Château de La Motte, Medieval castle in 7th arrondissement of Lyon, France
Château de La Motte is a castle in the 7th arrondissement of Lyon with towers and a round tower surrounding an irregular rectangular courtyard. The southern entrance features defensive battlements that give the whole structure a fortified appearance.
The castle was built on an artificial mound created during Roman times to protect against floods and monitor the surrounding area. In the 15th century, Jean de Villeneuve inhabited the castle before it later passed to the Dupuy family.
The name 'La Motte' refers to the artificial mound on which the castle stands - a feature you notice immediately when visiting. This landscape element remains visible today and shapes how the place looks.
The castle is located on the left bank of the Rhône near where ancient eastern and southern roads of Lyon met. The historical setting in this part of the city makes it accessible on foot and by public transport.
The mound on which the castle stands was not built in medieval times but dates back to Gallo-Roman times as a protective measure. These Roman roots make the castle a place where multiple historical layers overlap.
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