Ripaille Castle

To the north of the Alps, Haute-Savoie! A natural crossroads between France, Switzerland, and Italy, this delightful department showcases the most beautiful landscapes of the southeast. Its lush nature, ski resorts, and tourist sites attract many vacationers. But Haute-Savoie hides a real treasure: the Château de Ripaille. This vast estate majestically overlooks the French Léman coast. An interpretation center for the heritage of Haute-Savoie, this exceptional medieval-style site reflects life in 1900. Beyond its history, a visit offers a rich terroir and a breathtaking natural environment with views of Lake Geneva. Follow the guide!

History of the Castle

The Château de Ripaille, a gem nestled in the heart of Haute-Savoie, in the town of Thonon-les-Bains. This magnificent estate was built at the end of the 13th century, in 1434 by Amédée VIII. After him, religious orders and a Napoleon general successively occupied the castle, among others. Frédéric Engel-Gros was the last to make significant changes to the Château de Ripaille. Under his influence, the estate stands as a true example of modernity in 1900. Listed as a historical monument of Haute-Savoie in 1942, Château de Ripaille currently produces, on its 120-hectare site in Thonon-les-Bains, a white AOC wine praised by the Hachette wine guide. Enjoy a tasting during your visit.

Architecture and Description

The Château de Ripaille, an architectural treasure reclining by Lake Geneva, in Thonon-les-Bains. Its style? Gothic, of course! Over the centuries, the owners added elements reminiscent of the Renaissance (pilasters, balustrades, triangular pediment windows...).

Inside, the Château de Ripaille is richly decorated. Its rooms feature fascinating frescoes, carved woodwork, and vaulted ceilings. Its courtyard is surrounded by arcades and loggias, reflecting the castle's blend of architectural styles.

Outside the Château de Ripaille, a charming French-style park with flowerbeds, statues, and fountains... magnificent! How about admiring all this beauty during a visit? Take the opportunity to capture lots of photos.

Cultural Importance

Passing through Haute-Savoie? Come and admire the splendor of the Château de Ripaille in Thonon-les-Bains, near Saint-Gingolph! This historically rich site is at the heart of art. Art and the castle: Château de Ripaille has inspired numerous artists over the years. The famous philosopher and writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau visited the estate during his stay in Haute-Savoie. He mentions it in his "Confessions."

On numerous occasions, the Château de Ripaille in Thonon-les-Bains has been depicted in paintings. Today, its impressive architecture and its stunning green space make it a sought-after filming location for movies and music videos.

Legends

When it comes to legends, you'll hear some incredible stories about the Château de Ripaille. Rumor has it that a ghost haunts the corridors of the estate at night. Some claim to have heard strange noises; others say they've seen a lady in white in the park. The Château de Ripaille is also said to conceal a treasure. Budding treasure hunters, bring your map!

The Castle Today

Visiting the Château de Ripaille in Thonon-les-Bains is like taking a fantastic journey through time. So, where does the estate stand today?

The Rooms

Some rooms of the Château de Ripaille have undergone renovations, mainly concerning the Belle Époque kitchen and dining room. Labeled "Famille Plus", the castle visit is suitable for both young and old. With your children, don't miss the Amédée room, dedicated to medieval Savoyard civilization. At the Château de Ripaille in Thonon-les-Bains, you'll also find the Ambassadors' Room, a vast reception hall where you can organize a wedding, family gathering, team building, or any other large event. You can rely on the Ripaille team for your wedding needs (catering, DJ, photographer...).

The Castle as an Attraction

The Château de Ripaille is a true attraction in Thonon-les-Bains. The estate is open for self-guided tours from April to October, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm (5 pm on Saturdays). As for the entrance fee, it's 10 euros for adults, 5 euros for those under 15, and free for those under 7. With the Léman pass, you can enjoy a 2-euro discount on the admission price.

The Château de Ripaille in Thonon-les-Bains enjoys a prime location in Haute-Savoie. The estate is a 6-minute drive from the center of Thonon-les-Bains and 8 minutes from the BARNES Léman real estate agency. There are various ways to get there (bus, car, bike...). Furthermore, the castle offers a large, secure, and free parking area. For more information, call 04.50.26.64.44!

Annual Events

So, are you ready to explore Château de Ripaille? The castle organizes family-friendly activities in Thonon-les-Bains:

• "Les ateliers en Pagaille" on Wednesdays cater to the youngest visitors. They learn about the history of Château de Ripaille in a dedicated room with a worksheet, while adults can enjoy costumed guided tours.
• History enthusiasts can delve into the castle's storied past with the "Ripaille through the Ages" film shown in a screening room.
• For those who enjoy the finer things in life, there's the gourmet visit (castle exploration, wine tasting, gourmet meals...).
• If you're a hiking enthusiast, choose your favorite trail between 22 hectares of vineyards and 53 hectares of forests...

The Ripaille Foundation

The Château de Ripaille, a must-visit in Thonon-les-Bains, is maintained by the Ripaille Foundation. Founded in 1978, the foundation's purpose is to conserve, develop, and promote the estate's historic and natural heritage. The association organizes cultural events (concerts, lectures, exhibitions...) to showcase the beauty of Château de Ripaille. By visiting, you are supporting a worthy cause!

Do you wish to invest in Thonon-les-Bains or the surrounding areas and discover the Château de Ripaille? Check out our properties for sale in Thonon-Les-Bains now, and don't hesitate to contact our BARNES Thonon-les-Bains real estate agency to learn more about the real estate market in the region.