Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Saint-Bernard, a former castle of the early 14th century, was built by the Palatins of Riottiers before being sold in 1250 to Guichard V, Sire de Beaujeu. In 1264 he gave him to the Church of Lyon, which preserved his seigneury until 1599. The castle, taken and looted in 1376 and then in 1468 during regional conflicts, became a strategic issue facing Savoy.

In 1599, the seigneury was sold to Martin de Covet, lord of Montribloud, whose descendants owned it until 1801. The castle, partially destroyed in the 15th century, was renovated in the 17th century and restored in the 19th century. He changed hands several times, notably in 1923, when he was acquired by painters Suzanne Valadon and André Utter, who resided there with Maurice Utrillo.

Ranked a historic monument in 1997, the castle is now a rectangular enclosure flanked by round towers and a house. Its architecture combines medieval defensive elements (fossed, towers, fortified door) and 17th and 19th century transformations. The lower yard and old ditches are included in the protection.

The site, linked to the history of the Franc Lyonnais and the Franco-Savoyard conflicts, also illustrates the artistic life of the twentieth century thanks to its association with Suzanne Valadon and Maurice Utrillo. After partial demolitions in 1960, it was the subject of a rehabilitation project in a hotel complex.

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