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Origin and history

Château des Charmilles is a 19th-century building located in La Ravoire, Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Built by Count Léon Costa de Beauregard, it replaces a former residence belonging to Jean François Bertrand de La Perugia, Ambassador of Savoie to England in the 13th century. This castle, of imposing style with its four floors and two square towers, reflects the aristocratic architecture of the period.

In 1933, the castle was still owned by the Costa de Beauregard family. It is then transformed into a private agricultural vocational school, known as the Charmilles High School. This conversion illustrates the adaptation of historical buildings to educational uses in the 20th century, a frequent trend for castles of this period.

In 2005, the Lycée des Charmilles merged with the foundation of the Bocage, based in Chambéry. A 2016 study revealed that the castle no longer meets safety standards, and its maintenance is too expensive. The board then decides to transfer the educational activities to Chambéry, and the castle is sold to a private developer, marking the end of its institutional use.

Architecturally, the castle is distinguished by its three-part pavilion roof, covered with flat slate tiles, and a dome located at the northwest corner. These elements, typical of the 19th century, underline its residential and monumental character. The street where he is also bears the name of his builder, Léon Costa de Beauregard, testifying to his local importance.

The site is now disused, having played a key role in Savoyard agricultural education for several decades. Its history reflects the social and economic transformations of the region, from its aristocratic origin to its modern educational vocation.

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