Castle of La Mar, château français situé à Jongieux
The castle of La Mar is a fortified house built in the 1200s in Jongieux with thick stone walls and two square corner towers. It sits on a small hill called Marestel and now contains a wine cellar where local wines are stored and tasted.
The castle was founded in the 1200s by the La Mar family, who had lived in the region since the 1100s. It underwent major repair work in 1625 and changed hands several times over the centuries before becoming state property during the French Revolution.
The name comes from the La Mar family, who shaped the region since the 1100s. Today visitors experience how this place connects medieval history with wine production, as locals use the castle grounds for both heritage and agricultural purposes.
The castle is reachable on foot from the village of Jongieux, which has several walking paths through the surrounding countryside. The grounds have been made accessible for people using wheelchairs with assistance.
Inside, the castle features a Renaissance staircase with detailed stone carvings, revealing how the La Mar family strengthened their position in the 1400s and 1500s through strategic marriages and connections to the Duke of Savoy. One family member, Berlion de La Mar, received land directly from the Duke, showing their importance to regional affairs.
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