Château de Rochebaron

About

The ruined castle of Rochebaron covers the top of a rocky spur located in the commune of Bas-en-Basset, about 1.5 km north-west of this locality, in the extreme north-east of the French department of Haute-Loire, at the borders of Velay and the former county of Forez. The present ruins are the remains of a vast complex erected at the beginning of the 15th century on the foundations of an older castle, and include in particular the southern facade of a chapel, the turret gate that the border, and two high towers, known as the circular and triangular tower. The fortress, belonging to the county of Forez, at least from the 14th century, and in turn infused with different noble families, was one of the challenges of the rivalry between the bishops of Puy and the Counts of Forez.

Gradually abandoned from the 17th century, having even more owner since the beginning of the 19th century, the castle was only able to dissipate rapidly. A volunteer association has been working since 1972 to safeguard and enhance it, and to organize visits. Rochebaron Castle has been classified as historical monuments since December...