• The European Heritage Days will take place on Saturday and Sunday.

    For the occasion,

    20 Minutes

    takes you to discover the most beautiful castles located all around Lyon.

  • Here are the five must-see buildings selected by the editorial staff.

Unsuspected treasures, majestic buildings that conceal many wonders.

On the eve of European Heritage Days,

20 Minutes takes

you on a discovery of the most beautiful castles located near Lyon.

Here are five ideas for must-see places to visit this weekend.

Montmelas Castle

Direction Saint-Sorlin, less than 40 minutes from Lyon.

Nestled in the heart of the Beaujolais vineyards and hills, the majestic Château de Montmelas overlooks the region, offering a unique view of the entire Rhône Valley.

Property of the powerful seigneury of Beaujeu, the fort, which dates from the 10th century, was erected on a rocky outcrop.

This made it possible to watch the enemy from a good distance.

Having housed a garrison until 1566, the building was then gradually renovated and “deeply altered”.

In 1828, it became a property in which the descendants of Count Henri Darcourt still reside.

The castle, now reserved for tourist stays, seminars or other private events, opens its doors to the public this weekend.

The opportunity to wander through the various courtyards, to climb the towers and dungeons.

Jarnioux Castle

To say that Beaujolais is full of treasures is an understatement.

The Château de Jarnioux, founded at the end of the 13th century, is the perfect example.

This old fortified castle, built in golden stones and equipped with seven towers, is definitely worth a visit.

Its facades and roofs are listed as Historic Monuments.

Over the centuries, the various families who have lived there have endeavored to maintain the building in good condition, without removing the slightest cachet.

Its architectural style remains unique.

If the ancient drawbridge, the machicolations and its imposing cylindrical keep give it a medieval appearance, the rest of the building is more of the Renaissance period.

This weekend you will have the opportunity to visit the parterre, the courtyards, the chapel but also the seigniorial prison and several rooms of the castle.


The castle of Ardillats

Located in the vicinity of Beaujeu, the Château des Ardillats is a remarkable heritage site, a jewel of Haut-Beaujolais that is ultimately little known.

Note that it cannot be visited, except during Heritage Days or during temporary exhibitions.

So go ahead and admire the elegant three-storey building flanked at the ends by two equally graceful round towers.

The building was entirely rebuilt between 1911 and 1917 by an industrialist from Lyon, Joannes Bocuze.

Saconay Castle

Go to Pomeys to discover all the beauties of the Château de Saconay.

Its owners will take care of showing you the most beautiful rooms in the building: the gallery, which has just been restored, the bedrooms with their magnificent period colors and woodwork, the library and the reception rooms.

Built during the medieval era, the castle was modified in the 16th century, then embellished in the 18th century, but also... sometimes abandoned.

A gem not to be missed.


The castle of the Rock

This time, we will advise you to cross the borders of the Rhône to continue the visit.

Located in the Loire, one hour from Lyon, the Château de la Roche remains a must, due to its exceptional location.

Nestled in a postcard setting, the building in the middle of the river, in the heart of the meanders of the Loire.

This was however not the case in 1260, at the beginning of its construction.

But the construction of the Villerest dam, completed in 1982, changed the situation.

So much so that for 40 years, the castle has found its feet in the water.


The little bonus: the theatrical visits offered to tourists.

Dressed in period costumes, the guides slip into the shoes of the Roustan couple, owners of the premises between 1900 and 1930.

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  • Lyons

  • Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

  • European Heritage Days

  • Castle