Monuments to visit France

A breathtaking medieval monument of civil architecture! Built around 1295, on the orders of John I, Earl of Forez, probably on the occasion of his marriage to Alix de Viennois, the heraldic hall of La Diana was intended to host celebrations and assemblies. Its ogival wooden vault decorated with 1728 coats of arms, certainly by families invited to the wedding, is exceptional. A fantastic animal décor at the base of the vaults completes this extraordinary ceiling. A monumental fireplace contributes to the sumptuous decor. The overall design and profusion of colours of this Gothic ceiling impresses and one thinks of the splendour of past ceremonies.

It is at the time of the foundation of the city around 1074 that a fortification seems to have been built which was replaced by the castle, a more important building ensuring a better protection of the 3 000 inhabitants. The date of construction is between 1268 and 1285. The creation of La Cuisine, a design centre, has made it possible to enhance its value. Today's castle is the result of many transformations, destructions and metamorphoses that have followed the thread of history