Château de Divonne ravaged by fire for second time in nine years
A fire erupted on June 28, 2026, at the Château de Divonne located in Divonne-les-Bains, France, occurring less than ten years after a similar event in January 2017. The fire was extinguished by a team of 74 firefighters from both France and Switzerland. Mayor Vincent Scattollin and sub-prefect Joël Bourgeot were present at the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported since the building had been vacant for nine years. Although the structure remained intact, the interior suffered significant damage. The previous fire in 2017 had already compromised the building's integrity, resulting in the evacuation of guests. The La Forest Divonne family, owners since the mid-17th century, is now looking for a new investor following a failed rehabilitation attempt in 2024.
Key facts
- Fire at Château de Divonne on June 28, 2026
- Second fire in less than ten years; previous fire in January 2017
- 74 firefighters from France and Switzerland responded
- No injuries; building unused for nine years
- Interior destroyed but structure preserved
- Investigation opened into cause
- 2017 fire started in second-floor storage room, spread to roof
- 2017 fire: guests evacuated, much movable heritage saved
- 2024 rehabilitation project by Centaurus fell through
- Owners (La Forest Divonne) seeking new investor
- Before 2017: 4-star hotel-restaurant by Grandes Étapes Françaises since 1984
- Château built from 18th century on medieval ruins; 12th-century postern remains
- Two square wings added in 1860
- WWII: used as infirmary; later luxury hotel
- La Forest Divonne family acquired estate mid-17th century
Entities
Institutions
- Ville de Divonne-les-Bains
- Centaurus
- Grandes Étapes Françaises
- La Forest Divonne family
Locations
- Château de Divonne
- Divonne-les-Bains
- Ain
- France
- Switzerland
- Gex
- Savoie