The verdant valley of Lignon must be a rather inspiring place, for it is here that Honoré d'Urfé wrote L'Astrée, the celebrated 17C pastoral novel. People mainly come to Bastie-d'Urfé to see its château, however, which is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture - a rare style in these parts - and known for its fine superimposed galleries and its charming Rococo grotto. In the reception rooms you will discover some very fine furniture (16C), a bust of Marcus Aurelius and tapestries depicting scenes from L'Astrée.