Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Saint-Bonnet-les-Oules finds its origins in a 12th century fortress, owned by the Counts of Forez. Transformed into a castle in the 13th century by the family of Angelieux, he was involved in political intrigues, such as the conspiracy of the Grand Connétable Charles III of Bourbon in the 16th century. Hector d'Angérieux, then owner, was imprisoned at the Conciergerie before being released by François I.

At the beginning of the seventeenth century, the castle was acquired by the Bartholy family, an Italian line related to the Medici, having fled Florence after a failed plot against Cosme I. In 1661, Hélène de Bartholy, the last heir, married Camille II Savary de Brèves, grandson of Ambassador François de Savary de Brèves, famous orientalist and preceptor of Gaston d'Orléans. The estate then changed hands several times, passing to the families of Raven de Montverdun, of the Frasse de Senas, and Flachat, before being bought in 1782 by the Vincent de Soleymieu, still owners today.

The castle underwent a major restoration in 1876 in the neo-Renaissance style, inspired by Viollet-le-Duc, under the direction of architect Louis Bresson. Partially classified in 1984 for its remarkable elements (facades, staircases, wall paintings), its protection was extended in 2022 to the whole estate, excluding the garden. In 2022, he also received funding from the Heritage Lotto to restore his roof, highlighting its heritage importance.

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