Château du Passage

Château du Passage is a castle in Le Passage that incorporates architectural elements from different periods, featuring a grand staircase, three marble altars in its chapel, and extensive attics with slate tile roofing. The building shows how construction and modifications accumulated over the centuries.

The Clermont family acquired the land in 1342 and built a fortified house, but the current structure was constructed from 1650 under the Poizieu family. This transformation marked the shift from a military outpost to an aristocratic residence.

The castle displays furnishings and decorations that reflect how French nobility lived and arranged their spaces during the 17th and 18th centuries. The arrangement of objects tells a story about daily routines and social life within a wealthy household.

Visits are best during warmer months when guided tours are available and the rooms are more pleasant to explore. Wear comfortable shoes, as the staircase is steep and you will climb through multiple levels.

The chapel was added only in the 18th century and includes a separate gallery designed specifically for household staff to attend religious services. This layout reveals how rigidly social hierarchies were maintained even in religious spaces.