Its location is eminently strategic. The castle of Crussol, in Saint-Péray (Ardèche), dominates the Rhône valley from the top of its steep rock.
Built in the 12th century by Gérold Bastet de Crussol, the stone and wood fortress therefore has a defensive role. Because at this time, the Rhone materializes the limit between the kingdom of France, and the Germanic Roman Empire. Until the Dauphiné was bought by France in the middle of the 14th century.
Crussol, with his vast field of vision, is therefore used to monitor the arrival of possible German attackers.
A prosperous site
But the Rhône valley also represents a major communication axis. A link between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Where the goods transit by river and land.
And the site is also a crossing point on the road to Compostela.
Crussol is therefore a prosperous territory, where commercial and craft activities are highly developed.
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900 inhabitants in Crussol
In the 14th century, it was the heyday of Crussol. Nearly 600 inhabitants live in its enclosure, vast of three hectares. Each corporation has its own district: that of the weavers, the ironworkers, the knights, the clergy, the blacksmith …
The site even houses two forges. Sign of his wealth.
At the bottom of the ramparts, also live 300 peasants.
The human power of Crussol thus amounts to approximately 900 men. What makes the fortress impregnable as long as the cannons do not exist.
The de Crussol family, very powerful and close to the kings of France, reigns supreme.
Destruction and dismantling
In the 15th century, the context was favorable for peace. The inhabitants begin to populate the valley. And the Crussols prefer to live in more comfortable palaces than this perched fortress.
But in the 16th century, the castle suffered from the wars of religion. Protestantism is gaining many followers. The fighting rages on. The fortress is taken five times. The burnt castle. The dungeon destroyed.
Crussol was not however abandoned by the kings of France. A garrison remains in place, before the Crussol family decides to dismantle the fortress. Decision taken by the lords of Crussol, and not by the king. Proof of their power.
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Eloquent ruins
Today, the site of the Château de Crussol is freely accessible all year round. The remains of the ramparts, houses and the keep tell visitors about life in the Middle Ages.
And the guided tours give more details and anecdotes about this majestic site. And on its history.
As for the point of view on the valley of the Rhône and on the Vercors, it no longer has a defensive role. Just the one to enchant visitors …
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