Château royal de Saint-Saturnin was first constructed in the early 13th century as a residence and later as a fortified castle of the La Tour d'Auvergne dynasty. During France's feudal ages, the La Tour d'Auvergnes held considerable power and influence, known for ruling the large counties of Auvergne and Boulogne as well as later holding ducal titles. As the Middle Ages gave way to the comparatively stable Renaissance, the château saw a shift from fortification to refinement.

It was during the 16th century that Catherine de' Medici —later the Queen of France—inherited the estate from her mother Madeleine de La Tour d’Auvergne. Queen Catherine had a passion for ambitious building projects, spearheading major undertakings including the Tuileries Palace and Château de Chenonceau. As an extension of this passion, Château royal de Saint-Saturnin underwent renovations, dismantling much of the fortifications and replacing them with expansive gardens.

The estate went into decline as a result of the French Revolution, being seized and later sold at an auction in 1793. Another auction would see it sold off once again in 1850, but in 1970, the chateau was finally put to good use again in the hands of the Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul. The sisterhood opened the estate as an orphanage and home for elderly women, though they also eventually moved on.

Around the same era, in 1987, the restoration of the castle finally began. The estate was already recognized as a national historic monument since 1889, but remained in disrepair for much of the 20th century. The funding came from the French Regional Directorate for Cultural Affairs, along with the Regional Council, and the General Council. The restoration focused on replacing the centuries-old timbers and roofs, then the flooring, ceilings, and chimneys, which were becoming unstable. After that, they renewed the original touches and finishes to the rooms, which include lime-rendered walls and floors lined with parquet or terracotta tiles. The program also worked on bringing the garden back to life, with the Chief Architect of Monuments Historiques, Michel Trubert, bringing in Hélène Sirieys and Marie-Eugène Héraud, both master landscape architects.

The castle was acquired by new owners in 2007, who opened it as a luxurious bed & breakfast and event venue. The earnings are used to maintain the castle, though funding for the restoration is still mainly from donations. Ownership would once again change in 2023, but the operations remain largely the same. The estate has since cultivated a positive renown, recognized in curated travel collections such as Bienvenue au Chateau and Qualité Tourisme. The chateau's emphasis on its care for its gardens and heritage earned it a spot in the Michelin Green Guide for Auvergne, and the Nattitude Network - a collection of ecologically aware and environmentally friendly stay establishments in Auvergne.

Design and Architecture

The design and layout of Château royal de Saint-Saturnin clearly depict its original purpose as a military stronghold meant to defend its domain. It features a dry moat, crenelated towers with battlements, and perimeter ramparts. While the original Renaissance-era garden was ruined, it has since been replaced by a modern landscaped garden patterned after the original and now named the Garden of Catherine.

For its lodgings, the chateau's suites and chambers have been lovingly restored and redecorated with antique furniture and vintage-style fixtures. The designers and decorators made sure to revive the castle's aristocratic atmosphere by opting for canopy beds and chandeliers. The builders also took advantage of the thick stonework walls to install contemporary comforts such as modern bathrooms and heating amenities.

Guests interested in taking a closer look at the castle's restored architecture should visit the library, the royal banquet hall, and the furnished apartments used by the Counts of Auvergne.

Since Château royal de Saint-Saturnin operates as a bed & breakfast style chateau, guests can start their day with a delicious French breakfast provided with their stay. It includes freshly baked breads and pastries, fruit juices, as well as locally made jams and cold meats.

For dining options outside the property, Saint-Saturnin has a local restaurant called Le Bistrot d'ici, which serves daily specials. The neighboring commune of Saint-Amant-Tallende also has restaurants, including a pizza parlor and a grill.

Why not set your destination wedding in a castle where actual royalty once lived? The grand gardens of Château royal de Saint-Saturnin and its castle keep make for magical backdrops for your special day. You can privatize the property and invite hundreds of guests for your reception.

The Royal Room
A grand hall with a terrace, the Royal Room's period aesthetics creates an opulent atmosphere for your reception. It also has direct access to the estate's green spaces if you avail yourself of the private rooms.

The Guard Room
A historic hall built in the 13th century, which features a vaulted ceiling. This venue overlooks the estate courtyard and has views of the Church of Notre Dame in Saint-Saturnin.

There's also enough private parking space for 150 vehicles, so you won't have to worry about having too many guests. If you would prefer a church wedding for your matrimonial ceremony, you can get in touch with the hosts to help you reserve a spot in one of the iconic Majeure Churches in the region.

Cultural Experiences

Auvergne is a region rich in many things, be it in cultural and culinary centers such as Lyon, the wondrous communes inducted in France's Most Beautiful Villages list, and its many ancient castles built to defend the land.

Though not counted among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Saint-Saturnin is close to two of them, specifically Montpeyroux and Usson. What Saint-Saturnin is certainly part of is the Historical Route of the Castles of Auvergne, a travel route consisting of 46 castles and their towns, many of which are recognized as historic monuments and are being restored. Two nearby castles you can easily visit are Château d'Opme and Château de Busséol. Along the way, you should also check out the Majeure Churches of Auvergne, five iconic Romanesque churches famed for their architecture and well-preserved condition.

Other Celebrations

Château royal de Saint-Saturnin can be privatized for events, but if you're looking for a low-key affair for your birthday or anniversary, get in touch with the owners to see if you can work out a smaller venue. They may also recommend local caterers and performers if you're planning a special night, such as a romantic dinner.