Annecy Castle

The castle-museum of Annecy

The castle of Annecy is the former residence of the counts of Geneva and the dukes of Savoy, which dominates the old town. The Annecy audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this imposing fortress become a museum, a witness of the rich past of the town.

The fortress of the counts and the dukes

The castle of Annecy is one of the major monuments of the town, perched on a hill that dominates the old town and the lake. This imposing fortress, whose oldest parts date back to the twelfth century and which was enlarged over the centuries, was the residence of the counts of Geneva, then of the dukes of Savoy, who marked the history of the region. With its towers, its dwellings and its great tower, called the Queen's Tower, the castle offers a fine ensemble of medieval and Savoyard architecture. Today, it shelters the castle-museum of Annecy, which presents collections of art, regional history, archaeology and natural sciences, as well as an observatory of the Alpine lakes. The castle also offers fine views. It is a must-see site of the visit of Annecy.

What to see

You admire the imposing medieval fortress with towers and dwellings, former residence of the counts of Geneva and the dukes of Savoy, dominating the old town and the lake, which shelters the castle-museum with its collections of art, history, archaeology and an observatory of the Alpine lakes, and offers fine views. The castle is a major site of Annecy. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The castle of Annecy lies on a hill dominating the old town, reachable on foot by a climb. The visit of the castle and the museum follows its own hours and conditions, which vary with the season. It is best to check the arrangements before coming and to bring good shoes.

What does the castle of Annecy shelter?

The castle-museum of Annecy, which presents collections of art, regional history, archaeology and natural sciences, as well as an observatory of the Alpine lakes; this fortress was the residence of the counts of Geneva and the dukes of Savoy.

Where is the castle of Annecy?

On a hill dominating the old town of Annecy, in France.