Photo : Laurent Fraquet Kiceceluila / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Château d'Essalois
The Château d'Essalois, in the Loire, was partly built in 1580 by Léonard de Bertrand, lord of Essalois and Master of Waters and Forests of Montbrison. In 1590 it was looted by a band of Catholic League soldiers led by Honoré d'Urfé.
The seigneury, which covered Chambles, Périgneux, Saint-Marcellin and Saint-Rambert, passed in the 17th century to the lords of Sury-le-Comtal. The castle was in ruins when it was completed towards the end of the 19th century by Hippolyte Sauzéa. Restoration has continued since 1983 under Gilles Michelou. Its tower offers a splendid view of the landscape. The history of the place, made of legends, war and religious life, still gives it magic and mystery today. The château can be visited.
