Château de Miolans

South of Albertville the silhouette of castle ruins appears at Miolans. In the 10th century this impressive fortress was commissioned by the Miolans family on the site of an ancient settlement. It was later confiscated by the Dukes of Savoy who used the fortress as a prison. Over a period of 200 years it served to confine 192 prisoners, the most famous of whom was the Marquis de Sade, who managed to escape. The château overlooks the Combe de Savoie valley, a rich wine-growing region that extends from Miolans, dips south at Montmeilian, and then continues north to Calles les Eaux. The various varietals grown in the region include Pinot, Gamay, Mondeuse, Chardonnay, and Altesse.