As you wander in the Vieille Ville (old town) of Annecy, you will occasionally see signs pointing up narrow cobblestone streets to the Château d'Annecy. It's a short uphill walk (also drivable).

Today the Château is owned by the town and is a museum with a permanent collection of beautiful carved furniture, religious paintings, and other works of art. In addition, it regularly hosts temporary exhibits of both old and more contemporary work.

Just walking through the building is fun. You'll climb old spiral staircases and walk through large reception halls with huge fireplaces. You can look at the view through old glass windows. The Château is also used for receptions and social events.

The Château was built by the Counts of Geneva, starting in the 13th century. In the 16th century it was the residence of the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours, when the area became part of Savoy.

A barracks was built in the 17th century and used until the mid 1900s. The Château fell into ruins but was acquired by the town in the mid 1900s and restored and developed to its new purpose.

There is a small courtyard where you can enjoy views over the rooftops of Annecy.

Hint: If you plan to visit both the Château and the Palais de l'Ile, you can save a little money by buying a combined ticket.

---

About Annecy Annecy Hotels What to See & Do in Annecy Annecy Vieille Ville Driving Around Lake Annecy Annecy Retour des Alpages Annecy Restaurants Annecy Tourist Information Annecy Transportation About the French Alps