Castle of La Bastie d'Urfé, Renaissance castle and museum in Saint-Étienne-le-Molard, France
The castle features detailed Renaissance architecture with intricately designed gardens, stone facades, and a collection of period furnishings throughout its chambers.
Originally constructed as a monastic barn in the 11th century, the structure underwent transformation into a fortified residence with defensive elements including drawbridges.
The castle gained recognition through Honoré d'Urfé's novel L'Astrée, which incorporated descriptions of the castle grounds and surrounding landscape into its narrative.
The Department Council of Loire manages this historical monument, offering guided tours from Wednesday to Monday between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM with a lunch break.
The castle's chapel contained exceptional intarsia wood paneling, which now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's permanent collection.
Location: Saint-Étienne-le-Molard
Architectural style: Renaissance architecture
Operator: Conseil Départemental de la Loire
Address: 1061 Route de la Bâtie d'Urfé 42130 Saint-Étienne-le-Molard
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Monday 10:00-13:00 14:00-17:00
Phone: +33477975468
Website: https://batiedurfe.fr
GPS coordinates: 45.72845,4.07849
Latest update: May 21, 2025 13:17
Between plains, dormant volcanoes, and deep forests, the Loire reveals a wealth of cultural heritage. Here, medieval castles stand alongside the wild landscapes of gorges and the Pilat massif, abbeys weave through hills and valleys, and fortified villages still carry the scent of the Middle Ages. From Saint-Étienne to Roanne, you pass cobbled streets, castles perched on heights, hidden waterfalls, and buildings designed by Le Corbusier. Each turn tells a chapter of history, an ancient stone, a landscape brought to life by the wind. The Loire is a land of contrasts, both industrial and poetic, proud of its legacy. These are the places not to miss to explore its soul, between built heritage and preserved nature.
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