Château d'Essalois

The Château d'Essalois is a castle located in Chambles, France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It stands on a strategic point that has been inhabited by humans since ancient times, with an oppidum gaulois (occupied by the Ségusiaves from -170 to -25) extending 500 meters behind the castle. The castle itself was built in the 14th century, with the current structure dating back to the 16th century. It has undergone several restorations, including one in the 19th century. The castle offers a magnificent panorama of the Loire gorges and the Forez plain, and visitors can explore the surrounding area through hiking trails and a GR path. A center for interpreting the Loire gorges is also located inside the castle