Château de Sales

Château de Sales is a medieval castle site near Fillière in Savoy, of which mainly foundations and a chapel built in 1672 remain visible today. The grounds sit at about 700 meters elevation near the younger Château de Thorens.

The castle was destroyed in 1630 on orders from King Louis XIII after the lord Louis Sales refused to surrender another fortress during the royal campaign in Savoy. This demolition marked the end of its use as a military stronghold.

The chapel built in 1672 marks the birthplace of Saint Francis de Sales and serves as the family burial place. This site holds both religious importance for pilgrims and personal significance as a family memorial.

A visit works best as a slow walk across the grounds to see both the old foundations and the chapel at your own pace. The site is easy to reach on foot, though facilities nearby are limited.

A memorial cross stands across from the chapel entrance marking where Saint Francis de Sales received a spiritual inspiration that led to his religious mission. This link between the ruined castle and an inner spiritual moment makes the site a special destination for those interested in religious history.

Location: Fillière

GPS coordinates: 45.99444,6.25833

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:49