Chateau d'Annecy

About

Château d'Annecy is a remarkable restored castle overlooking the charming old town of Annecy in the Haute‑Savoie region of France. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries, the fortress has served as the residence of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois‑Nemours before becoming a museum in 1953. The site boasts several historic blocks, including the 12th‑century Queen's Tower, the Logis Vieux and Logis Nemours, and the Palatine Logis. The museum, housed in the Logis Vieux and Logis Nemours, displays a rich collection of Alpine popular art—sculptures, paintings, vernacular furniture, photographs, and models of Alpine chalets—capturing the cultural heritage of the surrounding mountains. In the tower sits the Alpine Lakes Regional Observatory, with exhibits on lake archaeology, aquariums, boat models, and alpine fishing gear. From the castle terrace visitors enjoy panoramic views of Annecy’s narrow cobbled streets, rooftops, and the glittering lake, making it a must‑visit landmark for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.