Perched majestically on a rocky outcrop overlooking the azure waters of Lake Annecy in Haute-Savoie, France, the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard is a quintessential medieval castle steeped in over a thousand years of history. Believed to be the inspiration for Walt Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" castle, its striking silhouette features a dramatic array of turrets, towers, and fortified walls that have evolved from a simple 10th-century wooden guard post to the impressive structure seen today. Uniquely, the castle has been continuously inhabited by the Menthon family for 23 generations, including Saint Bernard of Menthon, the patron saint of skiers, who was born within its walls. Visitors can explore richly furnished rooms, a vast library containing ancient manuscripts, and 13th-century kitchens, all while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains
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