Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Menthon Castle, located in Menthon-Saint-Bernard in Haute-Savoie, has its origins in the 10th century in the form of a simple wooden guard post overlooking a Roman road and Lake Annecy. Transformed into a strong house in the 13th century, it was first mentioned in 1249 and saw the construction of three square towers by the Menthon family, whose Burgundy origin remains uncertain. This clan, attested since 1190, still resides there after 800 years, consolidating its feudal power from the thirteenth century.

In the 15th century, Nicod de Menthon, ambassador and then governor of Nice, illustrated the influence of the family, while in the Renaissance the fortress turned into an aristocratic residence, losing its round paths to luxurious apartments. The 18th century brought bright pieces opening onto the lake, but the significant event remained the looting of 1793 by insurgents seeking arms and cannons. Between 1860 and 1890, Count René de Menthon, inspired by Viollet-le-Duc, replaced the castle in a neo-Gothic style, adding turrets and a half-timbered gallery.

The castle, registered with the Historical Monuments in 1989 and 2020, houses 105 furnished rooms from the 16th to the 19th centuries, a Romanesque chapel, and a library of 12,000 ancient works, including incunables and a complete edition of Diderot Encyclopedia. The legend attributes its inspiration to Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle, although Neuschwanstein Castle is also cited. Today, it visits from May to September, attracting 40,000 annual visitors, and offers rentals for events.

The family of Menthon, still the owner, includes among its members François de Menthon, French prosecutor at the Nuremberg trial and minister under de Gaulle. The site, perched at 600 metres above sea level, dominates Lake Annecy and the Roc de Chère reserve, between Lanfon's teeth and Mount Veyrier. Its architecture combines 12th–13th century masonries, 15th century ramparts, and 19th century additions, reflecting a thousand-year history between military defense and seigneurial residence.

External links