Castle of Montrottier

The medieval castle of Montrottier and its remarkable collections are located in the Savoy foreland, between the Rhône River and the limestone foothills of the Alps.


The surroundings have been defined though erosion by the River Fier as it descends Mont Charvin, sculpting deep natural gorges. It is just above the Fier Gorge in Lovagny that this fortified castle was erected between the 13th and 15th centuries.

The Castle of Montrottier is a pentagonal fortress built around a cylindrical keep. The oldest buildings date back to the 13th century; the others were constructed in the 15th century. The western side was restored in the 19th century.

The castle contains a remarkable collection of furniture, ceramics, lace, weapons, and rare Asian and African objects accumulated by Léon Marès, one of the last great collectors of the end of the 19th century. Four 16th century bronze bas-reliefs, masterpieces of casters Peter and Hans Vischer of Nuremberg, are also displayed.


The castle belongs to the Florimontane Academy, founded in 1606 by Saint-François de Sales and the jurist Antoine Favre, father of the french grammarian Vaugelas.

Open from 15 march to 15 october every day, except tuesday.
Open from 14h00 to 18h00 (last visit begins at 17h00).
Price adult 7,00 euros.
Price child 4,50 euros.

A combination of a visit to the Castle of Montrottier and a visit to Gorges du Fier (see daytrip Gorges du Fier) is very well possible, because these curiosities are situated not far from each other.