Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Montépin Castle is a Renaissance-style residence in Bâgé-Dommartin, in the department of Ain. Built in the 15th century by Philibert Briscaud, secretary of the Duke Philibert de Savoie, it is distinguished by its circular and square towers, its imposing roofs, as well as by a vast park with a rotunda and a chapel. This monument embodies the recreational architecture of its time, while bearing traces of subsequent transformations, including reconstruction in 1880.

The history of the castle dates back to 1273, when the Templars, represented by Geoffroy de Laumusse, received two mas in the hamlet of Montépin from Barthélémy Cholet, bourgeois of Bâgé. Originally fief seigneurial with a strong house, the estate passed into the hands of the Briscaud family, then of their descendants, including Jean Aymond, before being rebuilt in the 19th century by M. de Ballore. Sold in 2018 to a private owner, this property illustrates almost eight centuries of history, mixing medieval heritage, Savoyard influence and architectural transformations.

The Château de Montépin is part of a territory marked by the Templar presence and an active local nobility. Its evolution reflects the political and social changes in the region, from its initial role as a strong house to its transformation into a recreational residence. The chapel and park, remarkable elements of the estate, underline its importance both as a symbol of power and as a place of aristocratic life throughout the centuries.

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