Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Combefort, built in the 13th century, is a former castle located between the hamlets of La Fontaine and Pouille, on the commune of Saint-Pierre-de-Soucy (Savoie). Originally owned by the Mareschal de Montmélian, it was quoted as early as 1190 via this noble family, before being sold in 1277 by Humbert de Mareschal, first lord of the place, to the Count of Savoy. The site changed hands in 1381 when Aimon de Mareschal acquired Montmayeur, marking the beginning of a line of Barons of the Valdísère.

In the 16th century, John IV of Mareschal-Duingt, descendant of Aimon, became the first to bear this prestigious title. The castle remained in the family until 1740, when Jean-François, the last count of the Val d After the extinction of the Montfalcon, the estate passed in 1785 to the Marquis de La Serraz, then in 1826 to Jules Vialet de Montbel, president of the Senate of Savoie, who undertook major restorations.

The history of the castle was marked by a fire in 1937, when lightning destroyed its medieval tower, formerly owned by the Montmayeur. In the 19th century, the present housing building was rebuilt thanks to the sale of Château Blanc to the Roget family. Today, Combefort is a private property, witness to the architectural transformations and noble alliances that shaped Savoy.

The site illustrates the evolution of castles into aristocratic residences, between medieval heritages and modern adaptations. Its architecture blends 13th century remains and 19th century redevelopments, reflecting the defensive and then residential needs of its successive owners.

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