Fort de Montmélian

Montmélian is a small city in Savoie located below the southern tip of the Bauges mountains, next to the Isère river. In the middle ages, its location was considered strategic for Savoie, as it sat on the road between France and Italy and at the border with the Dauphiné. As a result, a fortress was built on the so-called Rocher de Montmélian (Rock of Montmélian) in the 11th century and was upgraded over the years. However, the Fort de Montmélian was finally destroyed by French troops in 1705. Nowadays, only a few scattered ruins remain and on the location of the former fort is a park with a good view on the plain below.

Above, Rue de la Chaîne in Montmélian, on the way up to the Fort.

Above, my grandmother’s old house on Rue de la Chaîne.

Above, ruins of the Fort.

Above, Isère river.

Above, the park at the top of the Rock, with La Savoyarde in the Bauges mountains in the background.

Above, Belledonne mountains.

Above, the plain below, with the silhouette of Mont Granier in the Chartreuse mountains.

Above, looking towards Chambéry.

Above, remains of a gate.

Above, on the way down.

Above, Arclusaz.

Above, old hospital.

Above, Isère river towards Grenoble.

Above, towards Albertville.

Above, Rocher de Montmélian seen from the bridge.