Château d'Épierre, Medieval castle in Cerdon, France
Château d'Épierre is a medieval castle in Cerdon with two intertwined square towers rising across three levels. A vaulted cellar forms the base, supporting the structure above it.
The castle was built between the late 12th and early 13th century as a cellar and dependent structure for the Chartreuse de Meyriat monastery. This purpose shaped its design and role in the region for centuries.
The castle sits in the heart of the Bugey wine region, where it remains closely tied to local wine traditions. Its grounds were once central to the area's vineyard culture, and this connection still shapes how people understand the region's agricultural heritage.
The castle remains in private ownership and is now registered as a protected historic monument. Visitors should contact ahead, as access may be limited and regular visiting hours may not be available.
The suspended floor plan above the vaulted cellar represents a rare architectural solution for castles of this era. This construction method allowed optimal use of storage space while keeping walls open below.
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