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Château de Clermont

A rare example of Italian Renaissance architecture in the Duchy of Savoy: 3 levels of arcaded galleries inspired by the Palazzo Farnese, built in 1576-1580.

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Renaissance inner courtyard of the Château de Clermont with three levels of arcaded galleries inspired by the Palazzo Farnese at Caprarola, Haute-Savoie
Jibi44 · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Italian Renaissance castle, departmental property
Access
Paid (free under 8 + first Sun. of the month)
Price
Adult €3 · Reduced €2 · Under 8 free · Heritage Days free
Duration
1 h to 1 h 30
Best season
4 April - 1 November 2026
Parking
Free near the castle
Animals
Not allowed inside the buildings
Stroller / Reduced mobility
Allowed in the inner courtyard, upper floors by stairs only
Town
Clermont (74270)
Wheelchair access
Partially accessible Source: Office de Tourisme du Lac d'Annecy

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Price

Plein tarif adulte
3,00 €Visite libre château + cour Renaissance + fouilles
Tarif réduit
2,00 €Étudiants, demandeurs d'emploi, Pass'Région
Gratuité totale
0,00 €Moins de 8 ans · 1er dimanche du mois · JEP
Groupe scolaires
1,50 €Sur réservation, accompagnateurs gratuits

What is Château de Clermont

The Château de Clermont at Clermont-en-Genevois (74270) is a little-known heritage gem: a rare example of Italian Renaissance architecture in the former Duchy of Savoy. Built between 1576 and 1580 by Monsignor Gallois de Regard (1512–1582), bishop of Bagnorea in Italy and chamberlain to Pope Paul IV, it draws directly on the Palazzo Farnese at Caprarola which he knew from his time in Italy. Listed as a Monument Historique in 1950 (façades and inner courtyard), with further protection in 1988 (interiors and roofs); owned by the Haute-Savoie Departmental Council since 1949.

The inner courtyard is the marvel of the Château de Clermont: three superposed levels of arcaded galleries in the Italian manner, with carved foliate ornament, friezes and mascarons and monumental staircases. This architectural treatment is unparalleled in Haute-Savoie and Savoy, where most local castles are either reworked medieval structures or 19th-century Neo-Gothic. Archaeological work is also ongoing near the château on the 13th-century medieval castle it succeeded.

2026 prices are exceptionally affordable: adult €3, reduced €2 (students, jobseekers, Pass'Région), free under 8 plus free on the first Sunday of the month and during the European Heritage Days in mid-September, school groups €1.50. Cultural season from 4 April to 1 November 2026: weekends and school holidays outside summer, Tuesday to Sunday in July and August, closed Monday (except JEP). Heat-wave closures may apply. Partially wheelchair accessible (courtyard and ground floor only). Free parking. One of the most affordable Renaissance châteaux in France for its heritage value.

Activities

What you can do here

Practical

Practical information

Address
Voie communale du Chef-lieu, 74270 Clermont (signposted from the D2 and Frangy) View on map
Coordinates
≈ 46,018° N · 5,944° E (verify on Géoportail)
Altitude
≈ 590 m (castle esplanade)
Opening hours
2026 CULTURAL SEASON: 4 APRIL TO 1 NOVEMBER. Weekends + school holidays outside summer (April-June, Sept-Nov). Tuesday-Sunday in July-August. Closed Mondays (except Heritage Days). 10am-12pm and 2pm-6pm. CLOSED FROM 2 NOVEMBER TO 3 APRIL for winter season. Exceptional closures during heatwaves (prefectural order). Verified on the official website on 24 May 2026 — subject to seasonal changes.
Booking
No booking required for individual visitors (on-site ticketing). Groups (15+) and school groups by phone reservation with the departmental Heritage Service +33 (0)4 50 33 50 12. Verified 24 May 2026.
Parking
Free parking near the Château de Clermont (capacity approx. 30 spaces). Accessible to coaches.
Dogs
Not allowed inside the Château de Clermont buildings (fragile heritage). Allowed on a leash on the grounds outside.
Accessibility
Château de Clermont is partially accessible: the Renaissance inner courtyard and ground floor are wheelchair accessible. Upper floors by stairs only (no lift). Verified 24 May 2026.
Visit duration
1 h to 1 h 30 at the Château de Clermont: courtyard + apartments + archaeological excavations
Contact
Departmental Council Heritage Service +33 (0)4 50 33 50 12 · contact via hautesavoie.fr/evenement/chateau-de-clermont. Verified 24 May 2026.
Access

How to get there

By car

From Annecy (≈25 min, 25 km) via D14 then D2 towards Frangy/Bellegarde, follow 'Clermont' then 'Château de Clermont'. A41 Annecy-Nord exit. Free parking nearby. The Château de Clermont is in the heart of the village.

