Château de Miolans: storm the Bastille of the Alps!

Do not expect fairy tales here. In Saint-Pierre-d’Albigny, the Château de Miolans is no lace-trimmed palace. It is raw, military and solid! Listed as a Historic Monument since 1944, this stone colossus has watched over the Combe de Savoie since the 11th century. Do you like history with character? You will be well served during your stay at our campsite in Savoie, less than an hour from the site! Get your calves and your camera ready, as history awaits you around the corner!

What is the history of this impregnable Savoie fortress?

Perched at an altitude of nearly 550 metres, the Château de Miolans is a strategic stronghold. This Savoie fortress was designed to control the Alpine route, at the crossroads of the roads to the Maurienne, to Chambéry via Montmélian, and to the Tarentaise via the Little St Bernard. The lords of Miolans, nicknamed the “Gatekeepers of the Alps” in popular tradition, built their fortune here by taxing travellers.

But in the 16th century, the scene changed! The fortress became a state prison under the authority of the Dukes of Savoy. No more banquets, it was time for dungeons! This period gave rise to the site's popular nickname, the “Bastille of the Alps”.

There are three key phases to understanding the history of the castle:

• 1083 – 16th century: the power of the Miolans family, including Jean de Miolans, who enlarged the fortress at the end of the 14th century.
• 1564 – 1792: a state prison for political and religious prisoners.
• From 1869: acquired by the Guiter family, who began safeguarding the castle; its listing as a Historic Monument in 1944 owes much to the architect Jules Formigé, who became close to the Guiter family and was passionate about the site.

Why choose this castle?

Because it is authentic! Unlike other ruins of the former States of Savoy, the Château de Miolans is still standing. Lovingly restored, it offers a clear reading of local history, from conflicts with France to court intrigues.

The anecdote to know: around a hundred prisoners languished within the thick walls of this fortress over the centuries. The most famous? The Marquis de Sade, imprisoned in 1772. He managed to escape in 1773, an event that marked the history of this “Bastille of the Alps”. Legend has it that he left the governor some daring and provocative letters!

How to visit the Château de Miolans?

Do not wander around this Savoie castle at random!

Focus on these must-sees

The Château de Miolans is divided into two main areas. You will find the lower courtyard (supplies and stables), then the upper courtyard (the defensive heart). During the visit, discover:

• The Saint-Pierre tower: climb to the top of the keep. The reward? A panoramic view over the Combe de Savoie valley, the Lauzière massif, the Belledonne range and, on clear days, the Mont Blanc massif.
• The medicinal herb garden: breathe in! Located in the upper courtyard, this botanical plot recreates the medicinal plants of the Middle Ages, such as mint, sage and wormwood. It was the pharmacy of the time!
• The Hell room: take a look at this underground dungeon. Its name is traditional, and the anguish it gives off plunges you into the history of the prisoners.

Our tip: take a close look at the gun ports pierced in the ramparts. A brilliant technical adaptation to fire back at the first cannonballs!

Turn the family visit into an adventure

Worried the children will get bored? Impossible! The site has everything planned to captivate young minds. Forget passive visits! Here, the “Remarkable Itineraries” leaflets tell the story in a lively way, without ever sending the audience to sleep.

Above all, check the events calendar! The Château de Miolans regularly hosts escape games, giant investigations and big medieval festivals.

Visit Savoie differently by giving your children the chance to play knights or try to solve the riddles of the fortress!

Practical information

Here is the essential information for a successful visit to the Château de Miolans:

• Address: Château de Miolans, 73250 Saint-Pierre-d’Albigny.
• Indicative opening hours: April to June & September: 2 pm to 6 pm (often closed on Saturdays); July & August: 10.15 am to 7 pm (every day); spring school holidays: often extended opening from 10 am. Please note: these hours vary according to events and private hire (weddings).
• Indicative prices: adult about €10; child (6-10 years) about €6; free for under-6s.
• Dogs: allowed on a lead.
• Access: free parking at the foot of the site. Wear good shoes, as the last 200 metres to the entrance are steep!
• Tip: combine your visit with a tasting of Combe de Savoie wines just below. Culture and terroir make a winning combination!

According to figures from the Savoie General Council, 15,000 to 20,000 curious visitors pass through the gates of the Château de Miolans every year to experience history first-hand. To continue discovering Savoie's heritage, head to Chambéry and the Maison Opinel, where the famous Savoie knife has been made since 1890. Tempted by this medieval adventure? Book your mobile home at the 3-star Camping L’Eden de la Vanoise in Landry. Our campsite is the ideal base for discovering the department's highlights, including our ideas for rainy-day outings.

Source:

• Conseil Général de la Savoie. (2005). La rubrique des patrimoines de Savoie : numéro quinze. Conservation départementale du Patrimoine.