Château de la Roche, Medieval castle in Saint-Priest-la-Roche, France
The Château de la Roche sits on a rocky platform rising approximately 30 meters above a lake created by the Villerest dam. It offers guided tours, escape games, and outdoor concerts for visitors.
The castle was first recorded in 1260 and served as a strategic toll collection point at the border of the County of Forez. It played a key role in controlling trade and territorial boundaries in the region.
The castle comes alive through guided tours where actors stage medieval scenes and recreate daily life as it was for former residents. These theatrical presentations help visitors step into the past.
The castle is accessible and offers various activities for different interests, from escape games to concerts. Allow several hours to explore the grounds and experience the different offerings.
When the Villerest dam was built in 1984, this structure was the only one left standing above water, transforming it into an island fortress. This unusual transformation made the castle a geographic and cultural landmark.
Location: Saint-Priest-la-Roche
Address: Route touristique des Bords de Loire, 42590 Saint-Priest-la-Roche, France
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 14:00-18:30
Phone: +33477649768
Website: https://lechateaudelaroche.fr
GPS coordinates: 45.89583,4.10167
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40
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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