Douvaine heritage trail

Formerly a notary's house, this private mansion built in 1783 is located in the center of Douvaine, in a 500m² park. Its elegant architecture is typical of 18th-century residences in the Lake Geneva region.Built in 1783 by notary Jean-François Volland, this vast, refined dwelling quickly became known as a "manor house" (a country residence for wealthy people). The manor's refined architecture is typical of 18th-century residences in the Lake Geneva region, with a wrought-iron balcony and arched French windows. In 1888, the house was sold to Mr. Chappuis, along with the outbuildings, barn, stables and 5 hectares of parkland. The Manoir has been partially listed on the Inventaire Supplémentaire des Monuments Historiques since 1995: the facades, roofs, portal, dining room and 1st floor vestibule are all protected. The Manoir Chappuis is not open to the public, as it is now privately owned.

Château de Troches is a "château de plaine", with Savoyard-style architecture and a large park stretching out to the west. Today, the Château is a private site that cannot be visited.The foundations of Château de Troches date back to the 13th century. The Troches noble family is mentioned as early as the 13th century, with Guillaume de Troches, prior of Nyon, then Peillonnex in 1286. In the mid-14th century, the Château was owned by the Ternier family. In 1341, Girard de Ternier sold the stronghold to Amédée III of Geneva. In 1445, the estate reverted to Amédée VIII, Duke of Savoy. It was later sold to Antoine Passerat, in whose favor it became a barony in 1682. The Château then passed through the hands of several owners, who carried out numerous renovations. By the end of the 18th century, however, the buildings were in a sorry state. In 1854, Charles-Félix Trédicini de Saint-Séverin inherited the property. The property remains in his family to this day.

Founded in the 12th century by the parish of Saint Loup, Douvaine's church has undergone a rich architectural history and evolution.The Douvaine priory is first mentioned in a bull issued by Pope Eugene III in 1153, but it is certain that a religious community existed here as early as the 6th century, and that a first building was erected in the 10th century. During the revolution of 1789, all the church's equipment was destroyed or stolen. The large bell remained valiantly in the belfry, and the small one was only just saved, lowered to be cast. After the Revolution, Curé Revilliod had the church repaired, a high altar, a Rosary altar and a pulpit installed, and the small bell recast. The restored church had three naves with a low vault, but a fire almost totally destroyed the edifice. It was rebuilt under the ministry of Mr. Benoît Bouvier, parish priest from 1863 to 1888. The reconstruction, in a pseudo-Gothic style with pseudo-Romanesque capitals, has preserved the original bell tower, which bears two bells and a clock. Today, the church boasts stained-glass windows by M. Januarius, known as Decareli, donated by the municipality under Mayor Dr. Jacques Miguet. The bell tower, the only authentic part, was recently restored in 1988. The choir and side windows were restored in 1990/1991.