Allymes Castle

Ambérieu-en-Bugey, France, France

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Allymes Castle, located in the commune of Ambérieu-en-Bugey in the Ain department of France, is a medieval fortress originally built around 1310 by the Dauphin of Viennois to protect the region from attacks during conflicts with the County of Savoy.

Constructed initially with earth and wood, it was later reinforced with stone, featuring a large quadrangular enclosure with two towers—a Roman-style cylindrical donjon and a round tower—connected by curtain walls. The castle changed hands multiple times between France and Savoy during the 14th to 17th centuries, playing a strategic military role until the border shifted, reducing its importance. It suffered partial destruction during regional conflicts but was restored in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Today, it is a classified historic monument offering insights into medieval military architecture, including well-preserved Gothic living quarters, halls with original woodwork, and a restored barbican defending the entrance. The castle is owned by the village of Ambérieu-en-Bugey and maintained by a local association dedicated to its preservation.