Feugerolles Castle

Feugerolles Castle, locally known as Château de Feugerolles, lies above the town of Le Chambon-Feugerolles in the Loire department in France.

The origins of Feugerolles Castle date back to at least 1173, when it was first mentioned as a fortified seat of the lords of Feugerolles, vassals of the counts of Forez. The earliest structure was a compact enclosure with a square keep and a few ancillary buildings, strategically placed to watch over the medieval road between Saint-Étienne and Le-Puy-en-Velay on a rocky promontory overlooking the Ondaine valley.

During the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453), the castle was strengthened because the Forez area was contested and repeatedly harried by English-led “free companies”. Later, in the 15th century, ownership passed to the de la Tour family, who modernized the residence without entirely abandoning its military function.

During the French Wars of Religion, in the second half of the 16th century, Feugerolles was bought by Alexandre de Capponi. He left his garrisoned castle in 1598 to support the cause of Henry IV of France. The castle was then taken by surprise in 1590 by troops of the Catholic League of France, who subsequently demolished part of it.

From the 17th century, Feugerolles Castle passed by marriage to the Charpin-Feugerolles, who consolidated the seigneurial house and brought significant changes: a new main building was added, along with formal vegetable gardens, a tree-lined walkway, and terraced landscaping.

Since 2017, it has been owned by the De Boysson family, descendants of the historical lords of Feugerolles, who have initiated restoration projects.

Today, Feugerolles Castle is privately owned and is only occasionally opened to the public, especially during the European Heritage Days. It is hardly visible from the public road.

Gallery