There was a time when power was measured by the extent of lands
or by the number of troops mobilised. The constant rivalry between the Count of Forez, the Lord
of Beaujeu and the archbishopric of Lyon between the 11th and 16th centuries fashioned the three
counties. Fortresses were often built opposite one another. These wars as well as the ferocious
assault of time have worn our heritage down to a scattering of pebbles. Even so, some of the most
beautiful buildings have come through the ages intact.
Follow us.
 Corcelles
The towers of Château de Corcelles, encircled by parkland, stand
at the foot of the Beaujolais hills. The Château was Bérard of Beaujeu's central
defence point and was rebuilt in the 15th century to defend the surrounding countryside. It came
under the French crown's control after the 100-Years-War and was remodelled to a gentleman's residence.
Rich sculptures were added in the 16th century.
Today there are Burundian-style Renaissance galleries, a chapel with gothic windows, vaulted cellars,
a large vatroom and formal French gardens.
Tel. +33 4 74 66 00 24
Jarnioux
|
|
This superb castle dates from at least the 13th century and dominates the village of the same
name. There are 6 towers, some of which are capped with varnished tiles. The castle is a town
in its own right. The mixture of styles does nothing to tarnish its aura. The main court is
a terrace overlooking the village. Jarnioux was never involved in territorial wars this means
that its near thousand-year-old walls stand whole.
Tel. +33 4 74 03 80 85 |
Sleeping
Montmelas
It isn't unusual, as you are walking through the park around the château
to get the feeling of being followed, this could be a deer. The château shelters them in
the same way as it sheltered the inhabitants of the area during long-ago battles. It was built
on Roman ruins by the Sires of Beaujeu and is the archetype of a military building entrenched
at the foot of its strong keep and pepper-pot towers. It is difficult to imagine the heavy gothic
door being pushed in with a shoulder. We recommend you admire the château from afar as it
is only partly visitable, its all the more magical that way.
Le
château des Tours
|
|
This was built between 1213 and 1218 by Renaud de Forez, the archbishop of Lyon, to defend the
northern frontier of his county from Beaujolais. It was remodelled in the 15th and 16th centuries
and was bought by the town of Anse after the French Revolution. It then underwent a series of
renovations which meant that archaeologists could study it. The top of the keep is a panoramic
terrace. A complex oak assembly which was part of the defences remains at the top of the north
tower. This is, without a doubt, the oldest of its kind in France today.
Tel. Office de Tourisme des Pierres Dorées: +33 4 74 60 26 16 |
|
