Heritage sites in Lake Annecy

Annecy Heritage Trail

The Annecy Heritage Trail spans centuries of Savoyard history, from the UNESCO-listed prehistoric pile dwellings at Petit Port to the medieval fortifications of the Château d'Annecy and Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard. This route includes the iconic 12th-century Palais de l'Isle, a former prison situated in the Thiou canal, and the 19th-century architecture of the Haras National. These sites showcase the region's evolution from strategic military strongholds and episcopal residences, like the Manoir de Novel, to centers of horse breeding and ancient lakeside settlements.

Flip de Bruyn / CC BY-SA 4.0

Palais de l'Isle

A 12th-century fortified house and former prison located on a rocky island in the Thiou canal. Throughout history, it has served as a courthouse, a mint, and an administrative center for the Counts of Geneva.

Torsade de Pointes / CC BY-SA 4.0

Château d'Annecy

The Château d'Annecy is a restored castle which dominates the old French town of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie département.

B. Brassoud / CC BY-SA 4.0

Châteauvieux

Also known as Château d'Héré, this late 14th-century fortified house in Duingt was built to monitor the route between Annecy and Faverges. It features traditional Savoyard military architecture and stands near the shores of Lake Annecy.

André PERRIN / Public domain

Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard

The Château de Menthon is a medieval castle located in the commune of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, 12 kilometres south of Annecy in the Haute…

Manoir de Novel

A 12th-century manor house that served as a residence for the Counts of Geneva and later the Bishops of Geneva. The site includes a courtyard, a square tower, and agricultural buildings reflecting its history as a seigniorial estate.

Site sublacustre du Petit Port

A prehistoric archaeological site consisting of remains from an ancient stilt-house settlement submerged in Lake Annecy. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps, dating to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.

Florian Pépellin / CC BY-SA 3.0

Haras national d'Annecy

Established in the 19th century, this former national stud farm was dedicated to horse breeding. The site features neoclassical buildings and landscaped grounds that now serve as a public park and cultural space.