Châteldon

Châteldon is a commune in the Puy -de- Dôme in the Auvergne region. It is also the capital of the eponymous canton Châteldon. The municipality has 770 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011).

Location and transport

Châteldon is located approximately halfway between Vichy and Thiers, back from the road D -906, which connects these cities. The nearest major town is Clermont- Ferrand 45 km away. The nearest train stations are located in the nearby municipalities Ris and Puy -Guillaume in three or five kilometers away. From Vichy and Thiers public bus service to Puy -Guillaume and Châteldon.

In Châteldon the streams Vauziron and Chasserelle flow together. In the local area there was always springs whose waters have led to centuries of notoriety Châteldons as the origin of mineral waters and of which even Louis XIV supply. However, the six ancient sources have dried up, today is drawn from two new.

Châteldon is now part of the Regional Natural Park of Livradois -Forez.

History

The market town of Chatel- Odon was named after the castle Castrum Odonis, at whose feet he lay. Since the 13th century there were organized markets and fairs organized. The market rights owned the place since 1285th In the 14th century a market hall, a courthouse and a mill was built and in the result, merchants and craftsmen settled, especially Gerber and cutlery. In the 15th century Franciscan Poor Clares were also a sorority after Châteldon, from 1650. Both communities were disbanded during the revolution.

Attractions

The medieval fortifications of the place were largely demolished in the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as the old town hall and the market hall. Among the tourist attractions include the castle ruins, the church of the 13th century, the church tower and old merchant houses.

Personalities

• Pierre Laval (1883-1945), politician