Château de Menthon-Saint-BernardChâteau de Menthon-Saint-Bernard
©Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard|©Derek Hendersen

Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard

Legend and charm between lake and mountains

Overlooking Lake Annecy from its rocky spur, the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard fascinates visitors with its medieval turrets, its stones steeped in history and its breathtaking views of the Dents de Lanfon and Mont Veyrier. For almost a thousand years, the same family has watched over this 105-room Haut-Savoyard jewel, steeped in memories and legendary tales.

Not to be missed A lively family history

The Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard has been inhabited by the same family since the XIᵉ century. Originally built as a medieval fortress to protect the valley, it was transformed over the centuries into a Renaissance-style stately home, before being romantically redesigned in the 19th century by René de Menthon. While its architecture reflects each era it has passed through, the soul of the place remains intact. Today, Count Olivier de Menthon still watches over this living heritage, perpetuating the family history and welcoming visitors to a château where past and present meet.

Experience An enchanting setting

The Tramway du Mont-Blanc follows the rhythm of the seasons, offering two distinct but equally memorable experiences. In winter, the train takes you to Bellevue, at an altitude of 1,794 m, in the heart of the Saint-Gervais-Les Houches ski area. This privileged access point delights skiers, snowshoers and walkers who come to enjoy the snow and the spectacular views of the peaks. In summer, the journey continues as far as the legendary Nid d’Aigle, the starting point for the normal route up Mont Blanc. The site also offers superb hiking and the chance to get close to the glaciers in complete safety. Whatever the season, the journey is an invitation to contemplate, to discover the fauna and flora of the Alps, and to get away from it all. The tramway is also an excellent way of making the mountains accessible to everyone, gently and effortlessly.

I've decided I'm coming! Ready for an unforgettable summer in Haute-Savoie?

Inspiration A legendary castle

The Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard stands out not only for its majestic architecture, but also for the legends and emblematic figures that surround it. Local tradition has it that Walt Disney was inspired to design the castle for Sleeping Beauty by its slender turrets and enchanting allure. But the history of the site goes back much further: it was here in 1008 that Saint Bernard de Menthon, the futureprotector of Alpinetravellers, was born. He founded the hospices du Grand-Saint-Bernard and gave his name to the famous rescue dogs. Somewhere between myth and reality, the castle embodies a unique link between imagination, spirituality and the history of Haut-Savoie, in a setting worthy of fairy tales.