Oingt, France

Oingt, village ranked among the most beautiful in France

Oingt had its period of greatest prosperity from the 12th-14th centuries at which time the castle was also built, but from the 16th century the village was ravaged by the plague and very much damaged in war and attacks

When the Lyonais area was created in 1783 Oingt's defences were improved and it became a military fort. Its keep, some remnants of the 'new chateau' and the noble quarters still exist from this time. A rampart and ditches were built around the village and of these the Nizy gate (Porte de Nizy) still remains.

The regeneration of Oingt started in the middle of the 20th century with the restoration of several of the key buildings such as the castle's chapel and many of the streets (eg Rue Trayne Cul) and buildings that comprise the village. The 'regeneration' of the village culminated in the 2007 inclusion of the village as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.

A pleasant and pretty town to explore, Oingt also has far-reaching views from across the Azergues valley and southern Beaujolais region - especially from the castle keep. The village buildings are constructed (and restored) in the local honey-coloured stone.