Not far from Saint Etienne, in the Forez mountains, stands the castle of Saint-Bonnet-les-Oules. It has been there since the 12th century, owned by the Counts of Forez, then the Counts of Auvergne, and the Angérieu family, which in the 13th century turned it into a real castle. Because of political intrigue, the castle was sold in the early 17th century. A powerful Italian family, descendants of the Medici, the Bartholy, acquired it. The castle still passed into the hands of many families in the 18th century, before being bought by the Soleymieu, who restored the castle in a neo-Gothic style in the 19th century. Their descendants are the current owners. The castle of Saint-Bonnet-les-Oules has been listed as a Historical Monument since 1984, but today needs many restoration operations. As a visitor, you contribute greatly to the preservation of this jewel of the Forez!