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Forteresse de Polignac is a window into France’s royal and medieval past. Locate it on the map, book a room nearby in a click, or add it to your travel list to build your itinerary.
About Forteresse de Polignac
The Forteresse de Polignac is a medieval fortress located in the town of Polignac in the Haute-Loire department of France. It was built in the 11th century on a rocky spur overlooking the valley of the river Dolaizon. The fortress was the residence of the Polignac family, who were powerful feudal lords in the region. Over the centuries, the fortress was expanded and strengthened, and it played an important role in the conflicts and wars of the region. During the Hundred Years War, the fortress was occupied by the English, and in the 16th century, it was besieged and damaged by the Protestant troops of the Huguenot leader, Gaspard de Coligny. In the 17th century, the fortress was abandoned by the Polignac family, and it fell into ruins. In the 19th century, the fortress was restored and partially rebuilt by the architect Viollet-le-Duc, and it is now open to the public as a tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the fortress and its towers, walk along the ramparts, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The fortress also hosts cultural events and exhibitions throughout the year.
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