The Château de La Roche stands on an island in the lake formed by the Villerest dam

The Château de La Roche is a restored castle situated in the commune of Saint-Priest-la-Roche in the Loire department of France (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Massif Central), one hour by car from Lyon.

The castle stands on an island in the lake of the Loire river formed by the Villerest dam.

Anchored on its rocky peak since the 13th century, the Château de la Roche is the emblematic monument of the Gorges de la Loire north of the Loire department.

The earliest written records of the castle date from 1260. It was built on a rocky platform overlooking the Loire river from a height of 30 metres. The fortress allowed a watch to be kept and tolls to be collected for the County of Forez border. The building suffered floods from the Loire more often than attacks from enemies.

Due to its improbable position overlooking the river, the Castle has sheltered many families who have used it as a lookout post, a feudal toll point or as a summer residence. Defying the weather and the anger of the river, it is today surrounded by the waters, since the construction of the Villerest dam in 1982, and has thus become a charming romantic island.

You can also see the unique Platanus at the entrance to the castle which, as the legend day, dates back to the beginning of the 18th century.

Recommended duration 1h 30 min

Working hours (closed in winter)

Sunday 2pm – 6pm
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday 2pm – 6pm

Prices

Adults: 6.50 €
Children from 6 years old, students : 5.00€
Children under 6 years old : free

Address: 123 Allée du Château a la Roche, 42590 Saint Priest la Roche

GPS coordinates: 45°53′45″N 4°06′06″E

Shortest distances by car

From Paris: 4 hr 31 min (414 km) via A77 and N7

From Lyon: 1 hr 8 min (86.2 km) via A89

From Marseille: 4 hr 14 min (395 km) via A7

From Nice: 5 hr 19 min (554 km) via A8 and A7

From Toulouse: 4 hr 40 min (492 km) via A20 and A89

From Monaco: 5 hr 54 min (586 km) via A8 and A7

From Andorra: 6 hr 55 min (673 km) via A20 and A89

From Madrid: 11 hr 15 min (1,178 km) via A89

From Moscow: 30 hr (3,036 km) via E30/M1

From Belgrade: 15 hr 8 min (1,563 km) via E70 and A4

From Istanbul: 25 hr (2,512 km) via E70

From Bern: 3 hr 57 min (396 km) via A1

See here France travel guide

See here Spain travel guide

See here Pyrenees travel guide

See here Andorra travel guide

Read more: Castles and fortresses of Spain and France with Mathew Kristes ...