Varax Castle is located in the town of Saint-Paul-de-Varax, in the department of Ain, 14 km south-west of Bourg-en-Bresse.
It was built in the 14th and 15th centuries to replace a castle mound nearby, and it then became the center of a seigniory later erected into a county which first depended on the counts of Savoy.
In 1463, when the lord of the place took on some importance, the estate was seized while Bresse and Dombes were in conflict.
It was even completely ransacked and dismantled in 1598 by the troops of Biron, friend then enemy of King Henri IV.
Louis XIII then confiscates the castle which has been the subject of work, but remains in poor condition (despite its towers and curtain walls).
Affected again in the 18th century, the castle today still has two square towers from the 14th century. The remodeled main building, still made of pink brick, has been pierced with large windows and the outbuildings have been converted into bedrooms. In the old courtyard with an orchard, a pond has been created.
Elements of the old fortress and even of the motte can still be seen.
The castle is private property and is not open to visitors. However, you can admire the silhouette of this beautiful building, once the seat of a county during a walk in the region on the edge of the Dombes.
Inquire on +33 4 74 55 02 27.
