Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Apremont, built in the 13th century on a rocky nipple near Apremont-le-Gaz (Savoie), was a strategic point controlling the roads between Dauphiné and Savoie. It belonged to the lords of La Balme d'Apremont, a family attested since the 11th century. Its location at the confluence of two torrents and facing Mount Granier made it a key fortress for monitoring the axes towards Chambéry, Grenoble and Lyon.

In 1284, Rolet de la Balme and his brothers recognized the suzerainety of the Count of Savoy, Philippe, for the castle and its lands. The fief, fragmented in the 14th century, was partially bought in 1399 by Aymon de La Balme. Guigonne de La Balme brought him in dowry to Gaspard II de Montmayeur, Marshal de Savoie, including the son Jacques (I) inherited the estate. The latter made history by having Guy de Fésigny executed at the castle in 1465, despite the orders of Duke Amédée IX.

The castle played a central role in the Savoyard conflicts: besieged by Louis XI in 1471, it housed Yolande de France, Duchess of Savoie, retained by Jacques de Romont. In 1481 he was looted and burned by Louis de La Chambre before passing into the hands of Duke Charles I in 1486. Raised in baronie in 1497 for René de Savoie, he changed hands several times, notably during the wars between Henry IV and Charles Emmanuel I. Destroyed by the Spaniards in 1742, it gave way to a modern house, preserving only remains of towers.

The Apremont fief, one of the most important in the region, included infrastructures such as a mill, a sawmill and a stubble drummer, operated by local torrents. Today, only traces of a large ruined tower, a small tower near the entrance, and visible foundations in the cellars of the current construction remain. The current terrace probably uses old structures.

Among the notable owners are Anthelme de Miolans (heir of Jacques de Montmayeur), Honorat II de Savoie (Marquis de Villars), and the families of La Chambre and d'Allinges, who keep it until the Revolution. The castle, symbol of power struggles in Savoy, illustrates the turbulent history of this border region between France and Savoyard states.

External links