Château de La Clayette

The Château de La Clayette is a 14th- and 19th-century castle in the French town of La Clayette, situated in south-western Burgundy, in the north of the historical province of Beaujolais. It is a listed historical monument.

Description
Originally, the castle was built as a fortress because of its strategic defensive location, surrounded by a water-filled moat.

It is private property and not open to the public.

History

 * 1307: Earliest mention as a fortified house.
 * 1380: During the Hundred Years' War, Philibert de Lespinasse turned the fortified house into a castle.
 * 1420: The castle belonged to Louis de Chantemerle.
 * 1524: Francis I of France spent a night in the castle on his way to Lyon.
 * 1632: The castle belonged to Paul of the House of Damas, one of France's oldest noble families.
 * 1703: By inheritance, the castle went to the Dyo family after the death of Jean-Léonard de Damas.
 * 1722: Bernard de Noblet bought the castle, whose descendants are still owners.

It was expanded to its current size in the 19th century.