Château de Châtillon-sur-Cluses, Medieval castle ruins in Châtillon-sur-Cluses, France.
The Château de Châtillon-sur-Cluses is a medieval fortress set on a limestone spur at 862 meters elevation, overlooking the Châtillon pass where routes from Cluses and Taninges intersect. The site preserves several defensive enclosures, a manor house, and the chapel that continues to function as the local parish church.
The fortress was first documented in 1222 and became the center of a castellany controlling thirteen parishes across the region. It later evolved into the administrative headquarters for Faucigny territory.
The chapel served the fortress community and was later converted into a parish church, becoming a focal point for local spiritual life. This transformation shows how the medieval stronghold was integrated into the everyday rhythm of the settlement below.
You can reach the ruins on foot via a hiking trail starting from Châtillon-sur-Cluses with moderate uphill sections throughout. The terrain is uneven in places and some areas lack barriers, so sturdy footwear and caution during wet conditions are essential.
Excavations in 2021 brought to light new sections of the upper courtyard, revealing construction details that had been hidden for centuries. Surprisingly, archaeological finds show evidence of habitation dating back to the 8th-10th centuries, well before the medieval castle was built.
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