Château des Cornes d'Urfé, built from the 12th century and perched at 930 meters elevation in Champoly, stands on a rocky spur between Forez, Auvergne, and Bourbonnais. Entrusted early to the Raybe d'Urfé family, who enriched the fortress until the 16th century, the castle earned its distinctive "horned" nickname from its rugged silhouette following post-Revolutionary dismantling. Since 1979, a dedicated association has guided restoration efforts, earning the château a 300,000-euro grant from the Heritage Foundation—the maximum support Mission Patrimoine offers for endangered heritage preservation. The castle opens year-round at no charge, featuring QR codes that activate an audio-guided tour through the keep and arboretum, with the rare distinction of offering panoramic views encompassing both Puy-de-Dôme and Mont Blanc massif on clear mornings.
