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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Chevron Castle, built in the 14th century by Humbert V de Chevron to replace the castle of Châteaux-Vieux destroyed in 1335, was the seat of a seigneury and a castle under the authority of the Counts of Savoy. In 1384, Humbert de Chevron was officially invested by Amédée VII, then in 1392 by Amédée VIII, confirming his central role in the local feudal organization. The monument, owned by the Chevron Villette family until the 17th century, then passed to the Valpergue by marriage before being sold several times, notably to François-Joseph de Sallier de La Tour in 1755.

During the Revolution, the castle was declared national and sold in 1792 to François Cléry. In the 19th century, it was divided: François Moesne divided it in 1828, then the Dunand family became its owner in 1836. During World War II, the Dunand-Beneteau hid a Jewish family of ten, saving their lives. This action will give them the title of Righteous One among the nations awarded by Yad Vashem.

Architecturally, the castle blends medieval elements (murder, castral chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine with ogival vault) and 17th-century additions (windows, redesigned facades). The chapel, located in a round tower 10 m from the main body, preserves a painted frieze and a carved rosette. Two outer turrets, destroyed at the end of the 19th century, were once complete together. The 14th century arms of Chevron Villette's family still adorn the main entrance.

The castle was also the administrative center of a castle with seven villages. Jacques Paquelet, a chestnut and receiver from 1523 to 1531, managed the tax revenues and maintenance of the site on behalf of the Counts of Savoie. The departmental archives retain chestnut accounts from the 13th to the 16th centuries, testifying to its economic and political importance.

Partially classified as historical monuments in 1982 (facades and roofs), Chevron Castle illustrates the evolution of a medieval fortress as a seigneurial residence, while bearing the memory of significant historical facts, such as the protection of Jews during the Shoah. Its heritage inscription highlights its architectural and memorial value.

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