In the 13th century, Brignais was a seigneurial domain owned by the Church, placed under the authority of the Chapter of Saint-Just in Lyon. At its center stood a fortified castle, now vanished, which once occupied nearly the entire area around the present church.
The castle was surrounded by moats and a double defensive enclosure. The inner enclosure contained the fortress itself, while the outer walls were protected by moats that could be flooded using water from the Garon River. In times of attack, the castle enclosure served as a refuge for the inhabitants.
In exchange for this protection, residents were obligated to provide maintenance labor, documented as early as 1362, as well as guard and watch duties. Over time, neglect led to the deterioration of the fortifications. Stones from the crumbling walls were gradually reused by inhabitants to build houses against the remaining ramparts.
As a result, the village slowly absorbed the castle. Though the structure disappeared, the curving layout of streets in the historic center still betrays the former lines of moats and walls.
Location: 109 Rue Général de Gaulle, 69530 Brignais
