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Château de la Croix
16th-century fortified manor of the lords of La Croix, later Rochette, at Scionzier: 17th-century wall paintings and an 1840 panoramic wallpaper. Listed Monument Historique 1994, visible from the road.
Ajakane · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
16th-century fortified manor · MH 1994
Access
Visible from outside (private property)
Price
No interior visit
Duration
15 to 30 minutes
Best season
Year-round
Parking
Village of Scionzier (free)
Town
Scionzier
What is Château de la Croix
The Château de la Croix is a historic fortified manor that overlooks the Arve valley from the commune of Scionzier (74950), a few kilometres downstream from Cluses, in the Faucigny. While local tradition mentions a medieval 12th-century core, the building as it stands today is essentially a 16th-century construction, built by the lords of La Croix, who later allied by marriage with the Rochette family. The castle's history is closely tied to that of the Faucigny and its noble lines.
The château preserves several remarkable decorative features: 17th-century wall paintings — exceptional in the region — and notably an 1840 panoramic wallpaper in one of the salons, a rare piece of 19th-century classical interior décor. Several parts of the castle were listed as Monument Historique in 1988, then more broadly in 1994.
The château is privately owned and not open to the public, but is clearly visible from the road through Scionzier.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Château de la Croix, 74950 Scionzier (visible from the road) View on map
Coordinates
46.059° N · 6.552° E
Altitude
≈ 490 m (Arve valley)
Opening times
Free external view, year-round. No interior visit (private property closed to the public). Verified on 10 June 2026.
Prices
No ticketing: no interior visit. External view from the road is free. Verified on 10 June 2026.
Official site
Heritage record on monumentum.fr (PA00118442). No dedicated official site.
Phone
Scionzier town hall: +33 (0)4 50 98 09 36
Access / Parking
Free parking in the village of Scionzier. The castle is visible from the main road. Reached from the A40, Cluses-Centre exit.
Duration
15 to 30 minutes to look at the castle from outside and read up on its historical context.
Audience
Lovers of heritage and of the seigneurial families of the Faucigny, photographers.
Accessibility
External view from the public road. No dedicated facilities. Private property — no direct access to the castle.
Animals
Dogs allowed on a lead in the village of Scionzier.
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
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Gallery
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit inside the Château de la Croix at Scionzier?
No, the Château de la Croix at Scionzier is private property and closed to the public. It can only be seen from the road. No interior visits are organised.
What is the history of the Château de la Croix?
The Château de la Croix is a fortified manor mainly built in the 16th century by the lords of La Croix, later linked to the Rochette family. Its history is tied to that of the Faucigny. Inscribed MH 1988, listed MH 1994.
Where is the Château de la Croix?
The Château de la Croix lies in the commune of Scionzier (74950), in the Arve valley (Faucigny), near Cluses. It is visible from the main road. GPS: 46.059° N · 6.552° E.
How much does it cost to visit the Château de la Croix?
The Château de la Croix at Scionzier cannot be visited inside. The external view from the road is free. No ticketing. Verified on 10 June 2026.
What are the opening times of the Château de la Croix?
The Château de la Croix at Scionzier is visible from the road 24/7, year-round. No visiting hours (interior closed). Verified on 10 June 2026.
Why is the Château de la Croix listed as a Monument Historique?
Several parts of the Château de la Croix at Scionzier are listed Monument Historique (1994, PA00118442) for their architectural value and decoration: 17th-century wall paintings and an 1840 panoramic wallpaper in one of the salons.
Where can you park to see the Château de la Croix?
Free parking in the village of Scionzier, near the road from which the Château de la Croix is visible. No dedicated parking for the monument.
What else is there to see around the Château de la Croix?
Around the Château de la Croix at Scionzier, you can visit Cluses and its Museum of Watchmaking and Bar-Turning (5 km), head up to the Solaison plateau, or carry on to Sallanches and the Mont-Blanc country.
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Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
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