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Public transport

Cars Région Haute-Savoie line 41 Annecy-Frangy, 'Clermont centre' stop, subject to seasonal timetables. No direct public transport to the Château de Clermont, a car is recommended. Annecy SNCF station 25 km away.

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By bike

Annecy-Frangy greenway nearby. Annecy-Clermont cycle route via D2 and secondary roads (~25 km). Bike parking in the village.

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Nearest stops

  • Pont Collonges · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y13 · 810 m
  • Esplanade · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y13, Y22 · 822 m

Transport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)

When to visit

When to visit

The Château de Clermont is open during the departmental cultural season from 4 April to 1 November 2026: weekends and school holidays outside summer (April-June, September-November), Tuesday-Sunday in July-August, closed Mondays (except Heritage Days). Pre-season April-June and late season September-October: very low visitor numbers, a special atmosphere to enjoy the Renaissance architecture in peace. High season July-August: visitors passing through to Geneva and Lac d'Annecy, moderate numbers. European Heritage Days in mid-September: free, with extra activities. A RARE EXAMPLE OF ITALIAN RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE in the Duchy of Savoy - 3 stacked levels of arcaded galleries inspired by the PALAZZO FARNESE IN CAPRAROLA, built by Mgr Gallois de Regard on his return from Italy in 1576-1580. LISTED HISTORIC MONUMENT 1950 + 1988 (POP record PA00118375). EXCEPTIONALLY AFFORDABLE €3 FULL RATE, one of the cheapest listed Renaissance castles in France. FREE under 8 + first Sunday of the month + Heritage Days. Managed by the Haute-Savoie Departmental Council - guaranteeing quality of the museum experience. Partially accessible. Can be combined with the Genevois valley, the Pont de la Caille (8 km), or an Annecy-Frangy day trip.
Events : 2026 departmental cultural season at the Château de Clermont: 4 April - 1 November. Open-air concerts in the Renaissance courtyard, theatre, temporary exhibitions, talks. European Heritage Days in mid-September (free). Detailed programme on hautesavoie.fr.
Nearby

Where to eat, drink, stay

Photos

Gallery

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How do I book at the Château de Clermont?

The Château de Clermont has free access during opening hours with on-site ticketing during the season (4 April - 1 Nov). No booking needed for individual visitors. Groups (15+) and school groups by reservation with the Heritage Service +33 (0)4 50 33 50 12.

What is the price of the Château de Clermont?

Château de Clermont: adult €3, reduced €2 (students, Pass'Région), free under 8 + first Sun. of the month + Heritage Days, school group €1.50. One of the cheapest Renaissance castles in France. Verified 24 May 2026.

What are the opening hours of the Château de Clermont?

Château de Clermont: cultural season 4 April - 1 Nov 2026. Weekends + school holidays outside summer. Tue-Sun in July-August. Closed Mondays. 10am-12pm and 2pm-6pm. Verified on the official website on 24 May 2026 — subject to seasonal changes.

What is the history of the Château de Clermont?

The Château de Clermont was built in 1576-1580 by Mgr Gallois de Regard (1512-1582), Bishop of Bagnorea and chamberlain to Pope Paul IV, who drew inspiration from the Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola discovered during his stays in Italy.

Why is the Château de Clermont unique in Savoie?

The Château de Clermont is one of the rare examples of Italian Renaissance architecture in the former Duchy of Savoy: 3 stacked levels of arcaded galleries, unmatched in Haute-Savoie, where medieval castles dominate.

Is the Château de Clermont accessible for reduced mobility?

Château de Clermont is partially accessible: the Renaissance inner courtyard and ground floor are wheelchair accessible. Upper floors by stairs only (no lift). Free admission for visitors with reduced mobility plus a companion.

What can you see at the Château de Clermont?

Château de Clermont: 3-level Italian Renaissance courtyard with arcaded galleries, sculpted façades, furnished apartments, archaeological excavations of the neighbouring medieval castle (13th century). Seasonal cultural events.

How do I get to the Château de Clermont from Annecy?

The Château de Clermont is 25 min from Annecy (25 km) via D14 then D2 towards Frangy. A41 Annecy-Nord exit. Free parking nearby. No direct public transport, a car is recommended.

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Sources

Sources & verification

Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.

Published 24 mai 2026·Updated 24 mai 2026

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