The 15th-century Tour des Archives at the Château de Charolles

The Château de Charolles began as a formidable defensive powerhouse in the 13th century, yet its later history is marked by gradual decay. After 1493, the castle fell into disrepair and by the late 16th century, it was completely ruined. During the 17th century, the structure served as a prison, though it was quite easy to escape given the general poor state of the walls. In 1694, the main residence burned down, leading to the construction of a two-story pavilion and new stables, while the main tower eventually collapsed in 1705.

By 1763, a plan of the castle showed it in complete ruin, with parts of the grounds occupied by gardens and orchards. The Tour des Archives, constructed between 1471 and 1474, remains a significant survivor. It is a five-story structure marked by arrow loops and scars where the old curtain wall was ripped away. This tower was excluded from a 1771 sale and remained part of the royal domain, while the owner of the remaining walls built a new residential building that is still visible today.

Today, the remnants of the medieval fortress are partially hidden because houses built since the 16th century were constructed directly against its walls. One can still see the Tour des Diamants, a circular tower with a flat roof that is completely blind, its defense once provided by a hoarding at the top. In 1867, the municipality acquired the site and installed the town hall, preserving a layer of history within the architectural remains.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons