Apchon Castle

Apchon Castle, locally known as Château d'Apchon, lies next to the village of the same name, in the Cantal department in France.

Legend has it that the first fortification at this site, a basaltic outcrop towering above the village, was built by a Roman officer in the army of Julius Caesar. It was however first mentioned in 998, when it was owned by Amblard I d'Apchon, making it one of the oldest castles in the Auvergne region. At that time the castle probably was built out of wood. Probably during the 11th century the wooden castle was rebuilt in stone by the Apchon family.

In the 14th century, during the Hundred Years' War, Apchon Castle became a frontier castle when the neighboring Limousin region fell to the English. This caused it to be besieged several times by the English. It managed to resist the attacks and even became the starting point of the reconquest of the Limousin, led by Guillaume VI d'Apchon. Between 1408 and 1422 the castle was rebuilt and became a powerful fortress with an inner castle with 7 towers.

Although the castle was still inhabited in 1747 in was mentioned as being uninhabitable by 1760 after which it was probably abandoned. During the 19th century the castle was gradually dismantled as it was used as a stone quarry by the locals.

At present Apchon Castle is freely accessible. A nice ruin offering great views of the surrounding countryside.

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