Top 6 Castles around Moras
Castles around Moras are found in the Isère department of France, a region known for its historical fortifications and medieval architecture. This area features a landscape where ancient towns and strategic promontories host well-preserved historical sites. The presence of numerous castles reflects the region's past military, economic, and religious importance. Exploring these sites offers insight into centuries of regional history and architectural development.
Best castles around Moras
- The most popular castles is Crémieu, medieval town, a historical site with a sumptuous architectural heritage. Walking through its narrow streets reveals the Delphinal castle, a 16th-century hall, and an Augustinian convent.
- Another must-see spot is Cingle Castle, a fortified house first mentioned in 1540. Visitors can observe its original main tower, extended wings, and a turret that once housed an oratory and dovecote.
- Visitors also love Château Delphinal of Crémieu, a 12th-century castle situated on a strategic promontory. This castle bears witness to the city's development and its past military significance.
- Moras is known for its medieval fortified houses, castles, and historical towns. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from private properties visible from a distance to well-preserved sites with extensive architectural elements.
- The castles around Moras are appreciated by the komoot community, with 4 highlights photos and 24 upvotes from visitors.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Château de Bienassis
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Cingle Castle
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Crémieu, medieval town
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Château Delphinal of Crémieu
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Source: Isère Tourism
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Château de Brotel
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful little town, quite touristy, but worth the detour
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Although first mentioned in 1540, the Cingle fortified house was undoubtedly built in the second half of the 14th century by the Pèlerin family. Originally composed of a main tower and a wing back to the west, it perhaps originally included a curtain wall. During the 15th century, the south wing was extended towards the west, a main building comprising a lower room and an upper room was attached to the north of the main tower, while a turret occupied on the first floor by an oratory and on the second by a dovecote is built to the east, projecting. A wing including the kitchen on the ground floor is also built at right angles to the north of the courtyard. The farm itself retains some architectural elements dating from the 16th century. Source: Ministry of Culture
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The Bienassis fortified house, built by the Vallin family at the end of the 14th century, was organized around an enclosed courtyard and included a pavilion surrounded by watchtower turrets. The current building was completed in 1897 for Casimir Gournet, who wanted to give the old feudal residence the appearance of a medieval castle. Alphonse de Lamartine made several stays in Bienassis with his friend Nicolas Prosper Guichard, between 1804 and 1808. The castle, built of limestone rubble, consists of an L-shaped building covered with a long-pitched roof covered with mechanical tiles extended to the south by a high quadrangular tower with a porch in the work. The north wing has four levels of elevation: three cellars on the basement floor, a square floor and an attic floor. The tower rises on three levels: a ground floor with ribbed vaults and two square floors, the buildings are crowned with false machicolation. The corner turrets are covered with conical slate roofs. The stained glass windows of the ground floor living room are decorated with two bust-length women and two bust-length men in rondels. The coat of arms of the Joubert de Montlevon family can be found on one of the windows of the first living room on the ground floor. In the library, two shields with scrolling scroll motifs, a shield decorated with three female heads, a shield decorated with a passing griffin, and a shield decorated with two hammers with the initials C G for Casimir Gournet adorn the windows. Source: Châteaux de France
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The Delphinal Castle (12th century), from the top of its strategic promontory, bears witness to the development of the city: construction of imposing fortified gates (14th century), a majestic market hall (15th century), a convent of Augustins leaning against the ramparts (14th-19th century) then its cloister (16th century)... So many vestiges which are the visible traces of a past where Crémieu had military, economic and religious importance. The medieval city of Crémieu is classified as a ZPPAUP (Urban and Landscape Architectural Heritage Protection Zone). Source: Isère Tourism
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This small city of character, located 40 kilometers from Lyon has a sumptuous architectural heritage. Walking through its narrow streets, you will discover the Delphinal castle, its majestic 16th century hall, its cloister or its Augustinian convent. The medieval town of Crémieu is classified as a Protected Area for Urban and Landscape Architectural Heritage (ZPPAUP).
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A very beautiful town! There is a good restaurant in the center right next to the village.
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The Château de Bienassis in Villemoirieu, near Crémieu, was frequented by Alphonse de Lamartine.
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Crémieu, or a pretty little town whose historic center is worth a detour! The old houses, the halls, the cloister, etc. create a very pleasant atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of castles and historical sites can I expect to find around Moras?
