Château de La Cueille, Castle in Poncin, France.

Château de La Cueille is a castle on a spur overlooking the Ain River, 70 m above it and 3 km upstream from Poncin. Its roughly triangular enclosure, about 65 m per side, once had at least seven towers; today a round corner tower, a square corner tower and the square keep remain. The keep, likely 14th-century, holds a two-bay vaulted hall with a large fireplace.

The castle was first recorded in the 13th century as a stronghold of the Coligny family. It changed ownership in 1299 when Etienne de Coligny sold it, beginning a series of transfers over centuries.

The location on the Ain River reflects an old regional boundary that shaped how people in the area lived and traded. Communities on each side developed differently because of this natural division.

The castle is currently undergoing renovations and is being prepared for future public access. Check ahead about current access conditions before planning your visit.

The castle's strategic location allowed control over the Ain River, which once served as a natural border between two historical regions. This position made it crucial for monitoring movement and trade across the area.