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Origin and history

The castle of Thol, which dates back to the 14th century, was the centre of the seigneury of Thol, located in the present department of Ain. Its ruins, perched at 305 meters above sea level, overlook the Ain Valley and face Chenavel Castle. The site, listed as historical monuments in 1927, adopts a quadrangular plan of 32 meters side, surrounded by dry ditches, with two square towers still visible. The vestiges reveal medieval defence techniques, such as creeks and strategic openings, as well as traces of daily life (stairs, chimneys).

The seigneury of Thol was infiltrated in 1330 by the Count of Savoy at Barthélemy de la Balme, then transmitted by alliances and successive sales, notably to Pierre de Brénod (1374) and Claude de Salins (1508). The castle, which had been ruined since the 16th century — probably after the looting of the Maréchal de Biron soldiers — was abandoned around 1790. In 2019, the Scart family acquired the ruins to preserve them, and the site participated in the first Night of the Castles. Recent archaeological studies, including 3D surveys, aim to document its original features, such as the probable shape of two-paned lauze roofs.

Excavations and analyses highlight architectural puzzles, such as the original location of the entrance door, perhaps lower than the current, or the dating of the last floor, potentially modern (16th century). The remains, though fragmentary, offer valuable insight into medieval construction and life in Bresse. The association Les Paladins de Thol and archaeologists like Francesca Bosman contribute to enriching the knowledge of this monument, symbol of Savoyard heritage in the region.

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