Presentation

The medieval fortress of Couzan, built on a rocky spur in the heart of the Monts du Forez, dates back to Carolingian times. Its owners, the Damas family, gave it its present form in the 11th century, making it a remarkable monument to feudal military architecture.

The largest castle in the region, it comprises three enclosures around a 13th-century keep and a Romanesque chapel.

The chapel is dedicated to Saint Saturnin.

The ruins of the high walls, the citadel, the old dungeons, the captaincy, the basse-cour and the Tour des Arrêts are still visible. The 11th-century Tour des Arrêts, with its "fishbone" masonry, is typical of 11th-century Burgundian architecture,

The site has been listed as a historic monument since 1890.

In 1932, the Société Historique et Archéologique du Forez, La Diana, became the owner and undertook major restoration work.