Chateau de la Batei Urfe

Located in Saint-Étienne-le-Molard in the Forez plain, the Château de la Bâtie d’Urfé is an exceptional example of Renaissance architecture. A former medieval manor house transformed in the 16th century by Claude d’Urfé, French ambassador to Rome, the estate reflects the direct influence of Italian art. The monument is famous for its arcaded gallery, its elegant main building, and above all for its grotto, a unique feature in France. This decorative masterpiece, composed of seashells, pebbles, and colored sand, served as a place for relaxation and entertaining at the time. The estate is also inextricably linked to literary history, having served as the setting for L’Astrée, the first epic novel in French literature, written by Honoré d’Urfé. Beyond the richly ornamented interiors and the chapel with its refined decorations, the grounds invite contemplation. The French-style gardens, restored according to the original plans, are organized around a temple of Fortune and symmetrical flowerbeds, offering a bucolic and erudite stroll into the heart of the history of the Forez nobility.