La Bâtie is closely linked to the d'Urfé family, who settled down at the small fortress in the 13th century. The family manor was built in the 15th century, remodelled a century later in Renaissance style. One of the best known family members is the author Honoré d'Urfé (1567-1625) by his work l'Astrée.

In 1836 la Bâtie was acquired by Caroline de Lagrange (1806-1870), Duchesse de Cadore and married to the diplomat Louis Alix de Nompère de Champagny. She tried in vain to have the castle classified as  Monument Historique. It was finally saved from total neglect by the Société Historique et Archéologique du Forez, la Diana. 

For more detailed information concerning history, visits and events, see website: http://www.loire.fr/jcms/c_743949/la-batie-d-urfe

For the summer festival "L'Estival de la Bâtie", see website: http://www.loire.fr/jcms/lw_962462/decouvrez-le-festival-du-departement