The Château D'Annecy MuseumThe Château D'Annecy Museum
©The Château D'Annecy Museum |© Gilles Piel

Annecy Castle

Princely history and a living museum in the heart of the city

Overlooking the old town and the rooftops of Annecy, the Château d’Annecy stands proudly between the lake and the mountains. A listed historic monument, it is much more than a vestige: it is a living place combining fortified architecture, princely heritage and contemporary culture.

Not to be missed Residence of the Counts of Geneva

Built between the XIIIᵉ and XVIᵉ centuries, this castle was the home of the Counts of Geneva. Its architecture combines medieval defence with Renaissance elegance. From the top of the Queen’s Tower, the view embraces the whole of Annecy, while the Perrière and Nemours dwellings bear witness to a transition towards a more residential and open style.

Experience A castle transformed into a museum

Abandoned as a residence in the 17th century, the château had a second life as a military barracks until 1947. Bought by the town in 1953, it opened to the public three years later and was transformed into a singular museum, a veritable showcase for heritage and creativity. Visitors can discover rare collections of lake archaeology, bearing witness to the civilisations that lived around the Alpine lakes, timelessly charming Savoyard medieval sculptures, and Alpine paintings capturing the beauty of the peaks. The museum also boasts an area devoted to animated films, reflecting recognised local expertise. Temporary exhibitions of regional and contemporary art complete this unique cultural offering, making the château a must-see site.

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Inspiration A living witness to history

A visit to the château is like taking a trip back in time, through more than seven centuries of Savoyard history. From the home of the Counts of Geneva to the elegance of the Renaissance, via its years as a military garrison, each era has left its mark in stone. Today, the site celebrates and preserves the local heritage, offering visitors a unique insight into life in days gone by. Its vast rooms, spiral staircases and mullioned windows reveal the customs and refinement of princely life. Silent but eloquent witnesses, these architectural features tell the story of changing lifestyles and the turbulent history of Haute-Savoie better than words can.