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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château de Thorens, often mistakenly confused with the Château de Sales, is an old 15th century fortress located in Thorens-Glières, Haute-Savoie. It was the principal residence of the Sales family after the gradual purchase of the estate from 1551 by Francis de Sales, father of the future saint. François de Sales was born at the Château de Sales in 1567 and became bishop of Geneva, canonized in 1665. The Château de Sales, located 200 metres away, was destroyed in 1630 during the French invasion and replaced by a chapel in 1672.

Thorens Castle, cited before 1249, was renovated in the 15th and 16th centuries and restored after the damage of 1630. In the 19th century, architect Ruphy modernized it, adding neogothic elements. The site, classified since 1982, includes a 15th century poterne, a 13th century round tower, and a golden lounge. The chapel, erected on the ruins of the Château de Sales, houses the ashes of the Roussy de Sales family, including the last count, Jean-François (1928-1999).

Saint Francis de Sales, major figure of the Counter-Reform, founded the order of the Visitation. His brother, Louis de Sales, resisted French troops in 1630, causing the destruction of the Château de Sales in retaliation. The present chapel, with its 17th century baroque altarpiece, commemorates its birth. Thorens Castle, open to the public since 1960, preserves medieval and Renaissance elements, witnesses to this turbulent history.

The estate also includes a garden and protected facades since 1990. A cross near the chapel marks the place where François de Sales would have been inspired to found his order. The two castles, 200 metres away, illustrate the architectural and political evolution of Savoy between the Middle Ages and the modern era.

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