The House of Francis I

This is the Demeure Chamoncel, more commonly known as the Maison François Ier. The name is a bit misleading, the king never lived here, though he did pass through the region in 1536. The real story is that of its owner, Claude Chamoncel. Born the son of a blacksmith, he worked as a craftsman before building his fortune through investments in coalfields and the forests of Forez. His success allowed him to commission this Renaissance residence in the mid-16th century. The building actually brings together two houses: a timber-framed home from the 15th century and the stone wing added by Chamoncel. On one beam you can still read the date 1547, the year of François Ier’s death, a detail that explains the name, which is more a tribute to the king than a record of his visit. The dark sandstone façade, with its carved medallions, reflects the style of the period, and inside, the small courtyard with its rib-vaulted arches offers a quiet glimpse of the past. This was also the first building in Saint-Étienne to be listed as a Historic Monument. Today it houses the Maison du Patrimoine et des Lettres, where you can explore the city’s history—and yes, entry is free.