads of heritage and regional vitality, this feudal gem offers an inspiring and prestigious setting, combining history, elegance, and development opportunities for any professional or residential project near Clermont-Ferrand. Asking price: €650 000 (Fees included, payable by the seller) Property presented by Marie-Laure COURMONT Independent Real Estate Consultant (EI) RSAC 883633018 Information on the potential risks to which this property is exposed is available on the website: www.georisques.gouv.fr