Inside the chateau of Miolans, a Medieval forteress in Savoie

Nicknamed the savoyarde Bastille, when it became a prison, the château of Miolans is nestled in the village of Saint-Pierre d'Albigny, at 550 meters of altitude. Built in the 11th century, it faces the Mont Blanc. This historical monument, with a military architecture, has preserved its fortifications, its underground passages, its loopholes, a 23-meter-high dungeon and a garden or medicinal herbs.

Miolans, a Medieval Savoyarde fortress

Extended over the years for more comfortable accomondations, this venue is an invitation in the daily life of the Middle Ages during summer visits. On six levels, this domain that welcomed leading historical figureheads, including Renaissance King François 1er, is surmounted by a terrace with a crenallated parapet, an artillery tower, a guard room, a sentry walk and a former chapel.

Remarkably restored, these towers and dungeons dominate the entire fortifications. © DR

Kings, dukes, counts and barons have come through this living room, asserting its letters of nobility. © DR

A decor for knights of modern times

The habitable surface of this stunning seigneurial residential fortress spreads out on 600 m², with a total of 50 rooms. It comprises a series reception rooms leading one into the other, a large capacity of accomodations and a monumental bedroom ornamented with a superb decor. A site to discover like an open-sky history book to imagine one' self as a knight of modern times…

Sleeping in this bedroom is a privilege you can treat yourself to… © DR