Castles around Charly offer a glimpse into the region's historical fortifications and medieval past, situated within the Metropolis of Lyon. The area features structures that once formed part of Lyon's defensive belt, often positioned on strategic high points. These sites provide historical context and views over the surrounding landscape, including the Rhône valley and local vineyards. The region's terrain, characterized by hills and valleys, contributes to the strategic placement of these historical sites.
Last updated: November 6, 2026
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Remains of a medieval castle overlooking the Rhône valley. Remarkable viewpoint over the Seyssuel vineyards and the Viennois region.
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A large part (3/4) of the hike is on shaded paths and very pleasant pedestrian/bicycle paths. Only the last part (1 good km) is on a narrow road without a sidewalk, less pleasant.
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Even if there are less well lit parts on the access path, you can even go up there at night, since part of the ruins themselves are illuminated at night and already visible from the city center
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Built at the highest point of Francheville, this fort made it possible to control the south-west entrances to Lyon. It served as an ammunition depot for the Germans during the Second World War. Today this place has become a living space for artistic creation and host of arts and music festivals.
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The fort of Feyzin is a fort built between 1875 to 1877 in the town of Feyzin. It is one of the links in the second belt of Lyon and more generally of the Séré de Rivières system. It currently houses an equestrian center run and managed by the UCPA on behalf of the city of Feyzin The fort was intended for the defense of Lyon to the south. It also ensured the protection of the fort of Champvillard, the RN7, Solaize, Saint-Symphorien-d'Ozon and the fort of Corbas. The Fort of Feyzin has throughout its history mainly served as a garrison place for the army, and the gendarmerie. The town became the owner in July 2003 and visits were organized there in particular for the 'fort en ballade' action and the European Heritage Days, with the discovery of the military path by the caponier, the postern staircase and the ditches, the entrance building and the overhead crane spanning a ditch, completely renovated as well as the botanical path. Thanks to the patronage of the Total foundation, the entrance building of the fort has been restored
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Strong house. Private property. I was not lucky enough to have the doors open ... Painted wall nearby, and cross delimiting the right of justice of the Lord of Perron.
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Bégude = "place where we drink". The district probably housed a post house. Drink or drive ...
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The Charly area, particularly near Lyon, offers a mix of historical fortifications and castle ruins. You can visit sites like the Fort de Bruissin, which is part of Lyon's defensive belt and now hosts a contemporary art center. Other notable sites include the Château de Seyssuel Ruins, offering stunning views over the Rhône valley, and the Ruins of the Château de Saint-Gérald, which are illuminated at night.
The historic Château de Charly in the Metropolis of Lyon is a private property and is not open to the public for visits, as it currently houses a private kindergarten. However, nearby sites like Fort de Bruissin are accessible and host cultural activities, and the La Bégude Castle (Fort of Feyzin) is owned by the town and organizes visits, especially during European Heritage Days.
Yes, several sites offer family-friendly experiences. The Fort de Bruissin is categorized as family-friendly and hosts artistic events. The La Bégude Castle (Fort of Feyzin) houses an equestrian center run by the UCPA, which can be a fun activity for families.
The region around Charly is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for cycling and mountain biking. For example, explore 'Traffic-free bike rides around Charly' or 'MTB Trails around Charly' which feature routes like the 'Montagny water tower – Bucolic Singletrack loop' or the 'Millery Vineyard – Fort Montcorin loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Traffic-free bike rides around Charly and MTB Trails around Charly guides.
While specific routes connecting multiple castles aren't explicitly detailed, many of the castles and forts are situated along scenic paths. For instance, the Fort de Bruissin is accessible via pleasant pedestrian and bicycle paths, making it suitable for walks. The Château de Seyssuel Ruins are also reached by paths offering remarkable viewpoints over the Rhône valley.
For breathtaking views, visit the Château de Seyssuel Ruins, which overlook the Rhône valley and the Seyssuel vineyards. The Ruins of the Château de Saint-Gérald also provide excellent viewpoints, visible even from the city center, and are illuminated at night.
Many of the structures, like the Fort de Bruissin and La Bégude Castle (Fort of Feyzin), were part of the Séré de Rivières system, a defensive belt built around Lyon after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. They played crucial roles in controlling access to the city and served various military purposes throughout history, including as ammunition depots during WWII.
Yes, the original Château de Charly in the Metropolis of Lyon, dating back to the 13th century with significant later remodeling, is recognized for its historical and architectural importance and has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1926. However, it is privately owned and not accessible to the public. Similarly, Petit-Perron Castle is also a private property.
The Château de Seyssuel Ruins are the remains of a medieval castle offering a stunning viewpoint over the Rhône valley and the Seyssuel vineyards. It's an excellent spot for history enthusiasts and those looking for scenic vistas.
While the castles directly mentioned in the guide data for Charly (Metropolis of Lyon) are historical sites or ruins, it's worth noting that in the Cher Department, there is a 'Château Charly' which operates as a luxury accommodation. This property offers a luxurious stay in a picturesque setting, ideal for those looking to experience living in a French château, though it is a different location from the historical sites near Lyon.
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical insights offered by sites like Fort de Bruissin, especially its transformation into a contemporary art center. The scenic views from ruins like Château de Seyssuel Ruins and the nighttime illumination of the Ruins of the Château de Saint-Gérald are also highly praised.


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