Ruins of the medieval Château-Vieux

En un regard

Le château en bref

The Château-Vieux, also called the Château de la Motte, is a castle in ruins situated on a hill in Monthey, in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. The construction date of the Château-Vieux is unknown. It is first mentioned in 1239 in a deed of appanage granted to Marguerite of Savoy. It was used by the castellans of Monthey, who were subordinate to the bailiff of Chablais, based at the Château de Chillon. Replaced by the Château de Monthey — called the "Château-Neuf" in contrast —, the Château-Vieux has been in ruins since the 15th century. In 1727, the Vièze was diverted and the southern part of the castle was entirely destroyed to make way for its new course. The castle consisted of a keep and included a borough. Its main entrance was from Outrevièze, to the south, via a drawbridge. A postern gate also provided access to the castle from the west by a steep path that has survived. The Château-Vieux also contained the first chapel of Monthey.