Nestled deep in a remote valley, this village offers a cinematic setting straight out of *The Lord of the Rings*. Imagine: a rocky outcrop about a hundred meters high, surrounded by a river, where you’ll find the ruinsof a colossal 13th-century castle. All that’s missing is Gandalf on his white horse and Legolas with his bow in hand to complete the picture. But, just like Polignac or Pont-en-Royans —which also boast very Tolkien-esque scenery—this village really does exist and can’t wait to welcome you to prove it!
Arlempdes, a tiny village with a grand history
Yet another place that’s older than its population. After telling you about Pommiers-en-Forez, another tiny village with a massive history, it’s time to turn our attention to Arlempdes, which also sets the bar very high. And height is precisely what this site is all about, as it overlooks one of the first branches of the Loire River. Arlempdes is even considered the first castle of the Loire, located 30 km east of the river’s source, Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc.
As you can see, Arlempdes is nothing like a new suburban housing development: here, history began a very long time ago. We know there were traces of settlement as far back as Celtic antiquity, with the presence of a pagan temple. But it was the constructionof a small chapel in the 12th century that served as the starting point for the arrival of the first settlers.
Today, the town itself has very few houses and is part of a cluster of about ten surrounding hamlets. That hasn’t stopped it from being listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” since 1988. Another unique feature is its name. At first glance, when you read “Arlempdes,” you might be tempted to slightly twist your tongue and go for a “Dutch-style” pronunciation. But don’t panic—just say “Arlande,” and you’ll be fine.
The Castle in the Sky of Arlempdes
Even though the castle is now largely in ruins, it remains a masterpiece of architecture. Indeed, it boasts the remarkable feature of being completely built into the rock, leaving invaders absolutely no chance of breaching its defenses. The site of Arlempdes, a strategic stronghold on the Loire, was attacked many times but never taken. It did, however, meet a tragic end: it was abandoned, and the inhabitants used its stones to build their homes. Despite all this, the site is definitely worth a visit.
Furthermore, records show that Diane de Poitiers (1500–1566), a Renaissance superstar and favorite of King Henry II, owned the property and even went by the title “Lady of Arlempdes” from 1550 until her death. But legend has it that she never actually set foot there… You know what you have to do to clear her name of this insult!
