Jarnosse Castle

Jarnosse Castle, locally known as Château de Jarnosse, lies in the village of the same name in the Loire department in France.

The site’s recorded history stretches back to the late 11th or early 12th century, with the first stone fortifications emerging in the 13th century. It was more a fortified house, called a "maison forte" in French, than a true castle. It was situated on a hill guarding the "Grand Chemin Français", a strategic medieval road linking Paris to Lyon.

In the 16th century, the Gayant family rebuilt the castle. After ownership had passed through marriage to the Austrein family, they had it restored in 1613. The last noble owners, before the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century, were the Sauzey family. Jarnosse Castle was then confiscated, sold, and eventually passed into private hands, falling into deep disrepair.

By the start of the 21st century, the castle had become a ruin. Ownership changed in 2018 to a private individual committed to its rescue, who is currently slowly restoring it with the help of a heritage association.

Only half of the castle's original footprint remains; two wings and one of the original 3 towers.

Today, Jarnosse Castle remains privately owned and not regularly open, but it welcomes guided visits by appointment, notably during the European Heritage Days. It is easily visible from the public road.

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