A true historic monument overlooking the Loire, the Château d'Aurec-sur-Loire is located 30 minutes from Saint-Etienne and 1 hour from Puy-en-Velay. Built between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, it is one of the most important fortresses in the region.
With its renovation in 2023, the castle has become a real cultural place full of history and adventures, but it has also become an economic space for business projects.
Come and discover its history by pushing the gates of the castle!
Be careful, in Aurec-sur-Loire, one castle can hide another! The castle of the sacristan monk is a few meters away. It is animated by various permanent exhibitions that you will discover before embarking on a stroll through the medieval town which also has many surprises in store!
Digital show of the Seigneurial castle
Why not slip into the shoes of characters from the era? Rehabilitated into a museum, the castle offers an immersion in the heart of seigniorial life.
Combining “castle life” and anecdotes, let yourself be taken on this visit with Madame de Dauphiné de Saint Bonnet and other emblematic figures who have marked the history of the castle! Thanks to a one-hour creative staging, stroll through the corridors to discover a fun and digital show that will make you discover the mysteries of Château d'Aurec.
Nearby you will find the park to rest and enjoy the calm!
Book your tickets to Aurec Castle:
Corporate space at the heart
of the castle !
The Château d'Aurec-sur-Loire also has several offers for your business projects. In exceptional spaces, a space of coworking, offices and meeting rooms will be available for hire. Thanks also to the presence of a fablab, you can come and test, learn and even make your own creations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurec Castle open all year round?
In 2024, the castle will be open from February 6 to December 31.
What are the opening hours?
Low season (from February 6 to June 30 and from September 7 to December 20) :
From 13:30 p.m. to 17:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
High season (from July 1 to September 6) and school holidays:
From 13:30 p.m. to 18:30 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday
Guided tours :
High season
Monday to Sunday: 13:30 p.m. and 15:00 p.m.
Low season
Wednesday and Thursday (by appointment)
How much is admission ?
Self-guided visits:
Adult: 9 €
Young person from 6 to 17 years old: 6€
Free under 6 years old
Reduced price €6 for students, over 65 years old, holders of a disability card, unemployment benefit, RSA beneficiaries, groups of more than 10 paying people and specialized establishments. Presentation of proof required!
Guided tours :
Adult: 11 €
Reduced rate and group (from 10 people): €8
Free under 6 years old.
Duration of the visit:
1 hour of autonomy
1h45 guided tour
What does the visit to the castle consist of?
This traveling digital show will allow you to discover the history of Château d'Aurec. You will follow the illustrious inhabitants of the castle while immersing yourself in an innovative setting.
Adventure game: is there an escape game at the castle?
The Secret of the Gnomes is a game based on QR Codes, combining treasure hunt, puzzle solving and videos. It immerses you in an original and interactive adventure in which YOU influence the progress! It takes place in the castle park using QR-Codes scattered outside.
The game is included in the entry fee.
Are there other possibilities for visiting Aurec Castle?
The Micro-Madness, a national system can be found in Aurec-sur-Loire within the castle walls. In addition to its digital tour, two other rooms host the Micro-Folies. A digital device connected and linked to the largest national museums.
What are the other services linked to Aurec Castle?
- A very well-equipped coworking space with different spaces and rooms suitable for professionals.
- A FabLab workshop at your disposal to realize all your ideas!
- Rental of rooms for events.
Castle-museum of the sacristan monk
Nearby, another castle is hidden, the castle-museum of the Sacristan Monk.
Overlooking the Loire and located in the heart of the city center, the castle-museum of the Monk Sacristain was a private mansion between 1400 and 1781.
In recent years, it has become an emblematic place for history buffs. Many objects are listed there to discover their evolutions. Thanks to this free visit, you will take a real leap into the past, between the collection of cameras, the clog-maker's workshop or the model room, real treasures dating from the XNUMXth century will bring back many memories!
The medieval town and its many remains
During a 1km course, you can discover the town center of Aurec-sur-Loire. Between small cobbled streets and belvederes overlooking the Loire, the historic center of Aurec is full of vestiges and does not lack charm!
Throughout this discovery, you can visit the church dating from the XNUMXth century, see the remains of the Priory or the Auberge de TourneBride.
A surprise along the visit: a course of mural frescoes will guide you through the medieval heart of Aurec-sur-Loire. About ten works are hidden in the alleys, will you be able to find them all?
The route is available at the Gorges de la Loire tourist office and at the Château-musée du Moine Sacristain.
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Take advantage of your stay in the Gorges de la Loire to visit the various castles nearby, in villages from medieval times.
