Château d'Épierre

Château d'Épierre is a former fortified house dating from the 12th century, later rebuilt in the 14th century and restored in the 16th or 17th centuries. Its ruins stand in Épierre, Savoie (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes). Originally the center of the lordship of Épierre—later raised to a barony—the castle controlled the narrow passage of the Arc River and the route toward the Grand Cucheron Pass.

From the 15th century, it belonged to the La Chambre family before passing through several noble families. By the late 17th century, it was largely in ruins and was eventually sold to the local community.

Architecturally, the site includes a quadrangular enclosure with residential buildings, a chapel, a western tower, and a former lower courtyard. The oldest section, built of irregular stone and sometimes laid in herringbone pattern (opus spicatum), likely housed servants and stables. The seigneurial residence, dated by dendrochronology to 1335–1350, features Gothic-style windows and fortified elements.

In modern times, the castle served as a filming location for the 1980s television series William Tell and hosted commemorative events in 1989.

Address
Rue du Château 261, Épierre, France

Established
14th century