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Origin and history

The castral motte of Saint-André-de-Corcy, also known as the Poype de la Roussière, is a 11th-century medieval vestige located 2 km north of the village, in the department of Ain. This land castle, circular and truncated, culminates at 301 meters above sea level in the middle of agricultural land. It measures 40 meters in diameter at its base and 15 meters at the top, with a height of 8 meters. An adjacent hemicircular platform, probably the former lowyard, extends 110 metres from north to south and dominates the terrain from 1 to 2 metres. The site, now wooded, preserves traces of ditches and materials dispersed by tillage.

The castral motte disappeared from the archives at the beginning of the 14th century, when the Sires of Thoire-Villars built the castle of Montribloud nearby. Archaeological excavations from the 1980s suggest an occupation until the 14th century, with vestiges of medieval tiles and tesses. The site, redesigned for agriculture, loses its ditches and buildings, but its terrace remains as the only example of the five original poyps of the commune. The Russian toponymy appeared only in the 15th century, linked to territorial boundaries mentioned in 1415-1418.

Ranked a historical monument by decree of 19 September 1989, the castral motte illustrates medieval military architecture in Dombes. Its alternative name, Les Roussières, could evoke a seigneurial dependence, perhaps linked to the castle of Sure or to the strong house next to the same name. The surrounding ponds, drained in the 19th century, and the filled ditches testify to the changes in the landscape. Today, the site, accessible from departmental road 5, offers a rare example of a motte preserved in the region.

Archaeological research revealed that the moth was surrounded by a ditch, with a lowyard arched. Residual materials (stones, pebbles) and medieval teeth confirm its defensive and residential use. Although the buildings have disappeared, the earth structure remains a major historical marker, associated with the local feudal organization. The poype was mentioned in 1853 by Abbé Jolibois as a remarkable site, with traces of cuttings, highlighting its heritage importance.

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