Château d'Essalois, Medieval castle in Chambles, France.
The stone fortress stands on a high point overlooking Lake Grangent and the Loire River, featuring two square towers and defensive walls.
Initial mentions of the castle date to 1337, with major construction completed in 1580 by Leonard de Bertrand, followed by Catholic League attacks in 1590.
The castle houses an interpretation center focusing on Loire Gorges heritage, displaying exhibits about local history and the Grangent hydroelectric system.
The site offers free access from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM during summer months, with guided tours available explaining the castle's architectural elements.
Archaeological findings at the site reveal evidence of wine trade between local Segusiavi inhabitants and Italian merchants from 170 BC to 25 BC.
Location: Chambles
Inception: January 1, 1580
Address: chemin de la Tour 42170 Chambles
GPS coordinates: 45.46222,4.24583
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:43
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.
Château de Grangent
694 m
Lac de Grangent
1.4 km
Gorges de la Loire
5.6 km
Bridge of Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert
6.1 km
Pont du Pertuiset
6 km
Ze Box
7.9 km
Plateau de la Danse
3.5 km
Saint-Étienne – Gorges de la Loire Nature Reserve
1.4 km
Musée des civilisations de Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert
4.3 km
Château, Roche-la-Molière
6.7 km
Château de la Merlée
5.7 km
Église Saint-André
4.3 km
Église Saint-Victor de Saint-Victor-sur-Loire
2.1 km
Pont du Docteur-Jean-Alligier
4.6 km
Église de Saint-Paul-en-Cornillon
7.3 km
Église Saint-Just de Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert
4.7 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Périgneux
7.4 km
Église Saint-Marcellin de Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez
7.3 km
Golf des bords de Loire
7.8 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bonson
6.4 km
Chapelle Saint-Jean
4.3 km
Chapelle Saint-Catherine de Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez
7.3 km
Église Saint-Pierre
2.3 km
Église de la Sainte-Vierge de Roche-la-Molière
6.7 km
Église Saint-Martin de La Fouillouse
7 km
Château de Saint-Paul-en-Cornillon
7.2 km
Porte de Franchise
4.3 km
Chapelle Sainte-Foy-du-Châtelet du Châtelet
2.3 kmReviews
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