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Our history

Partout Menthon, toujours Menthon !

Our history

The origins

A family home for ten centuries

It remains one of the rare castles in France to belong to the same family for 23 known generations.

From Saint Bernard de Menthon (10th century), patron saint of the inhabitants of the Alps, to René de Menthon or François de Menthon, Companion of the Liberation and French Prosecutor at the Nuremberg Military Tribunal, come and discover the history of this family.

Changes

The architectural evolution of the castle

At the origin of the castle in the 12th century, there were only 3 high square towers linked by ramparts and sheltering a large courtyard where the villagers found refuge during troubled times.

Through the centuries

The origins

During the Renaissance, the austere fortress was transformed into a place of residence. Then, at the end of the 18th century, a facade was built, opening a view of the lake. Then, at the end of the 19th century, under the impetus of the great-grandfather of the current owners, René de Menthon, the castle began its great metamorphosis towards that romantic subtlety which makes its charm and even its mystery... So much so that a certain Walt Disney, on vacation in the region, was inspired by it for the castle of Sleeping Beauty!

The medieval fortress
The medieval fortress
The Alps have always been a natural rampart, criss-crossed by strategic passages. If we can still find traces of an ancient Roman road near the castle of Menthon, which linked Geneva to Italy and which passed through Dingy-Saint-Clair, Menthon and Faverges, it is perhaps not by chance. Of pre-Celtic origin, the name Menthon means rock and a wooden watchtower must have been erected in the place of the present castle to watch the comings and goings on the road as well as the navigation on Lake Annecy.

Built on a rocky spur, the castle of Menthon is the result of a long history which began at the end of the 12th century. Originally, there were three high square towers: the tower of the lake which overlooks the lake, the village and the Annecy-Faverges road; the keep which looks towards the Aravis valley; the tower of arms which watches over the Bluffy pass and the Dents de Lanfon. Connected by the covered ways, they sheltered a large courtyard where the villagers found refuge during the troubled times.

The noble residence
The noble residence
During the Renaissance, the austere castle was gradually transformed into a place of residence and apartments were built in place of the old battlements. In 1740, a facade was built, opening up a view of the lake. It houses a dining room and a living room. The interior decorations were refined.

In 1820, Balthazar de Menthon reorganized the surroundings of the castle. A farmhouse was built within the grounds of the estate. Then, the pleasure grounds were created with an orangery, not gardens. As for the interiors, the most symbolic development remains the traditional room of Saint Bernard, transformed into an oratory in a neo-gothic style. At the request of the owner, this room became a place of worship, a tribute to the family saint.

Architectural and technical prowess
Architectural and technical prowess
The castle began its great metamorphosis in 1880, under the impetus of the great-grandfather of the current owners, René de Menthon (1833-1917).

An artist at heart, a poet and a dreamer, the man was not only a contemporary of Viollet-le-Duc, he was also totally committed to the cause of the famous architect who restored several ensembles from the medieval period. He therefore undertook major renovation work and decided to add several slender, slender turrets to the building. He was the one who gave the final touch to the painting: the Château de Menthon acquired a new face, imbued with the romantic subtlety that makes up its charm, even its mystery...

So much so that a certain Walt Disney, on vacation in the region, was inspired by it for another equally photogenic castle, that of Sleeping Beauty!

Well hidden from view behind their high and massive walls, the interior rooms have changed very little since. They are a precious testimony of what life was like in a Savoyard fortress that was gradually transformed into a rich seigneurial residence.

Today
Today
Partout Menthon, toujours Menthon !

Our motto - perhaps a bit pretentious - was a rallying cry. We must once again interpret it as a standard for our time.

On its rock, in the family for a thousand years, the Château de Menthon has been open to visitors for more than a century. This legacy of our elders, but also the biodynamic vineyard and permaculture are part of a renewed social responsibility that draws its energy from our roots.

It is up to us to pass on, make this historical heritage live and share it with others, which has become the Domaine de Menthon.

Discovering the castle

Ticketing

TO SAVE TIME

Prepare your visit now by booking your tickets on our online ticketing service.

Plan your visit in the schedule of the Castle.

Access for people with reduced mobility :

Due to the number of steps and staircases along the circuit, the castle is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Every day : from 10am to 7pm
July & August

Full price (from 15 years old): 11 €
Reduced rate (under 15 years old) : 6 €
Groups (from 10 people): on request

Château de Menthon Saint Bernard
Allée du Château
74290 Menthon-Saint-Bernard