Château du Bourget

The origins of the Château du Bourget date back to the mid-13th century, when Count Thomas II of Savoy initiated the construction of a residence on the shores of Lac du Bourget. After its completion around 1253, the complex quickly became one of the most important comital seats. Diplomatic affairs were conducted here, justice was administered, and family events were celebrated, including the wedding of Blanche of Savoy in 1350. Under Count Amadeus V, the castle was expanded into a fortress and served as a strategic point in the region. The Château changed hands several times and gradually lost its importance. A fire in the 15th century severely damaged the complex, and despite some reconstruction attempts, it fell into disrepair. In the 19th century, the ruin was used as a quarry until Louis de Buttet d'Entremont acquired it in 1849 to protect the remaining vestiges. Since 1983, the Château du Bourget has been a protected monument and the subject of archaeological research.

The castle ruin is located in the municipality of Le Bourget-du-Lac in the Savoie department, in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. It is situated at an elevation of approx. 231 m above sea level, on the southwestern shore of Lac du Bourget and near the mouth of the Leysse river.