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The towers of Annecy castle above the old townKemper Boyd · CC BY-SA 3.0

What to do · Annecy

Musée-Château d'Annecy

The castle of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Savoy, now a museum, with a view over the old town's rooftops · 1 h 30.

Information
Duration
1 h 30
Season
All year
Who it's for
Everyone; family visit with children

What it is

The castle overlooks the old town from the top of the hill. It was built by the Counts of Geneva and passed to the House of Savoy in 1401. Today it is the Musée-Château, at 3 place du Château, with art and regional history collections, temporary exhibitions and an observatory devoted to Alpine lakes. From the esplanade you see the old town's rooftops and the lake.

Getting there

On foot from rue Sainte-Claire or place Saint-Maurice, by ramps and short stairs: a five-minute climb. There is no parking at the top.

With children

The museum schedules a family visit, "Le château à petits pas", and guided tours for the general public. Check the calendar with the tourist office; dates change with the season.

Tips

  • Combine it with the stroll along the canals Go up to the castle after the Palais de l'Isle: the route works out by itself, uphill and then downhill to the lake.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to see?

An hour and a half for the museum and the esplanade.

Are there visits for children?

Yes, a family visit with dates on the museum's calendar.

As a family

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Round off the plan

Where to eat, where to stay and what else to do

To eat nearby

A fondue served on bread with potatoes, cold meats and salad© Le FrétiFondue and raclette

Le Fréti

Restaurant · Annecy · €€€€

What to order: a fondue or the wheel raclette; at lunchtime, the dish of the day.

Cheap eats

Old Town Market

Market · Annecy · €€€€

What to order: Savoy cheese, bread and fruit for a picnic at the Pâquier.

The restaurant's dining room© Le Clos des SensSpecial meal

Le Clos des Sens

Restaurant · Annecy-le-Vieux · €€€€

What to order: the tasting menu; in summer, dinner on the terrace under the chestnut trees.

To stay nearby

Campsite

Le Belvédère Municipal Campsite

3 wooded hectares · 90 pitches with electricity, water and drain · Chalets · Open March to October

Dogs welcome

Why we like it: A municipal campsite at the foot of the Semnoz, among trees and above the lake, 15 minutes' walk from the old town; pitches with electricity, chalets and a motorhome area.

From €18 / pitch View details
The hostel's wooden buildings among trees, with tables outside© HI FranceHostel

HI Annecy Youth Hostel

117 beds · Rooms of 1 to 5 · Open all year · Bus 15 at the door

Why we like it: A youth hostel open all year at the foot of the Semnoz, with 117 beds in rooms of one to five beds, meals and a bike garage.

The hotel facade among gardens, with the lake and mountains behind© Les TrésomsSpa hotel

Les Trésoms

Lake view · Spa with indoor and outdoor pool · La Rotonde restaurant, starred · Clef verte label

Dogs welcome

Why we like it: A hotel with a spa and a starred restaurant on the slope of the Semnoz, above the lake and a few minutes from the centre of Annecy, with pools and a garden.