Domaine royal de Randan

A major historic site in Auvergne

The Domaine Royal de Randan, located in the Puy-de-Dôme region between Vichy, Clermont-Ferrand and Riom, is a major historic site, classified as a Historic Monument and awarded the Jardin Remarquable label.

Located on the Limagne plain, it is one of the few remaining vestiges of the July Monarchy. Thanks to restoration work and an active cultural programme, it offers visitors a rich and varied experience.

Mentioned as early as 570 by Grégoire de Tours in his Historia Francorum, Randan has belonged to a succession of great noble families (Randan, Château, Polignac, La Rochefoucauld, Foix, etc.). In 1821, it was acquired by Princess Adélaïde d’Orléans, sister of the future King Louis-Philippe.

Under her impetus, the Domaine Royal became a modern holiday residence, with an orangery, greenhouses, kitchens and innovative facilities for its time.

In 1925, a fire destroyed a large part of the château. In 2003, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region bought the estate and launched an extensive restoration programme.

Discover the estate

Video History of a monument

Ma région toute une histoire : le domaine royal de Randan

Exceptional Collections and heritage

The estate boasts an exceptional collection of furniture:

Around 3,800 items (furniture, objets d’art, utility items).
A collection of naturalised animals assembled by Prince Ferdinand d’Orléans in the XIXᵉ century (almost 450 specimens).

These collections bear witness both to provincial aristocratic life and to a scientific curiosity marked by the period.

A park classified as a “Remarkable Garden

Spread over almost100 hectares, the park combines French, English and Italian influences. Visitors can explore the orangery, greenhouses, kitchen terrace, pear tree conservatory and walking areas, making it an ideal setting for relaxation and botanical discovery.

Visits and events

The Domaine royal de Randan offers a number of different tours:

Guided tour to discover the estate,
Visit Ferdinand’s animals,
Self-guided tour of the grounds and outdoor exhibitions,
Educational activities, including a booklet-game for children (In the Footsteps of Adelaide).

The site also hosts a cultural season with exhibitions, concerts, lectures and shows.

Not far from the Royal Estate, don’t miss a visit to Château d’Effiat and its former Royal Military Academy.

Good deal: with the Terra Volcana Pass, you get free admission!