Fortress of Miolans

To make a day of it

Château de Miolans stands in Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny (Savoie), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument. Adult admission costs 10 EUR. Its opening hours and prices were verified at the source on September 27, 2026.

Perched at 550 metres above sea level on a rocky spur in the Combe de Savoie, Miolans Castle overlooks the village of Le Bourget and offers wide views over the Mont Blanc massif, the Belledonne range and the Grande Chartreuse. Built in the 11th century by the Miolans family, it originally guarded the Alpine routes toward Italy before becoming a prison for more than two centuries, from 1564 to 1792. Visitors today can trace both chapters of its past, as a lordly stronghold and as a place of detention.

Written from Fortress of Miolans

What to know

• Adult admission costs 10 euros.
• A visit takes around two hours.
• Parking is available about 100 metres from the entrance, suitable for cars and buses.
• The castle has been a listed historic monument since 1944.
• The site sits on a rocky spur, so comfortable footwear is advisable.

Practical information

Visit duration

120 min

Wheelchair access

Not verified

Dogs

Not verified

Parking

Parking 100m from the castle entrance (bus, car)

Where this château is

Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny · Savoie · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny, Savoie

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directionsView on a map

Château phone number

+33 6 08 34 03 03

CallCopy

The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

Heritage status

Listed historic monument (classé)

Mérimée record PA00118304

Base map © IGN, Géoplateforme

In pictures

Frequently asked

Fortress of Miolans: how much is admission?

Adult admission is €10. Child: €5.

How long does a visit to Miolans Castle take?

A visit takes around two hours.

Where can I park to visit Miolans Castle?

There is parking about 100 metres from the entrance, suitable for both cars and buses.

Was Miolans Castle really used as a prison?

Yes, it served as a prison from 1564 to 1792.

Is Miolans Castle a protected monument?

It has been a listed historic monument since an order of 16 May 1944.

Sources

Identity, location and official references from Wikidata and the Mérimée register.

• This entry in Markdown
• Wikidata Q2969896
• Mérimée PA00118304
• Official website

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