My family has owned this chateau for five centuries. This is where we chose to settle down and carry on its history. Built nearly a thousand years ago to guard a strategic passageway – one of the roads leading to Rome – it stood the test of time before becoming our family home. We are deeply attached to the history of Savoy and its former kingdoms, and we also have ties to Saint François de Sales, who was part of our family. The chateau, which our family lived in, had been home to a museum dedicated to the history of Savoy for 50 years. Following a reorganisation within the family, we closed the museum eight years ago to begin converting it into an accommodation and events venue.
The chateau was originally a fortress consisting of two towers. It was built up gradually over the centuries to become a rather unique architectural ensemble in our region, which is better known for its fortified houses and castles with their more austere lines. Here we have a more elegant style of architecture, with a relatively uncluttered facade and three towers, including a round tower dating back to the 13th century and a square tower from the 15th century. The main building dates back to the 16th century. The chateau was subsequently repaired following the damage caused by Louis XIII’s troops in 1630, and then refurbished in the 19th century by the architect Ruphy, who gave it part of its present appearance. Access is via a drawbridge.
Built from 1060 onwards on the initiative of Count Gérolde of Geneva, the chateau replaced two defensive structures designed to guard an ancient Roman road. Altered over the centuries, it has had several owners, notably the de Compey and de Luxembourg families, before passing to the de Sales family in 1602, who have owned it ever since. In the 19th century, following the damage caused by the Revolution, Count Eugène de Roussy de Sales undertook its restoration with the architect Camille Ruphy. The chateau remains closely linked to Saint François de Sales, a key figure in Savoyard history. Home to our family, it opened its doors to the public in 1960 and now hosts a hotel and events business, launched in 2022, which continues its thousand-year history. Drone photos: Hugo Winkler
We aim to offer much more than just a stay at the chateau, by combining nature, heritage, comfort and a warm welcome. The estate covers 30 hectares, 25 of which are unspoilt grounds, which a river flows through into a pond. With no nearby traffic, this peaceful setting is ideal for walks and recharging your batteries. The forest, comprising beautiful deciduous trees interspersed with conifers, stretches out around the chateau and features several clearings which are ideal for outdoor activities. We pay particular attention to the history of the property, the comfort of the rooms and the quality of our interactions with guests. We can arrange massages, yoga or Pilates sessions upon request. Nearby, 32 km of cross-country ski trails and numerous hiking and snowshoe routes allow you to make the most of the mountains. Finally, our kitchen focuses on natural and local produce.
The nearest walking trails are just 300 metres from the chateau. Over 120 kilometres of signposted trails allow visitors to explore the surrounding countryside. The Glières Plateau, designated as a Natura 2000 site and a Sensitive Natural Area, offers a wide range of activities amongst its mountain pastures, as well as remarkable flora and fauna. On the shores of Lake Annecy, in the Bay of Talloires-Montmin, the “Jean Sulpice” restaurant serves Alpine-inspired cuisine that has been awarded two Michelin stars. Building on the work of Marc Veyrat, “La Table de Yoann Conte” reinterprets local produce throughout the seasons, with a particular focus on fish from the lake and alpine plants. In Annecy, chocolatier Patrick Agnellet – ranked amongst the world’s top 100 – created Emmanuel Macron’s 40th birthday cake for the Élysée Palace in 2017, together with his son Louis.
The chateau can host outdoor weddings for up to 800 guests. Situated in the chateau courtyard and surrounded by a moat, the Pavilion offers a more intimate setting for dining, with seating for 220 people. The other reception areas are suitable for cocktail parties, dinners and evening events, whilst the gardens are ideal for non-religious ceremonies. Accommodation for guests is included in the private hire package, with access to all the rooms in the chateau.
ref 762359
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