Standing between the 10th and 19th centuries, the castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard bears the imprint of time. With its pointed towers and imposing walls, it evokes a world where knights mingle with elegant ladies. "Menthon", a pre-Celtic name meaning "rock", finds its resonance on the rocky spur where this historical fortress perched above Lake Annecy rests.
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A source of inspiration for Walt Disney
Originally, a series of nested towers - the lake tower, the dungeon, the tower of arms - formed a defensive complex, offering an inner courtyard to take refuge in case of assault. The evolution of the castle has been a journey through the ages. In the Renaissance, apartments emerged, followed by an 18th-century facade. The turning point came in the 19th century with architect Viollet-le-Duc, imparting a romantic touch that shapes the current charm of the fortress.
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The legend has it that Walt Disney, during a visit to the region, drew inspiration from the transformation of Menthon-Saint-Bernard to create the universe of Sleeping Beauty in 1959. The castle, with its romantic appearance, thus becomes the embodiment of fairy tale dreams. But it's not just its role in Disney's imagination that makes this castle unique.
A rich and fascinating history
It has been in the same family for twenty-three generations, a rarity that gives an even more magical dimension to this place. Saint Bernard de Menthon, a peacemaker in the 10th century, was the first occupant of this prestigious residence. Prominent family members have continued to make their mark on history, such as François de Menthon, a French prosecutor at the Nuremberg Military Tribunal between 1945 and 1946.
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Today, in the hands of René de Menthon, the castle has been transformed into a peaceful retreat, housing a vineyard, an orchard, and a vegetable garden. Inside, a library overflowing with over 12,000 books, including a rare copy of Diderot's Encyclopédie, invites you on a literary journey. The traditional Saint-Bernard room has been preserved, transformed into a neo-Gothic place of worship. Needless to say, we highly recommend you visit this enchanted treasure (open starting in April 2024)...!
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Source : Paris ZigZag
