During your vacation in the Alps, and more specifically in Annecy in Haute Savoie, don’t miss a must-see for lovers of French history: the Château d’Annecy. Once a fortified castle and residence for the House of Savoy and the Counts of Geneva, it now houses museums and dominates the town of Annecy and its famous lake from its promontory.
The history of Annecy castle
A visit to the Château d’Annecy is a plunge into French history. Originally a fortified castle in the 12th century, the site has undergone successive transformations over the centuries. Residence or even hotel for the Dukes of Savoy and the Counts of Geneva, it was used as barracks during the French Revolution and the World Wars.
However, this historic site was abandoned until the 20th century, when the town of Annecy bought it in 1953. On the heights of Lake Annecy, visitors can now discover an old architecture that recounts the successive eras lived by this witness to the castles of past centuries. From the Middle Ages to the present day, thanks to its museum and its modern, interactive displays, the Château d’Annecy traces the history of the town and the region century after century.
The most important features of Annecy castle
One of the highlights of your visit to Annecy castle is the Queen’s Tower. Since the 13th century, it has been the castle’s sentinel, the watchtower overlooking the lake. It stands some 30 metres tall. It is the oldest building on this site of visits and art exhibitions, and can be seen particularly well from the Place du Château. A visit to Annecy Castle inevitably involves passing through the Vieux Logis. This is the entrance to the museum, but it was also the restaurant or kitchen of the castle’s inhabitants. On the first floor of the Saint Pierre tower, the bread oven has been preserved.
On the upper floor, you’ll discover the ceremonial rooms, where receptions were held in those days, and also where the Counts of Geneva stayed, in the Chambre Rouge. The dwelling underwent several fires and was restored after the 15th century. The Logis Nemours is also one of the palace’s most popular landmarks. It first appeared in the 16th century, at the same time as the Logis Neuf. It was Charlotte d’Orléans who initiated the construction of this Renaissance-inspired logis, whose superb façade you can admire from the courtyard. The interior is divided into three levels and comprises a succession of rooms, all of them admirable.
Visit Annecy castle
Visiting the Château d’Annecy is a complete experience. The museum opened its doors three years after the château was bought by the city of Annecy in 1953. Art is presented ina variety of temporary exhibitions, with a particular focus on the region’s heritage.
Known for its lake, the Annecy region holds many other secrets, which this comprehensive museum will help you discover. In addition to temporary exhibitions, there is a permanent display of museum collections from all over Annecy. The Château d’Annecy museum also gives pride of place tocontemporary art, and even devotes part of its exhibition rooms to animated films.
What you need to know before visiting Annecy castle
Allow around an hour to visit the Château d’Annecy. In summer, the château is open from 10.30am to 6pm. In winter, from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm. It closes on Tuesdays. Full admission is 5.60 euros. While Lake Annecy, the Palais de l’Ile and the old town are all very popular, don’t miss the chance to explore the château, which is a little out of the center of town. Located at 1 place du château, it’s easy to get to from the 4-star Annecy campsites by driving north along the lake in less than 30 minutes. Parking, restaurants and all amenities are close by.