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Origin and history

The castle of Longefan is a former medieval fortress, renovated at the end of the 15th century, located at 450 m above sea level in the municipality of La Biolle, Savoie. Originally it belonged to the lords of Monfalcon and was used to control the roads between Antoger (near Aix-les-Bains) and Saint-Germain-la-Chambotte. Its architecture evokes the bow of a ship, with an 18th century gate opening onto hanging gardens and a half-round tower.

Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times among the local noble families: the La Balme (1478–1526), the Oddinet (1526–1575), the Mouxy (1575–1607), then the Seyssel, Marquis d'Aix (1607–1700), before moving to the Allinges, Marquis de Coudreée, in 1700. Among his notable owners, Jean de La Balme and his son Aubert sold part of the castle to Jean Oddinet in 1524, thus consolidating his property in the latter's hands by marriage.

The castle underwent major transformations, notably after the fire of 1649 which destroyed its structures. In the 19th century, it was partially dismantled by François Rosset, a stone tailor, to sell its materials. Purchased and converted into a family pension in 1925 by Josephine Rosset, it will even house Jewish children during the Second World War. Since 1946, the castle has been divided into condominiums, while its lands were partly preserved by the Rosset family.

Its history reflects the political and social upheavals of Savoy, from its seigneurial role to its nationalization during the French Revolution, where its furniture was sold as a national good in 1793. The poet Clément Marot briefly stayed there in 1544, addressing an eightin to Petramande de La Balme, testifying to his cultural influence during the Renaissance.

Architecturally, the castle blends medieval elements (murder, vaulted rooms) with additions from the 17th and 19th centuries. Its hanging gardens and its semi-round tower make it a typical example of Savoyard fortified houses, adapted to the defensive and residential issues of their time.

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