Similar to many of the fortress chateaux, this site was originally fortified to control a bridge. However, the fortress fell in the 15th century and was destroyed. The current chateau was built as a residence in the 16th century by a wealthy financier who purchased the land and let his wife do the design and guide the construction.
The result is a scenic home, famous for the beautiful views over the lake.
It is also a chateau that feels like a home, with human-sized rooms and comfortable decorations--unlike many of the large and empty chateaux found elsewhere in the valley.
Like many of the chateaux, however, the original builder eventually found himself in bad standing with the King and did not get to spend much time here--he spent it in prison.
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Page created on 02 Aug 2001