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Château et Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges
13th-century medieval keep at the heart of the castle, offering a panoramic 360° view over the town of Faverges and surrounding massifs after climbing 145 steps.
Alpine castle · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA
At a glance
Type
Medieval Keep
Access
Free · No Charge
Duration
30 min – 1 hour (keep visit)
Best season
June – September (opening period)
Parking
Free (castle car park)
Dogs
Not specified
Stroller
Not suitable (145 steps)
Town
Faverges-Seythenex
What is Château et Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges
The Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges is a 13th-century round tower located in the middle of the inner courtyard of Faverges Castle, at 555 metres altitude. Listed in the supplementary inventory of Historic Monuments since 1991 together with the castle courtyard, this keep was part of a strategic observation post between the former counties of Geneva and Savoy.
Restored and inaugurated in 2008, the keep has regained its circular hourd, a wooden defensive gallery characteristic of medieval military architecture. To reach the summit, visitors must climb 145 steps leading to a panoramic platform offering a 360° view over the town of Faverges, the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park, the Bornes massif and the Faverges basin.
The keep visit is organised by the Association of Friends of Viuz-Faverges and the Heritage Guides of Savoie Mont Blanc, who accompany visitors and tell the history of the castle, its successive owners since 1112, and the site's strategic role through the centuries. The castle itself, private property since 2017, hosts events and accommodation, while the keep and courtyard remain open to the public for heritage visits.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
293 Chemin de la Vie Plaine, 74210 Faverges-Seythenex View on map
Coordinates
45.7469° N — 6.2947° E View on map
Altitude
555 m (castle location)
Opening Hours
Mid-June to end of August: Monday to Friday 2:30 PM–6:30 PM, Saturday 10 AM–12 PM. Closed Sundays. Outside summer season: opening for Heritage Days and by request to the association. Verified on official website on 14 May 2026.Verified 14 May 2026
Admission
Free (keep visit organised by the Association of Friends of Viuz-Faverges)
Parking
Free car park at the castle (access via Chemin de la Vie Plaine)
Accessibility
Not accessible to people with reduced mobility (145 steps without lift). Guides available at the top to answer questions from visitors unable to climb.
Contact
04 50 32 45 99 (Viuz-Faverges archaeological museum / Association of Friends of Viuz-Faverges) · Facebook page: Donjon des Seigneurs de FavergesVerified 14 May 2026
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy (~27 km, 35 min), take the D1508 towards Albertville until Faverges-Seythenex. In the town, follow signs for 'Château de Faverges' via Chemin de la Vie Plaine. Free car park on site. From Albertville (~20 km, 25 min), take the D1508 towards Annecy.
Open in MapsBy bike
Cycle access possible from Faverges town centre (~2 km, gradual climb to the castle). Green lane from Lake Annecy is 8 km away (Giez / Doussard).
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
The keep is open from mid-June to end of August, an ideal period to enjoy long days and clear views of the surrounding mountains. Outside this summer season, the keep is accessible during the European Heritage Days (September) and can be visited by request for groups through the Association of Friends of Viuz-Faverges. The climb of 145 steps is more pleasant in dry weather; wear suitable shoes and avoid very hot or stormy days. The castle courtyard offers a shaded setting for a rest before or after the climb.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is admission to the Château et Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges charged?
No. Access to the Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges is free, with the visit organised by the Association of Friends of Viuz-Faverges. The castle itself is a private events venue, but the keep and inner courtyard, listed as Historic Monuments, are open to the public.
How many steps are there to climb in the Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges?
The Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges has 145 steps to reach the summit and panoramic gallery. The climb takes approximately 10 minutes. Bring suitable shoes and avoid very hot weather.
What is the view like from the top of the Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges?
The summit of the Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges offers a 360° panoramic view over the Massif des Bauges (geopark), the Bornes massif, the town of Faverges and the surrounding basin. The wooden gallery (hourd) allows for detailed landscape interpretation.
Is the Château et Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges open year-round?
No. The Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges is open from mid-June to end of August (Monday to Friday 2:30 PM–6:30 PM, Saturday 10 AM–12 PM, closed Sundays). Outside season, visits are available during Heritage Days or by group request on 04 50 32 45 99.
Is the Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges accessible with a stroller or wheelchair?
No. The Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges is not accessible to people with reduced mobility due to the 145 steps without a lift. Heritage Guides remain available at the bottom to answer questions from visitors unable to climb.
What is the history of the Château et Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges?
Faverges Castle entered history in 1112, built by the lord Berlion. The Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges, a 13th-century round tower, was a strategic post between the counties of Geneva and Savoy. Restored in 2008, it has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1991.
Sources
Sources & verification
- www.chateaudefaverges.com
- www.guides-patrimoine-savoie-mont-blanc.fr
- journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr
- www.pays-albertville.com
- www.faverges-seythenex.fr
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
