Château de Saint-Bonnet-les-Oules, Medieval castle in Saint-Bonnet-les-Oules, France

The Château de Saint-Bonnet-les-Oules is a fortified residence with defensive towers, a moat, and thick stone walls built on foundations from the 12th century. The building combines medieval defensive features with Renaissance details added later, including large entrance gates and structured courtyards.

The estate was built in the late 12th century as a fortified house for the Counts of Forez and underwent major rebuilding in the 13th century. Renaissance and 19th-century modifications further shaped its appearance and character.

The name Saint-Bonnet refers to the village, not a founding saint of the castle. The estate passed by marriage: Hélène de Bartholy, sole heir of the Italian Bartholy family, wed Camille II Savary de Brèves on 29 September 1661; he was grandson of François Savary de Brèves, Henri IV's ambassador to Constantinople and Rome.

The castle stands in the commune of Saint-Bonnet-les-Oules in the Loire department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Its protection since 2022 covers the building, its decorations, courtyard, moats and portal, but excludes the garden. The 2022 Loto du patrimoine funding was earmarked for restoring part of the roof covering.

The castle has belonged to the same family since 1782, when it was bought by the Vincent de Soleymieu, known as Vincent de Saint-Bonnet, who still own it today. In 2022 the whole castle, with its decorations, courtyard, moat and gate, was protected, and heritage lottery funds helped restore part of its roof.