Septème, Rhône 38780

An eight-century-old chateau, listed as a Historical Monument, 30 minutes to the east of Lyon, on the outskirts of the former Dauphiné province. The property is located within an immense fortified enclosure, of approximately one kilometre, the ramparts of which recall its original defensive vocation. As for the U-shaped chateau, a major medieval stronghold in the Dauphiné region, it was constructed as of the 13th century around an immense interior courtyard and then remodelled on a number of occasions until the Renaissance, while the main building, constructed out of limestone and rubble stone, features three storeys over a courtyard level. In addition, its exteriors are primarily cadenced by cross-windows as well as, on its courtyard side, arcaded galleries and Renaissance loggias, evidence of the progressive transformation of the fortress into a lordly residence. Flanked by a circular tower from the 14th century as well as a square tower and a well-preserved keep, several vestiges of its former curtain walls still remain, while its steeply sloping roofs - covered in either flat tiles forming a polychrome diamond pattern or topped with conical turrets - are punctuated by dormers and tall chimneys. To the east, a drive provides access to the entrance gate and, to the south, French-style gardens open on to wooded grounds, whereas a caretaker's lodge and former stables are located near the main dwelling and round out the premises' historic edifices.