Essalois Castle and Grangent Castle

Castle that can be visited for free in Chambles.It overlooks the Grangent dam in department 42

Standing on a rocky outcrop, the castle offers a 360° panorama. Hiking trails allow you to explore the site. Inside, discover the Loire Gorges Interpretation Center, an educational space on the heritage of this site

Standing proudly on its rocky spur and overlooking the Loire, Essalois Castle is part of the Loire Gorges classified site. The oldest written documents mentioning the castle date back to the 14th century. Of unknown origin, the castle went through different stages of construction over the ages, marking its current composite architecture.From the courtyard of the castle, discover a magnificent 360° panorama of the Loire gorges and the Forez plain. Hiking trails and a developed GR de Pays allow you to discover this remarkable site. A guide is on sale at the Loire Forez tourist office.Possibility of catering nearby.Family walk to reach the castle (accessible by stroller). Children will be able to have fun outside the castle.Free entry (except guided tours) - Gates and exteriors open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.New: the Loire gorges interpretation centerThe Essalois castle now offers an Interpretation center, a modern educational space allowing the discovery of the heritage of the Loire gorges and the EDF hydroelectric development of Grangent. Interactive furniture enhances the route: films, virtual tours, 3D representations... everything to immerse yourself in the heart of the Loire gorges!Free entry (except guided tours) - Schedule for opening the doors of Essalois Castle, Loire Gorges Interpretation CenterMore info here: https://loireforez.com/noesit/!/fiche/le-chateau-d-essalois-161353/

Grangent CastleA castle to watch over the entrance to the gorges…

The first mention of the castle dates from 1173, in a treaty settling a dispute between the Count of Forez and the Archbishop of Lyon. It is likely that its construction was earlier, perhaps dating back to the 11th century. It also seems that the rock sheltered a defensive post from the 9th century, due to insecurity due to invasions. Written documents tell us that the estate passed from the lords of Lavieu, the first house to hold the barony of Cornillon, to those of Feugerolles, and that it suffered from the Hundred Years' War – the castle was notably pillaged in 1388.

The keep now measures 18 meters, but previously had battlements which have disappeared. The construction is very similar to that of the Chambles tower. Its walls are 1.60 meters thick and an exterior access door is 3.70 meters from the ground, probably formerly served by a staircase which no longer exists. Inside, the three floors are connected by a trap door and a square opening which were accessible by a ladder or rope, in order to offer maximum protection to the defenders. The castle is reported to be in ruins as early as 1564.The rest here:https://www.smagl.com/Ile-et-Ch-teau-de-Grangent-article-42-2.html

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