Photos courtesy of Château de Codignat
Local knights built this castle overlooking the village of Bort l’Etang (which means “edge of the pond”) as a defensive structure against any enemies who might march down the valley to capture the nearby arkose quarry. (Arkose—a granite sandstone—was the preferred building material of the time for castles, cathedrals, and sarcophagi.)
The original size of the castle was four times larger than what we see today. By the 18th century, it had been abandoned and sacked and its stones scavenged by builders of new homes. In the early part of the 20th century, all that remained was the present building with a sunken roof.
After World War I, Prince Obolenski, a member of Russia’s Romanov family, sought temporary refuge here. (The name Codignat is derived from de Codonhac—one of the noble families who once lived here. In 1971, the ivy-covered property began a new life as a stunning hotel.
Pamela’s Perspective
The Château de Codignat has been a member of the Relais & Châteaux association for over 30 years, so you can be assured the comfort level and the quality of the cuisine is high.
Room prices may seem high, but remember they are half-board, meaning breakfast and another meal of the day are included.
Have a good map with you to find the château; it can be a little tricky.
Château de Codignat
A 15th-century castle
Contact
Bord l’Etang
63190 Lezoux
Tel: ++33 (0)4 73 68 43 03
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
15 rooms; 4 apartments
some rooms in outbuilding
Double rooms: 160–450 euros
Apartments and suites: 450–565 euros
Rates include service, but not breakfast.
Special offers available
Open: beginning-April through October
Getting there
From Clermont-Ferrand, drive east towards Thiers on N-89. When you reach Lezoux, continue on D-223 towards Courpière. Turn again on D-309 and follow the signpost to Bort l’Etang. If you go into the village of Bort l’Etang, you’ve gone too far. The nearest train station is in Lezoux, 4 km away from the castle.
What to do
On site: tennis; swimming pool
Nearby: fishing; horseback
riding; helicopter excursions
over the volcanoes of Auvergne.
Weddings
Yes. Inquire hotel for details.
Stone turrets peering above the treetops direct you to this medieval castle hidden deep in the heart of France.
Elegant throughout, Renaissance tapestries hang on rough-hewn stone walls, heraldic arms emblazon open fireplaces, and fine antique furniture fills the public lounges. Individually decorated guest rooms feature Louis XIII furniture, while private whirlpools highlight the bathrooms.
Opt for an apartment, or suite, in one of the stone towers and enjoy a fine trompe l’oeil wall painting.
Another of the towers holds the dining room, where meals, using fresh produce from the château’s own gardens, are served by candlelight.
Something special
Peaceful setting
Outstanding cuisine