Taxi Clermont-Ferrand → Murol

Murol is an essential Auvergne tourist village, dominated by one of the best-preserved medieval castles in France. Perched at 1,050 metres on a volcanic basalt cone, Murol Castle was built in the 12th century by the Murol family, a powerful Auvergne feudal dynasty. Guillaume de Murol, companion of the Duke of Berry, transformed it in the 15th century into a Renaissance fortress with comfortable lodgings and refined kitchens while retaining its medieval defensive structure. Now a listed Historic Monument, the castle is one of Auvergne's most visited sites with over 100,000 visitors annually. In summer, the Compagnons de Gabriel company brings the courtyards and halls to life with costumed knightly shows: jousting, sword fights, medieval weapons demonstrations and historical sketches that delight visitors of all ages. These living performances, offered several times daily from July to August, transform the visit into a genuine journey through time. Below the castle, Lac Chambon, a vast 60-hectare lake formed by an ancient volcanic dam, offers a complete range of summer activities: a sandy beach supervised by lifeguards, swimming in naturally warm fresh water, pedalo, kayak, stand-up paddle and rowing boat hire. The village of Murol itself deserves a stroll: its lanes lined with volcanic stone houses, its Romanesque Saint-Ferréol church and local artisans (potters, cheesemakers) paint an authentic picture of rural Auvergne life. Murol is also a strategic starting point for hikers. The GR 30, the Auvergne lakes circuit, passes through the village. The Puy de Sancy trail via the Chaudefour valley is accessible in a 40-minute walk from Lac Chambon. Super Besse ski and hiking resort is just 10 km away, offering 43 km of alpine ski runs in winter and a complete Nordic domain. In summer, the Super Besse cable car ascends to Puy de la Perdrix (1,824 m) for exceptional volcano panoramas. The Murol summer market on Wednesday mornings is a local institution where farm producers sell aged Saint-Nectaire cheese, artisanal charcuterie, mountain honeys and wild blueberry jams. The journey from Clermont-Ferrand crosses the characteristic volcanic landscapes of the Puy-de-Dôme with the UNESCO-listed Chaîne des Puys as a backdrop, providing a natural spectacle that perfectly prepares you for discovering the Sancy massif.