Châteaux des Allinges
Description
Allinges-Vieux Castle, also known as Château-Vieux, is a former medieval fortress dating from the 10th century. Its ruins stand in the Chablais area, in the commune of Allinges (Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes). The site shares a hill called the “butte des châteaux” with the nearby ruins of Allinges-Neuf, located only 150 meters away. The castle once included a fortified village surrounded by walls.
The castle occupies the eastern side of the hill, rising to 712 meters above sea level and overlooking the village of Allinges, Lake Geneva, and Thonon-les-Bains. The site was likely fortified as early as the 6th century and restored in the 10th century by King Rudolph II of Burgundy. During the Middle Ages, Allinges-Vieux was contested between the lords of Faucigny and the Counts of Savoy, leading to frequent conflicts until the region was annexed to Savoy in 1355. The castle was gradually abandoned at the end of the 14th century and later dismantled in the early 18th century.
Today, the remains include a large square keep, sections of defensive walls, a lower enclosure, and traces of the fortified village. The site has been listed as a historic monument since 2011.
Address
Haute-Savoie, France
Established
10th century AD