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Origin and history

Jarnioux Castle is a former castle founded in the late 13th century or early 14th century, located in the commune of Jarnioux in the Rhône department. It was thoroughly reshaped between the 15th and 17th centuries. The site, partially listed as historical monuments in 1966, consists of a pentagonal enclosure with a 30-metre cylindrical dungeon and round towers at angles. A square barbacan, framed by circular flanking, precedes the whole, while a castral chapel overlooks the main entrance.

The first written mention of the castle dates from 1284, although its foundation is attributed to the family of Gleteins, lords of Jarnioux since at least 1286. This family, originally from the Dombes, has the fief until the middle of the 15th century. Among its members, Louis de Gleteins, knight of the order of St John of Jerusalem, finances the construction of a bridge over the Azergues. Albert de Gleteins, for his part, took advantage of the troubles associated with the passage of the army of Charles VIII to loot neighbouring villages, before being forced to pay a heavy ransom to Abbé d'Ainay.

In the 16th century, the castle passed into the hands of Propières, then the Henrys, an influential family, many of whose members held prestigious offices. Jean Henry, receiver general of the provinces of Lyonnais, Burgundy and Auvergne, and his son Guyot, military, marked this period. The Henry family added Renaissance elements, including a wing attributed to architect Philibert Delorme. The coat of arms of the family, visible above the entrance, testify to their presence.

In the 18th century, the castle changed hands several times: the Lostanges, with Laurent, lieutenant-colonel killed at the battle of Lutzelberg, then the Planhol Sahuc, of which Jacques Michel was treasurer of France at Grenoble. Finally, in 1779, Gabriel de Clavière, king's councillor in Lyon, acquired the seigneury by marriage to Charlotte Sahuc de Planhol. Their descendants, still owners, sometimes call the castle "Château de Clavière".

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