Chambles Tower

The Chambles Tower, locally known as Tour de Chambles, stands in the village of the same name in the Loire department in France.

The origins of the Tour de Chambles are uncertain, but it probably dates back to the 9th century. A medieval village began to develop around it in the early 11th century when Robert, abbot of La Chaise-Dieu, founded a priory at Chambles in 1040. Over the following centuries, the priory was dependent on Saint-Rambert and became part of the possessions of the Abbey of Île-Barbe.

The emergence of a secular lordship occurred soon after. In 1224, Guy IV, Count of Forez, granted a charter of liberties to the inhabitants of Chambles while still holding certain rights, such as the right of guard. The seigneury of Chambles is mentioned in written sources during the 13th century. In 1297, Guillaume de Chambles paid homage to the Count of Forez.

During the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453), a descendant of this family, the provost of Saint-Victor, defended the region against Anglo-Saxon raiding bands in 1387. From the 14th to the 18th centuries, the history of Chambles remained closely connected to the Vassalieu family and, later, to the religious house of Notre-Dame de Grâce.

The Chambles Tower is a slender keep, approximately 18 meters tall and 18 meters in diameter, with walls about 1.4 meters thick. The original entrance is located about eight meters above ground and was originally accessed by a ladder, which could be removed during sieges. The current entrance on the ground floor is modern.

Together with the 12th-century church of Saint-Pierre, the tower sits on a granite promontory overlooking the Grangent Reservoir in the Loire Valley, offering a commanding view of the Forez landscape.

Today, the Chambles Tower is freely accessible. Inside, space is limited, so steep stairs lead to the top, offering great views all around. Around the Grangent Reservoir, there are several more castles, such as nearby Essalois, Grangent on an island in the reservoir, St. Victor opposite Chambles, and Cornillon further south.

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