Montmelian

Located at a major crossroads, the town was the main toll and stopover point on the transalpine route in the 13th century, making it possible to reach Italy from France, which made his fortune. Humbert Mareschal sells, in 1277, the bridge and the toll of Montmélian to the count of Savoy, Philippe Ier.
It was not until 1553 that the French troops of François Ier took the city following the rapid submission of its governor. Henry II still fortified the site, fearing the arrival by the high valleys of Spanish troops.

The duke of Savoy recovers this territory in 1563 and from 1578, he modernizes the citadel which protects the city.

Twenty-two years later, Henri IV invaded Savoy in 1600. He besieged the city by Sully who said it was a marvelously strong place and the best it ever saw.

The conflicts between Savoy and France endured, and in 1630 Louis XIII and Richelieu took Chambéry back on May 17 besieged Montmélian. Despite a siege of thirteen months, the citadel commanded by Jaffré de Bens de Cavour did not capitulate; Louis XIV will also besiege it in 1691 and in 1701.

Taken, the citadel was destroyed in 1706, by order of the King of France and the council of Vauban16.

The hill that used to welcome it is now bare and has become a gazebo.