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The Château de Menthon Castle: Inhabited by the same family since the 11th century

David Goran

Located in the commune of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, 12 kilometers south of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie department in France, this medieval castle has had a long history.

Menthon means house on the rock in reference to his geographical situation. Photo Credit
Menthon means house on the rock in reference to his geographical situation. Photo Credit

 

The present buildings were constructed between the 11th and 19th centuries. Photo Credit
The present buildings were constructed between the 11th and 19th centuries. Photo Credit

The first fortress at the site was erected in the 10th century, around 923. It was originally a simple wooden guard post, built on a promontory dominating the ancient Roman road and Lake Annecy.

It is known with certainty that in 1190 there was a lord of Menthon, but the family must have lived in the place well before that since tradition has it that Saint-Bernard de Menthon was born there in 1008.

Inhabited by the same family since the 11th century and built between the 11th and 19th centuries, it still contains its rich variety of furniture and period decoration.

The castle has been owned by the same family for about a thousand years and whilst it is private it can be visited. Photo Credit
The castle has been owned by the same family for about a thousand years and whilst it is private it can be visited. Photo Credit

 

Over the centuries, its 105 rooms have always been a living home. Photo Credit
Over the centuries, its 105 rooms have always been a living home. Photo Credit

The origin of the family is uncertain, but they came from Burgundy and acquired a degree of feudal power. After their arrival, they constructed the three big square towers: the lake tower, the keep, and the armory tower.

Linked by sentry walks, they shelter a great courtyard where the villagers found refuge during troubled times.

During the Renaissance, the austere fortified castle was gradually transformed into a residence, and rooms were built to replace the former sentry walks. Photo Credit
During the Renaissance, the austere fortified castle was gradually transformed into a residence, and rooms were built to replace the former sentry walks. Photo Credit

 

The general appearance of the castle was unchanged until 1740, when several alterations were carried out to increase comfort. Photo Credit
The general appearance of the castle was unchanged until 1740 when several alterations were carried out to increase comfort. Photo Credit

Well protected from public gaze behind their high solid walls, the inner rooms have changed very little.

They are valuable evidence of what a castle in Savoy must have been like as it was gradually transformed into a rich, lordly residence.

Since 1989, it has been listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. Photo Credit
Since 1989, it has been listed as a historic monument by the French Ministry of Culture. Photo Credit

 

It’s this castle in its current state that would eventually inspire Walt Disney to go on to create Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Photo Credit
It’s this castle in its current state that would eventually inspire Walt Disney to go on to create Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Photo Credit

The latest additions to the chateau were made as late as 1880, when several new towers were added, creating the fairytale-like romantic façade that we see today.

One interesting fact about this place is that Walt Disney, who saw the castle when holidaying nearby, used it as inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty’s!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPl7xeRlwpE

David Goran

David Goran is one of the authors writing for The Vintage News