Ruines du château d'Aigremont

Castle ruin of Aigremont is the remains of a medieval fortress in the Vaud Alps, in the municipality of Ormont-Dessous, Switzerland. Little is left of the stronghold today, but its story ties together a local noble family, a change of lords and a persistent folk legend.

Where is the Aigremont ruin?

The ruin stands on a wooded promontory above the hamlet of Voëttes, in the Ormont-Dessous area of the canton of Vaud, close to La Comballaz and Le Sépey. The setting is typical of Alpine castles: a spur chosen for its views and natural defence, with the valley below.

Who built the castle and when?

According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, Aymon de Pontverre built a castle on the Aigremont promontory in the early 14th century. A local castle-history site narrows this to the years 1332 to 1338 and says Aymon made it his permanent residence. Some popular guides suggest an older, 12th-century origin, but the historical sources point to the 14th century, so treat earlier dates with caution.

What happened to Aigremont?

The lordship of Aigremont passed to the counts of Gruyère in 1425. The castle did not survive the century: the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland gives 1475 as the year of its destruction, and the Vaud communes directory likewise places the destruction in the 15th century. It was not rebuilt, and over the following centuries the ruin gradually disappeared under vegetation and earth.

What can you see today?

Not much, which is part of the appeal for those who enjoy quiet historical sites. Descriptions mention a thick fragment of wall belonging to the former round keep, along with traces of moats near the entrance. A survey carried out in 2013 identified the outlines of several buildings in the buried part of the ruins, showing that more of the castle lies beneath the ground than above it. The site lies in woodland, so expect an informal visit rather than a staffed monument.

Legend of the treasure

Like many ruins in the Alps, Aigremont has its own tale. A folk legend says a treasure of gold is hidden in tunnels beneath the ruins. No treasure has been documented, but the story is retold in regional legend collections and adds a touch of mystery to the visit.

Aigremont in the municipal arms

The memory of the castle lives on in the coat of arms of Ormont-Dessous, adopted in 1921, which shows a tower recalling the old Aigremont castle. It is a reminder of how important the stronghold was to local identity.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Castle ruin of Aigremont well preserved? No. Only a fragment of the round keep's wall and traces of moats are visible, while other structures are buried.

When was it destroyed? The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland gives 1475.

Who owned it? It was built by Aymon de Pontverre and, in 1425, the lordship passed to the counts of Gruyère.

Where exactly is it? In the canton of Vaud, in Ormont-Dessous, above the hamlet of Voëttes, near La Comballaz.