Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Bastie d'Urfé found its origins in the 11th century with a monastic barn installed by the monks of Champdieu on the banks of the Lignon. In the 13th century, the family of Urfé, descended from its fortress of the "horns of Urfé" in Champoly, settled and transformed the site into a strong house with drawbridge and ditches. This domain becomes a strategic place for local lords, marking their anchoring in the Forez region.

In the 15th century, Peter II of Urfé enlarged the house by adding a second building. But it was his son, Claude d'Urfé (1501–1558), Ambassador of Francis I and Henry II, who transformed the Bastia between 1547 and 1558. Inspired by his travels to Italy and royal achievements, he made it a Renaissance masterpiece, mixing French and Italian art. The sets celebrate his love for his wife Jeanne de Balsac, his passion for arts and philosophy, with commissions from artists often anonymous.

The castle reached its cultural apogee in the 17th century thanks to Honoré d'Urfé, grandson of Claude, who placed there his pastoral novel L-Astrée (1607–1627), the first great French novel-fleuve. The surrounding landscapes—bocage, edge of the Lignon, Monts du Forez—are described with precision, and elements such as the Fountain of Truth of Love become emblematic. The home then embodies the humanistic ideal, linking literature, nature and architecture.

After the extinction of the family of Urfé in the 18th century, the castle was saved in 1909 by the Historical and Archaeological Society of Forez (the Diana). Ranked a historic monument in 1912, since 1990 it has enjoyed major restorations, including its cave of freshness—unique in France—and its Renaissance gardens, partially reconstructed after 19th century plans. The current collections, including tapestries and paintings, reconstruct its interior of the late Renaissance.

The castle also houses remarkable elements such as the chapel decorated with paintings by Girolamo Siciolante (1549–1550) and the faiences of Masséot Abaquesne (dispersed in the 19th century). The loggia to the twelve columns, the horse-rail guarded by a sphinx, and the underground hydraulic system testify to the ingenuity of Claude d Today managed by the Conseil départemental de la Loire, the site offers cultural activities and participates in national events such as the Journées du Patrimoine.

Future

In 1989, an agreement (emphyteotic lease) was signed between the Diana (historical society of the region, then owner) and the Conseil Général de la Loire allowing the Bastie to launch a large-scale restoration project.
On 4 January 2007, Diana and the General Council agreed that the Department would now enjoy this Renaissance jewel and that it would provide the programme of cultural activities and activities. On 1 January 2039, he became the owner of it for a symbolic euro.

Temporary animation

Chaque mois de juillet, le château accueille "l'Estival de la Bastie".
Le château est donc fermé pendant deux jours: le temps du montage puis du démontage du gradin. De plus, le gradin et la scène étant installée dans la grande cour, la vue sur le bâtiment et les conditions de visite sont donc différents de la normale.

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