Menthon St Bernard Castle
This castle has been watching over one of the most beautiful alpine landscape for some 1000 years.
It is rising like a fortress, defying the surrounding mountains.
This noble castle has for many centuries remained inhabited by the counts of Menthon, an affluent Genevois family. In fact, according to the legend, St. Bernard of Menthon was born there in 1008 and the castle is home to many portraits of this saint and thaumaturgist who was venerated by the mountain villagers and gave his name to the famous rescue dogs.
Today the Menthon family - the 22nd generation known to have lived there - are opening the doors of their castle to the public to allow them to discover 105 rooms.
It is also said that Disney used the castle's architecture to make their Princesses' Castle in most cartoons.
For more info about opening hours: www.chateau-de-menthon.com
To have a great picture, the best spot is when you are driving from Veyrier, take the road up to Bluffy/La Clusaz, after a few turns, there is a panoramic spot on the right where you can stop and take a photo of the Castle.
Not far away on the left, you can also find the "Charbonnières farm" for local dining with view on the stable and the butterfly, alpine animals and mineral museum.
