Priory of Saint-Rambert in Forez

Signerin also states that the church of Saint-André may have been founded during the episcopate of Bishop Aregius of Lyon (603–614). In any case, the oldest part of the church —the western atrium and tower— dates from the 11th century. It is thought that around 1078, in the time of Count Guillaume de Forez († 1097), the relics of Saint Rambert († 680) were transferred here from the Abbey of Saint-Rambert de Bugey (Ain). The arrival of these relics stimulated the development of the priory, and the change of dedication from Saint-André to Saint-Rambert would have taken place at that time.

During the 13th century and the early 14th, the place was fortified with a wall that enclosed the two churches, the priory buildings, and other houses forming a small settlement. In 1388 the settlement and the priory suffered an attack, although the consequences do not appear to have been severe. In the second half of the 14th century a second, much larger wall was built. Saint-Rambert was not affected by the Wars of Religion.