Castle of Ripaille, Renaissance castle in Thonon-les-Bains, France.
Ripaille Castle is a Renaissance fortress in Thonon-les-Bains located on the shore of Lake Geneva, surrounded by vineyards with stone walls and Renaissance architectural elements. The structure spreads across multiple connected buildings from different periods.
Duke Amadeus VIII of Savoy built the original fortress around 1400, which later became a Carthusian monastery during the 17th century. This transformation marked a major shift in how the building was used and its purpose.
The castle displays Belle Epoque interiors with furnished dining rooms and kitchens that show how people lived and ate in the early 1900s. These spaces reveal the daily habits of those who stayed here.
The castle is accessible Tuesday through Sunday from April to November, with guided tours available in several languages. Check opening times in advance, as these visits help you explore the buildings and learn about wine production on site.
The castle produces its own AOC white wine from Chasselas grapes grown in the gravelly soil of its lakeside vineyards. This local wine production creates a direct connection between the place and the region's resources.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
