Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The tower of Deaul, quoted from 1340, is a Savoyard fortress located in Revonnas, Ain department. It embodies medieval defensive and residential architecture, with its three levels of stone, sill-shaped bays and typical elements such as cushions. Built by Jean de la Balme, Lord of the Terreaux, it illustrates the model of "residential towers" widespread in Savoy in the Middle Ages.

Over the centuries, the tower changed owners: the Maréchal families (1358–183), Chalant, La Griffonnière (16th–17th centuries), then Parpillon de Chapelle and Chossat de Montessuy. In the 19th century, it passed into the hands of Pierre Churlet (1849), before being acquired by the architect Jean-Paul Desbat (1975–2017), who undertook its restoration. Major transformations took place in the 16th century, such as the addition of a stench and sill bays, while the 17th and 18th centuries saw the addition of chimneys and wall paintings.

Ranked a historic monument in 2003, the tower of Deaul is distinguished by its rectangular plan, vaulted cellar and architectural details as a geminied closet with a festive moulding. It reflects the evolution of strong houses from a defensive function to a residential and seigneurial use. After the Revolution, its history continued with private owners, marking its anchor in the local heritage.

Today, the tower is being restored (data 2017–2018), thus preserving a rare example of Savoyard medieval architecture in the Ain. Its listing in the inventory of historical monuments underlines its heritage importance, both for its state of conservation and for its role in regional history.

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