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Origin and history

Lucey Castle, formerly called Loyssey or Boigne Castle, is a fortified 13th century house on the steps of Bugey Savoyard. Transformed in the 19th century, it was the heart of a seigneury raised in barony (1563) and then in marquisat (1654). Its strategic location, overlooking the Rhône plain and the town of Lucey, reflects its historical importance in Savoie County. The site, built on Roman remains, belonged to the powerful family of La Forest de Lucey, of which the first known lord, Sigomon, was cited as from 1223 as familiar to the Counts of Savoy.

Lucey's seigneury, including tolls, mills and lands, passed into the hands of the Chevelu in the 14th century by inheritance, after the extinction of the La Forest lineage. The Chevelu, allied with the Dukes of Savoy, enlarged the castle in the 15th century, as evidenced by the patent letters of Amédée VIII authorizing Louis de Chevelu to raise men for the work. Mareste's family succeeded the Chevelu in 1513, and Claude de Mareste was raised to the rank of Baron in 1563, then Marquis in 1654 by Charles-Emmanuel II. The castle, a theatre of noble rejoicing, was dismantled in 1794 during the Revolution.

In the 19th century, General Benoît de Boigne, an emblematic figure of Savoy, acquired the estate and undertook restorations in a Renaissance style, adding a forebody decorated with his weapons. The interiors conserve 17th century murals, while the exterior preserves only part of the medieval southern facade. A cascade, once defensive element and mill motor, completes the whole. The castle, classified for its ancient objects (Mithraic altar, Gallo-Roman funeral plaque), today hosts cultural events such as the festival BatôJazz.

The excavations revealed Gallo-Roman artifacts, including an altar dedicated to Mithra (III century) and a weight dedicated to Mercury, confirming the ancient occupation of the site. The family of Boigne, then the Morel and Camaret, succeeded as owners until the 21st century. The castle, symbol of the little Bugey, illustrates the architectural and social transformations of Savoy, from medieval lords to modern benefactors.

The French Revolution marked a turning point with the partial destruction of the castle in 1794, on the order of the representative Albitte. The towers were cut down, and the stones were reused. In the 20th century, Jean-Baptiste Morel, an industrialist and archaeologist, then his descendants, preserved the site. Today, Lucey Castle, between medieval heritage and 19th century heritage, remains a witness to the noble dynamics and political changes of Savoy, while opening up to contemporary culture.

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