Château de Barbarin, A castle in Revel-Tourdan (Isère)

Château de Barbarin is a fortified castle in Revel-Tourdan that sits on a high hill above the old village. Built with molasse stone and pebbles, it displays a strong robust silhouette that dominates the Bievre plain below.

François de Revel, lord of the Revel fief, built the square tower in the 14th century as a military lookout over the Bièvre plain, able to warn the neighbouring castle of Revel. In 1441 Josserand de Saussac and Marie de Rousillon added an upper and lower courtyard and two painted halls. Octavien Emé de Saint-Julien, president of the Dauphiné parliament, added a courtyard and the round tower after buying the site in 1586.

Château de Barbarin takes its name from a family that inhabited it across centuries. Today local associations like Gens de Barbarin organize visits and events that bring the castle's history to life for the community.

The castle sits on a hill and is easily accessible by car, with paths around the structure allowing comfortable exploration. During European Heritage Days the site opens to the public and offers guided tours to explore the interior and its history.

In 1566 the sale deed of the parish of Monsteroux was signed at the castle, an event later echoed in the name Monsteroux-Milieu. The buyer was Jean-François de Saussac, receiver general of finances for the Dauphiné, who had acquired the estate from an archbishop of Vienne for 66 écus in July 1565.