Treffort Castle

Renaissance of Treffort castle

As early as the 13th century, the Coligny family transformed the stronghold of the seigneury of the Counts of Burgundy into a defensive castle. The 8 towers dominating the landscape are a reminder of this past.

Having fallen into ruin, the château was first restored by Tony Ferret, département architect, in 1909. In the 21st century, a new owner, a local boy fascinated by the site, relaunched its renovation. Craftsmen and artists from the village and surrounding area have worked hard to restore this historic château.

The museum recounts the castle’s 800-year history, from 1100 to its purchase by Tony Ferret: reconstruction of a medieval banquet, period costumes, restored murals in period colors, plans by architect Tony Ferret…

You won’t want to miss the trebuchet, a long-distance weapon of war, reconstructed as it was in those days. As you’ll see, it’s fully operational.

The castle is breathtakingly beautiful. The trebuchet demonstration is impressive. A great place to share the castle’s history, and an excellent restoration of the site. After visiting the château, you can enjoy the gardens and the terrace restaurant with its breathtaking views.

Treffort, medieval village

After visiting the château, enjoy the charm of the village of Treffort. Its narrow streets and medieval layout, beautiful winegrowers’ houses and fountains make it a pleasant place to stop and immerse yourself in history. Visit the church with its remarkable Louis XIV stalls, the covered market, the Carrouges fountain or the bridge house. All bear witness to the town’s rich past.

Vines and wine, as well as its strategic position on the border with Franche-Comté, have made Treffort an important village, a stronghold: the perfect place for the castle, which continues to silhouette itself vigilantly above its houses.

GOOD TO KNOW

But who was Tony Ferret?

In 1909, Tony Ferret (1851-1923) purchased and rebuilt the Château de Treffort. The Ain departmental architect is no stranger to the limelight: he marked the golden age of Belle Époque architecture in Bourg-en-Bresse. The département owes him no fewer than 146 achievements, not to mention the Saône-et-Loire pavilion at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1889.

Among his achievements in Bourg-en-Bresse are the Villa Mougly on the Promenade du Bastion, the Hôtel des Postes (now the Médiathèque Camus), the reconstruction of the Préfecture, the Square Lalande, the bandstand, the Théâtre and the Lycée Pardé. His style is distinguished by its eclecticism, with neoclassical inspiration and the emergence of bell towers and turrets. In the département, he was notably involved in the restoration of the Royal Monastery of Brou, before turning his attention to the renovation of his château in Treffort.

Château de Treffort

2 Place des Tilleuls, 01370 Val-Revermont