Pontgibaud is a small market town located to the north west of Clermont-Ferrand, in the Auvergne region of France (see below for links to maps). Originally a walled town built to defend the bridge over the river Sioule, little of the town wall still exists but it does still possess a Chateau, The Chateau Dauphin, which is open to the public.
Maps: Town Map
Related Websites:
French. History of Pontgibaud
English. Includes times and prices for entry to the Chateau
English. Same site as above but its home page. Features all chateau's of the region
French. A brilliant private website, with many pictures of Pontgibaud and surrounding area in the 1900's. Pity about the music.
Local facilities:
There are 2 Supermarkets in the town, a small one in the town square and a larger one about ¼ml down the road, petrol and diesel is also available here. As well as the 2 supermarkets, the town has a post office, 3 bakers, a butcher, hardware store, cheese shop, florist, newsagent, chocolate shop and more. There are also 2 Pharmacies, a Doctor's surgery and a Tourist Information Office. Almost obligatory in France there are 2 bars, also there are 2 restaurants with bars and 2 hotels with restaurants.
There is a market in the town every Thursday morning for fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, etc. Every 3rd Thursday morning there is a larger market that caters for most things that markets do, worth a visit.