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Origin and history

Châtenay Castle, located in Chanoz-Châtenay in the Ain, is an old 11th century fortress, rebuilt in the 15th century and rebuilt in the 19th century. Originally it was the center of the seigneury of Châtenay, possession of the sisters of Châtenay, vassals of the Counts of Savoy. In 1274 Hugon de Châtenay admitted to holding his strong house of the Count of Savoy, and in 1306 Pierre de Châtenay obtained confirmation of the rights of medium and low justice. These details underline its political and judicial role under the Savoyard authority.

The seigneury changed hands several times: it passed from Châtenay to the family of Bouvens, then was sold in 1448 to Sibued de Feillens. In 1516 James I of Monspey became its owner, and in 1573 his descendant James II obtained high justice, transforming the seigneury into a baronie. Louise de Monspey, the only daughter of James II, brought Châtenay in dowry to Pierre de Seyturier, before the baronie was acquired in 1649 by John Garron, king's adviser, whose descendants kept it until the 19th century.

Architecturally, the castle consists of a 15th century U building, with a framed facade of two round towers and a central stone gate. The inner courtyard, symmetrical, features twin arches and bays upstairs. To the west, heteroclitic buildings (15th to 19th centuries) stand on a terrace lined with a wall of support pierced by canonary arches. A 15th century tower preserves a painted ceiling adorned with angels and lovers. The castle, partially listed as historical monuments in 1987, illustrates the evolution of a medieval fortress as a seigneurial residence.

In 1595, the castle served as a refuge for the Benedictine nuns of Neuville-les-Nonains fleeing the troops of the Duke of Biron, marking a religious episode in his history. Historical sources, such as the works of Guigue (1873) or Garron (1649), document these property and architectural transitions, anchoring the monument in the Bressan and Savoyard heritage.

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