The Moras region in the Isère department of France is rich in medieval fortifications and historical architecture. You'll find a variety of sites, from well-preserved fortified houses and castles to entire medieval towns. These structures reflect the region's past military, economic, and religious significance, offering a glimpse into centuries of history and architectural development.
Which are the most popular castles and historical sites to visit near Moras?
Among the most popular sites, visitors highly appreciate Crémieu, medieval town, known for its sumptuous architectural heritage including the Delphinal castle, a 16th-century hall, and an Augustinian convent. Other must-see spots include Cingle Castle, a fortified house dating back to the 14th century, and the Château Delphinal of Crémieu, a 12th-century castle strategically located on a promontory.
Are there any castles around Moras that are private property and cannot be visited?
Yes, some historical properties around Moras are private. For instance, Château de Brotel is a private property that cannot be visited directly, though it can be admired from a distance, particularly from the Val d'Amby or by climbing towards Saint-Baudille-de-la-Tour.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles and medieval towns in the Moras region?
Visitors particularly enjoy the rich architectural heritage and the immersive atmosphere of places like Crémieu, medieval town. Walking through its narrow streets, exploring old houses, halls, and cloisters creates a very pleasant experience. The historical significance and well-preserved structures allow for a deep dive into the region's past.
Are there family-friendly castles or historical sites around Moras?
Yes, the Crémieu, medieval town is categorized as family-friendly. Its pedestrian-friendly streets, historical buildings, and overall atmosphere make it an enjoyable destination for families to explore together.
Can I find cycling routes near the castles around Moras?
Absolutely! The Moras region offers various cycling opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Crémieu–Morestel Greenway – Crémieu, medieval town loop from Crémieu' which is a difficult 82.8 km ride, or the 'Crémieu, medieval town – Stone Column of Crémieu loop from Saint-Hilaire-de-Brens' which is a moderate 19.1 km ride. For more options, explore the Cycling around Moras guide.
Are there gravel biking trails near the castles in the Moras area?
Yes, there are several gravel biking routes available. For example, you can try the 'Crémieu–Morestel Greenway – Troglodyte in Cremieu. loop from Saint-Romain-de-Jalionas', a moderate 49 km route, or the 'Château Delphinal of Crémieu – Crémieu, medieval town loop from Optevoz', a moderate 52.7 km ride. Check out the Gravel biking around Moras guide for more details.
What is the history behind Cingle Castle?
Cingle Castle, though first mentioned in 1540, was likely built in the second half of the 14th century by the Pèlerin family. Originally a fortified house with a main tower and a west wing, it was extended in the 15th century to include a south wing, a main building with an oratory and dovecote turret, and a kitchen wing. It is listed as a historical monument, showcasing significant architectural elements from the 16th century.
What is the significance of the Château Delphinal of Crémieu?
The Château Delphinal of Crémieu, dating back to the 12th century, is a testament to the city's historical development. Perched on a strategic promontory, it played a crucial role in Crémieu's past military, economic, and religious importance. Its presence is linked to the construction of imposing fortified gates, a majestic market hall, and a convent, all contributing to Crémieu's status as a classified Urban and Landscape Architectural Heritage Protection Zone.
Are there any castles around Moras with literary connections?
Yes, the Château de Bienassis in Villemoirieu, near Crémieu, has a notable literary connection. The famous French poet and politician Alphonse de Lamartine frequented this château between 1804 and 1808, staying with his friend Nicolas Prosper Guichard. The current building, completed in 1897, was designed to evoke the appearance of a medieval castle, incorporating elements from the original 14th-century fortified house.
What kind of terrain can I expect when exploring the Moras region and its castles?
The Moras region features a varied landscape, often characterized by strategic promontories where castles are built. You can expect a mix of historical towns with narrow streets, and surrounding natural areas that might include hills and valleys. The terrain for outdoor activities like cycling can range from moderate to difficult, as indicated by nearby routes, suggesting some elevation changes.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Moras?
While specific peak seasons for Moras castles aren't detailed, generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring historical sites in France, avoiding the heat of summer and the chill of winter. These seasons provide comfortable temperatures for walking and enjoying the outdoor aspects of the medieval towns and castle grounds.
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