Paid
Fier canyon, footbridges 25 m above the torrent and the free Chemin des Châteaux loop. In Lovagny, 10 km from Annecy, Haute-Savoie.
A 13th-century fortified house restored in neo-Gothic style, housing a cabinet of curiosities unique in the Savoy region (Japanese samurai armour, the Marès bronzes) above the Gorges du Fier.

The Château de Montrottier at Lovagny (74330) is one of the most striking castles in Haute-Savoie: a 13th-century fortified manor, remodelled in the 15th (cylindrical keep), the 18th (main residence) and finally restored in Neo-Gothic style in the 19th by Léon Marès, a wealthy collector who acquired the estate in 1906. At his death in 1916 he bequeathed the castle and its collections to the Académie Florimontane, which still manages the site. The spectacular setting overlooks the Fier Gorges just 800 metres away.
The highlight of the visit is the cabinet of curiosities, unique in the Pays de Savoie: over 1,500 pieces assembled by Léon Marès. 17th-century Japanese samurai armour, faience, antique African and Asian weapons, bronzes, manuscripts, ivories and ethnographic objects offer a journey across world civilisations. The 36-metre cylindrical keep (15th century) is climbed by a spiral staircase and gives an exceptional panorama over the Fier Gorges and the Semnoz range. A 4-hectare landscaped park with arboretum and formal gardens completes the visit.
2026 prices: adult €10, child 6–15 €6, free under 6, reduced €8 (students, jobseekers, seniors 65+), family pass €28 (2 adults + 2 children, saving €4), adult groups (15+) €8 with guided tour, school groups €4. Open from 29 March to 31 October 2026: Wed–Sun 2pm–6pm in March–May and September–October, daily 10am–6pm in July–August. Free parking, partial wheelchair access (ground floor and park accessible; keep not adapted). Car recommended (no direct public transport).
From central Annecy (10 min) via D14 then D116 towards Lovagny, follow signs for 'Château de Montrottier' (60 allée du Château). A41 Annecy-Sud exit, 5 minutes away. Free parking at the entrance to the estate.
Open in MapsSIBRA urban bus line Annecy-Lovagny (check seasonal timetables). Annecy SNCF station is 12 km away; a taxi/ride-share or car is recommended for direct access to Château de Montrottier.
Open in MapsAnnecy Agglo cycle paths. Annecy-Lovagny route via D116 (10-15 km depending on starting point). Bike parking at the estate's car park.
Open in MapsTransport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)
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Château de Montrottier has open access during opening hours with on-site ticketing during the season (29 March-31 Oct). No booking needed for individuals. Groups (15+) and school groups by reservation on +33 (0)4 50 46 23 02.
Château de Montrottier: adult €10, child 6-15 €6, free under 6, reduced rate €8, family pass €28 (2 adults + 2 children, save €4), adult group rate €8, school group €4. Verified 24 May 2026.
Château de Montrottier: open from 29 March to 31 October 2026. Wed-Sun 2pm-6pm outside high season, every day 10am-6pm in July-August. Closed from 1 Nov to 28 March. Verified on the official website 24 May 2026 — subject to seasonal changes.
The cabinet of curiosities at Château de Montrottier brings together 1,500+ pieces gathered by Léon Marès (died 1916): 17th-century Japanese samurai armour, earthenware, ancient weapons, bronzes, manuscripts, ivories. Unique in the Savoy region.
Château de Montrottier is a 13th-century fortified house, with a keep added in the 15th century, its living quarters reworked in the 18th, and a 19th-century neo-Gothic restoration by Léon Marès, who bequeathed the château in 1916 to the Académie Florimontane (its current custodian).
The Gorges du Fier are just 800 m from Château de Montrottier. A classic day out: Gorges du Fier in the morning (€6) + Château de Montrottier in the afternoon (€10) = a full heritage day just 10 minutes from Annecy.
Château de Montrottier is partially accessible: the ground floor of the château and the 4-hectare landscaped park are wheelchair-accessible. The cylindrical keep is not accessible (spiral staircase).
Château de Montrottier is 10 minutes from central Annecy via D14 then D116 towards Lovagny, at 60 allée du Château. A41 Annecy-Sud exit, 5 minutes away. Free parking at the entrance. A car is recommended (no direct public transport).
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.