Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The strong house of the Counts of Bieux is located in Flumet, in the Val d'Arly, a strategic place since the eleventh century at the edge of the Faucigny. The building, built in the 2nd half of the 15th century, consists of a two-storey square building body, a three-storey square tower, and a round tower with narrow openings. The square tower, painted in white, would symbolize a low-justice right. Inside, the ground floor "chamber" features carved-key dogid vaults, while the stairwell and bearings house arches in edges with various designs (faces, geometries). A massive chimney and dustfalls (watch benches) complete this remarkable ensemble, evoking a seigneurial aula.

The Bieux family, improperly called "counts", settled in Flumet in the 13th century after acquiring local property. Jean de Flumet, a chestnut in 1311, and his descendants occupied important burdens in chestnutry. The construction of the fort house in the 15th century (with a possible earlier phase) reflects their power, linked to commerce and the judiciary. Flumet, a fortified village from the 12th century, then enjoyed privileges favoring an influential bourgeoisie. The residence remained in the family until its extinction in 1822. Its architecture is reminiscent of that of the Maison-forte de Vons in Marigny-Saint-Marcel, highlighting regional ties.

Ranked a Historic Monument since 17 March 2022, the fort house illustrates the evolution of local elites in Savoy. Its location on a hill overlooking the road (current D1212) and its defensive elements (round tower with narrow openings) betray a vocation both residential and strategic. The interior decorations (chamber keys, molded fireplace) bear witness to a rare refinement for a strong house, mixing hardiness and symbols of power. The accuracy of its location remains mediocre (note 5/10), with an address recorded at 167 route Impériale in Flumet (Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes).

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