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Origin and history

The château d'Héré, also called Dheré or Dherée, is an ancient strong house erected in the late 15th or early 16th century on the remains of a 14th century building. Located in Duingt in Haute-Savoie, it controls access to the Combe d'Entrevernes and is located southwest of the village, 500 metres from Duingt Castle. Its name, of Savoyard origin, means "back", reflecting its location in relation to the village.

Originally owned by the eponymous family, the castle passed in 1539 to Chevron Villette through the marriage of Beatrix de Derée with Michel de Chevron. He then changed hands between the families of Valpergue (1630-1648) and the Sales, until the occupation of the Duchy of Savoie by the French revolutionary troops. Becoming a national in 1796, it was bought by J. Berthet and sold in 1839 to Scipion Ruphy. His son-in-law Francisque Frèrejean undertook a neo-Gothic restoration at the end of the 19th century, under the direction of architect Sainte-Marie-Perrin.

The monument retains a rectangular house flanked by two square towers, a courtyard closed by chalks, and a mâchicoulis portal. The interior houses a spiral staircase, monumental chimneys and coffered ceilings. A 16th century fresco, located on the first floor, as well as the barn attests to its rich past. Partially classified in 1984 (fresco and barn) and in full in 2006, the castle illustrates the architectural evolution between the Middle Ages and the modern era.

The building thus combines medieval defensive elements (premises, towers, mâchicoulis) and 19th century residential additions, reflecting its adaptation to the needs of its successive owners. Its inscription in the Historic Monuments underscores its heritage importance in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

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