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Origin and history

The Doizieux tower, built in 1296, is the only vestige of a castle built by Briand de Lavieu, Dauphin of Vienna and Lord of Lavieu, as attest to the acts of 1265. This square dungeon, with five original levels, reflects the contradictions of the military architecture of the late 13th century: arches for defense, but also geminated bays for comfort. Its access, located on the second floor, underscores its defensive vocation.

In 1296, the castle passed to John I, Count of Forez, through the marriage of Alix de Viennenois, whose dowry includes suzerainety on Doizieux. The tower then changed hands throughout the centuries, belonging to the families of Lavieu, Laire, Mitte de Chevrières, and then La Vieuville, before being sold in 1768 to the Marquis de Mondragon. His history took a municipal turn in 1890, when his daughter, the Viscountess of the Villarmois, donated it to the commune to make it the town hall.

Transformed for its new use, the tower loses its original four-pane roof to fantasy slots, added in the 19th century with pierced doors and windows. It houses the town hall from 1885 to 1994, before being restored in 2009, returning to its historic roof. Joined historic monuments in 2004, it symbolizes today both medieval heritage and local administrative history.

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