Château de Tournoël is a medieval fortified stronghold perched dramatically on a rocky mountain spur at 594 meters elevation in Volvic, overlooking the Limagne plains. Originally a stronghold of the Counts of Auvergne in the late 12th century, the castle features three sets of buildings including a massive square keep and a larger circular keep protected by ramparts, along with flamboyant Gothic decoration added by descendants of Hugues de La Roche. Though now partly in ruins, the privately owned castle retains its commanding position and has been protected as a monument historique since 1889. Visitors can explore the ramparts for commanding views of the Limagne plain and distant Forez and Livradois mountains.
