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Origin and history

The Buenc dungeon is a strong tower built in the middle of the 12th century, the heart of the Buenc seigneury (or Bohan). Located on the commune of Hautecourt-Romanèche in Ain, it overlooks the village from a hill, offering strategic visibility. Its stone remains, now privately owned, have been listed as historical monuments since 1974. The surrounding dry lawn is classified ZNIEFF type I for its ecological interest.

Buenc's seigneury, attested from 1145, belonged to Bohan's gentlemen. In 1294, Jean de Bohan received the infeodation of Count Amédée V de Savoie, including the rights of high, medium and low justice. In the same year, he passed on the seigneury to his successors, including Hugonin de Bohan. The latter sold the castle and seigneury in 1300 to Count Amédée V, marking a turning point in his feudal history.

In 1337, Aymon de Savoie ceded Buenc and Coligny-le-Neuf to Édouard I de Beaujeu in exchange for 40,000 Viennese pounds, offsetting the damage suffered by the Beaujeu family. The castle then became a beaujolais fief, with a judge and officers dependent on the bailiage of Beaujolais. This situation continued until 1559, the date of the return of Savoyard states by Emmanuel-Philibert.

The seigneury changed hands several times: alienated in 1371 at Humbert de La Baume by Antoine de Beaujeu, it was taken over by force in 1390 before being returned after arbitration by the Count of Savoie. In the 15th century, it passed to the Coligny by marriage, remaining in this family until 1494. Sold in reméré and then bought in 1497, it was definitively transferred in 1656 to Madeleine de Berny, before reaching the Loubat family, still owner in 1789.

The dungeon, now in ruins, illustrates the power struggles between Savoy, Dauphiné and Beaujolais. Although not visitable, its dominant location and complex history make it a major witness to the medieval heritage of Ain. The tower, consisting of massive stones, is accessible by public roads leading to its entrance, while remaining in a private domain.

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