Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin

Rhône Department in Eastern France, France

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Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin in the Rhône Department of eastern France is known for its Château de Montmelas, a castle with origins dating back to the 10th century when it served as a strategic fortress for the lords of Beaujeu.

Over the centuries, the castle was altered and expanded, especially in the 19th century when architect Louis Dupasquier restored it with influences from medieval designs. The castle features a cylindrical keep, crenellated walls, and expansive gardens, maintaining a strong medieval character. Historically, it played a role during the French Wars of Religion and the French Revolution, with notable owners including Blaise Arod, whose wife was a mistress of Louis XV.

Today, the castle is privately owned by the Harcourt family, open to visitors, and operates a Beaujolais winery, offering tours and wine tastings amid its timeless architecture and parkland. The population of Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin, known as Montmelassiens, has grown since the 1960s and the area includes the Romanesque Saint-Bonnet Chapel, offering expansive views across the Rhône and Ain departments.