Château d'Annecy, Medieval castle and museum in Annecy, France.
Château d'Annecy is a castle perched on a hilltop featuring thick stone walls, multiple towers, and construction elements from different centuries blended together. The structure combines various architectural styles developed over hundreds of years of occupation and modification.
Built during the 12th century as a residence for the Counts of Geneva, this castle later served the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours as their seat. It was subsequently transformed into military barracks, marking a shift from noble dwelling to military use.
The castle displays regional art collections featuring Alpine furniture, religious sculptures, and landscape paintings created by local artists. These works reflect how people in the region lived and saw their surroundings.
The castle is open most days but remains closed on Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly. Hours vary between summer and winter seasons, so check ahead to avoid arriving at an inconvenient time.
The Tour de la Reine watchtower rises approximately 30 meters high with medieval defensive features built into its stone walls. From its height, visitors can look out across Lake Annecy and toward the surrounding mountains.
Location: Annecy
Inception: 12 century
GPS coordinates: 45.89750,6.12611
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
Annecy is found between the lake water and the mountains. The old town can be explored on foot, along the Thiou and its canals lined with colorful buildings. You can see the Isle Palace, an old jail from the 12th century on a small island, and the Annecy Castle, sitting above the roofs from its medieval walls. The Pont des Amours gives a clear view of the lake, while the Gardens of Europe invite walks. Around the city, the lake is good for swimming and water sports. There is a bike trail, about 42 km long, that circles the lake. It passes by beaches and small ports. Further up, Parmelan and the Glières Plateau offer forest and mountain meadow trips, with views of the Alps. The area also has some castles like Montrottier with its octagonal tower, and Clermont with Renaissance galleries. In summer, markets fill the squares, and the terraces near the water become busy. In winter, the first snows fall on the Aravis mountains. Every season changes the look of the place and gives a new reason to visit again.
Palais de l'Isle
133 m
Jardins de l'Europe d'Annecy
385 m
St. Peter's Cathedral
212 m
Église Notre-Dame-de-Liesse d'Annecy
290 m
Saint-François-de-Sales church
215 m
Église Saint-Maurice
223 m
Annecy Town Hall
312 m
Grand séminaire d'Annecy
349 m
Musée du Film d'animation
373 m
Museum-Castle of Annecy
18 m
Musée-Château d'Annecy
96 m
Quai des Clarisses
265 m
Statue of Joan of Arc
342 m
Magasin, 1 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Annecy
161 m
Magasin, 35 rue Sainte-Claire, Annecy
203 m
Ancien Hôtel de Ville d'Annecy
266 m
Hôtel de Sales d'Annecy
398 m
Maison Lambert
182 m
Pipe organ by Nicolas-Antoine Lété
190 m
Magasin, 13 rue Royale, Annecy
363 m
Quai Madame de Warens
267 m
Magasin, 19 rue du Pâquier
370 m
Perrière bridge
173 m
Fontaine de la rue de l'Île
86 m
Maison Gallo
215 m
Escalier du Château
86 m
Hôtel Favre
194 m
Fontaine Quiberet
192 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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