Château des comtes de Challes, Medieval castle and hotel in Challes-les-Eaux, France.
Château des comtes de Challes is a castle in Challes-les-Eaux situated on elevated terrain with views toward the surrounding mountains. The property spans several hectares planted with an arboretum and comprises a main building, an Orangerie wing, and separate residence structures within the park.
The castle began as a wine estate and was transformed into a fortress by the Counts of Challes during the 15th century. It subsequently passed into the hands of the Milliet family.
The castle holds a wine collection in its 15th-century cellar where visitors can taste regional wines and learn about local production methods. This heritage of wine storage remains central to how the place is experienced today.
The property offers rooms in the main building and separate pavilions throughout the park, with various accommodation options available. Being set on elevated terrain with gardens, comfortable shoes and time to explore the grounds are recommended.
In the 19th century, Doctor Domenget discovered sulfurous water sources on the grounds, revealing the geological character of the region. The author Louis Aragon also concealed his early writings inside a tree within the park, adding a hidden literary layer to the site.
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