RIPAILLE CASTLE - Thonon/Evian

Spending some holidays in Thonon (France) one day when the weather was not so good, we visited the
Ripaille castle, which is located between Thonon and Evian on the banks of Lake Geneva. It is one of the most notable places of history, nature and beauty in the Haute-Savoie.

This former residence of the Dukes of Savoie, also a Carthusian monastery in the Middle-Ages, was in ruins when, in 1892, it was bought by an industrialist and art lover, Frédéric Engel-Gros. He restored the domain, including the historic buildings, the gardens and the large park.

Today, Ripaille is mainly a private domain producing a famous AOC wine. (Controlled designation of origin)

The most interesting parts of the domain are open to visitors and lots of events are organized.

You can read all about the castle here



The castle looked quiet impressive and in order to show you the whole domain I included an air view.



In the middle of the court yard was a well, now closed with a grid, probably because of uneducated tourist who throw their garbage in it.




There also were a few outbuildings.



A very beautiful staircase led to the upper rooms. The view of the whole domain was painted on the wall.



Then we arrived in a reception room, with a huge open fire, a real art work ceiling and twisted columns which is rather seldom.



Napoleon who follows me everywhere had been on a visit in this castle too.




The bathroom was very modern if you consider that it dated from the end of 1800. There even was running water which was collected in a basin under the  sink.



The kitchen was just amazing. You almost could use it still today.  There were cupboards all around, a big stove and taps in copper.



In one room all kind of things were stored which once had decorated the rooms or used for work, like the sewing machine, the spinning wheel, and a butter maker.



There also were quiet a lot of stuffed animals. They looked so real. I loved the smile of the crocodile.



The ceilings were of outstanding beauty.




We then visited the wine cellar. I admired the rag for empty bottles. What a good idea. The wine barrels were so huge that a human could easily stand in them. The whole basement were full of these barrels.




Although nobody lives in the castle there were mail boxes. We went out through this big, heavy door and had really loved our visit.