Château de Varey

Château de Varey is a medieval castle in Saint-Jean-le-Vieux with circular towers, a polygonal wall, ramparts, and a moat positioned on elevated ground overlooking the Ain valley. The structure includes a gate passage and chapel alongside its main fortified enclosure.

The castle was built in the 12th century and faced a notable siege in 1325 when Count Edward of Savoy attempted to capture it from its holder Guigues V. This structure proved resilient against the military pressures of its era.

The structure received official recognition as a French historic monument in 1983, with protection extending to its facades and roofing elements.

The castle is normally closed to visitors, but you can observe its exterior from a walking path that runs along the outer wall past a chapel. This route offers views of the fortification and surrounding landscape.

The lower walls feature sloped surfaces designed to deflect projectiles and protect defenders more effectively. This construction method was a practical solution against the weapons technology of the medieval period.