Located in the Loire department, 30 minutes from Roanne, the Château de l'Aubépin is surrounded by a French garden designed by André Le Nôtre. Listed as a Historic Monument, this building was restored in the XNUMXth century.e century in an Italian Renaissance style which gives it its architectural originality.
Visit the Aubépin castle and its garden
Guided tours of the castle are possible by reservation only for groups.
The garden is open to visitors all year round except on certain days, do not hesitate to consult the timetables.
For individuals who would like to know more, the castle is open every year on the occasion of European Heritage Days in September.
![Château de l'aubépin]()
Aubépin Castle © Gil Lebois / ADT42 ![Château de l'aubépin]()
Aubépin Castle © Gil Lebois / ADT42
And for the more curious, look up and you will find the following inscription on a tower:
The Aubespin,
Built under Charles VII The Victorious under the Thélis.
Adorned under Francis I Father of Letters by the Semur.
Increased under Henri Le Grand by the Sainte Colombe.
Erected in Barony in the year 1621 by Louis the Just.
Abandoned in 1903, Recorded in 1920
The fire of the night of Sainte-Agathe
In the XVe, inhabited by the Lorgue family, a terrible fire set fire to the castle on the night of Ste-Agathe. He disappeared entirely. The inhabitants, bruised by this fire, decided not to light a fire on February 4 and 5 (day before and day of Ste-Agathe). It was difficult at the time, in the middle of winter, to do without the fire for 48 hours, whether for the light, the kitchen and especially the heating. François de Sainte Colombe then had two buildings built outside the enclosure of the ditches. Named the pavilions of Sainte-Agathe, they were used by the inhabitants to spend these dark days.
The families of the castle of Aubépin
- The Thélis family, also owner of the Château de Sarron (Les Forges) in Fourneaux until the XNUMXth centurye century
- Lorgue's family,
- Semur's family,
- The family of Sainte Colombe, at the end of the XNUMXth centurye century
- The family of Choiseul - Clément, current owners of the castle.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Aubépin has something in common with the most beautiful castle in France, the Palace of Versailles. But what is it? His gardener! Indeed his French garden was designed by André Le Nôtre, illustrious gardener of the XVIIe century. He was the gardener of King Louis XIV from 1645 to 1700. It was he who designed the landscaping of the park and gardens of the Palace of Versailles.
The history of Aubépin castle
The Aubépin Castle is a XNUMXth century feudal residencee century. At the crossroads of the Monts du Lyonnais, Beaujolais and Forez, it was a place of passage and meetings. Built on a disputed border with the Forez, this fortified farm depended on the seigneury of Aubépin, one of the most important in Beaujolais.
Furnished from the XIVe and XVIe centuries, the Aubépin Castle underwent architectural transformations mainly in the XNUMXth centurye. Surrounded by circular and square towers, a shallow moat protects it.
Interesting paintings are visible in its Italian interior courtyard from the XVe. All around this courtyard, you will discover the guard room, the dining room, the living room and the library. The bedrooms are upstairs.
In the large guard room, sits a monumental XNUMXth century fireplace.e century.
The postern is the work of Philibert Delorme, French architect of the Renaissance, born in Lyon in 1514. He notably collaborated in France in the construction of the castles of Fontainebleau and Saint-Maur.
![Le jardin du château de l'Aubépin]()
The Aubépin castle garden © Roannais Tourisme ![Le château de l'Aubépin et son jardin]()
Aubépin castle and its garden © Roannais Tourisme
Prolong the pleasure ...
- 3 circuits of hiking, from 4 to 18,5 kilometers, from the commune of Fourneaux. A great way to enjoy the bucolic landscapes.
- The charming village of Lay, peaceful town with a past steeped in history.
- For gourmets, why not bring back products from local producers like GAEC Les Délices Fermiers
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Frederique's opinion
The garden is the ideal ground for a moment of relaxation with the family or for a romantic photo shoot. Whether you are with your children or in love, I advise you to stop and buy pastries from the Mure house or from the Marcellin pastry shop in Saint-Symphorien-de-Lay. Sitting in the garden savoring their delicacies… huumm… the little pleasures of life as we like them.
