Rhone Alpes Chateaux and Castles

The region boasts a prestigious past and many ancient buidings are still there for you to visit them. There are numerous chateaux but also abbeys. Here is a selection of the best places to see.

• Ripaille Castle
  
  This castle was in the Middle Ages a place for spiritual retreats for the Duke of Savoy. In the 17th and 18th centuries it was a convent of the Chartreux monks. Today it is a place at everyone's disposal to organize weddings, seminars... The goal of this place is to promote an ever better relationship between human beings and their environment. People come here to relax, appreciate the silence and rest. The castle was awarded for its architecture, its surrounding woods and for its local production of wine and its restaurant managed by a reknown Chef. Incidentally, the French expression 'Faire ripaille' means "to have a feast". Definitely a must-see.

Ripaille Castle

• Virieu Castle
  
  It was built by Wilfrid de Virieu in 1010. The family members still live in the castle. The history of the castle is linked to that of France and of the Dauphiné. In the 14th century, the territory was attributed to the king's elder son. During World War II it was used to store arms and explosives for the Résistance. The motto of the castle is Virescit Vulnere Virtus: "courage grows strong at a wound".

Virieu Castle

Virieu Castle Gardens