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Châteaux des Allinges
Two rival medieval fortresses facing each other at the summit of a hilltop overlooking Thonon and Lake Léman, with a listed Romanesque chapel and frescoes from the 11th century.
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Medieval fortified castles (ruins)
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
1 h 30 – 2 h 30 on-site
Best season
April – October
Parking
Free (at the foot of the hilltop)
Dogs
Allowed on leash
Stroller
Not suitable (uphill path)
Town
Allinges
What is Châteaux des Allinges
The Châteaux des Allinges are two medieval fortresses in ruins — Château-Neuf and Château-Vieux — located facing each other at the summit of a hilltop 712 metres high, 4 km south-west of Thonon-les-Bains. Built in the 10th century and separated by only 150 metres, they respectively belonged to the House of Savoy and the Lords of Faucigny and clashed for nearly three centuries until the Treaty of Paris in 1355.
The site comprises the remains of two castle enclosures, an 11th-century Romanesque chapel listed as a Historical Monument housing Savoy's oldest fresco, and a viewpoint at 717 metres offering an exceptional panorama over Lake Léman, the Jura and the Prealps. Château-Neuf served as a residence for Saint Francis of Sales from 1594 to 1598 during his evangelization mission to the Chablais following the Savoyard reconquest against the Protestant Bernese. The site remains a place of Salesian pilgrimage.
Dismantled in 1703 on the orders of the Duke of Savoy Victor Amadeus II facing the French threat, Château-Neuf nevertheless retains its chapel restored in 1836 by the Bishop of Annecy. Château-Vieux, abandoned as early as the 14th century, displays older remains including an imposing square keep of 25 metres high. The site has been listed as a Historical Monument since 2010 and is part of the UNESCO Chablais Global Geopark.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Colline des Allinges, access via Mâcheron hamlet or rue d'en Haut from Allinges, 74200 Allinges View on map
Altitude
717 m (viewpoint)
Opening hours
Year-round, dailyVerified 14 May 2026
Fee
FreeVerified 14 May 2026
Parking
Free at the foot of the hilltop (capacity: approx. 12 spaces). Parking mandatory, site access on foot only.
Animals
Allowed on leash
Accessibility
Not suitable for persons with reduced mobility or strollers (uphill trail, rough terrain, ruins)
Walking time
20 min on foot from the parking lot
Guided tours
Guided tours available on reservation with Évasion Léman (heritage guide Bertrand Prieur, tel. 06 56 83 94 27). Free visits year-round.
Amenities
Picnic tables, public restrooms, drinking water tap
Access
How to get there
By car
From Thonon-les-Bains (4 km, 10 min), take the D12 towards Noyer and Mâcheron. At Mâcheron, turn right towards Château-Vieux and the Châteaux des Allinges. Free parking at the foot of the hilltop (12 spaces). Or from Allinges town centre, take rue d'en Haut to the parking lot.
Open in MapsBy bike
Access possible by bike to the parking lot via the D12 from Thonon or Allinges. Last section on foot only (uphill trail not suitable for bikes).
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
The site is accessible year-round, but the best period extends from April to October to fully enjoy the panorama and favourable weather conditions. In summer (July-August), the site benefits from ideal light in the late afternoon to admire Lake Léman and the Alps. Possibility of intense heat with no shade on the plateau. Winter and spring offer quieter visits and clear views on fine days, but beware of ice on trails and ruins in winter. The site organizes regular cultural events: medieval reenactments, photo exhibitions, live shows — check the Allinges municipality agenda or the Chablais Tourist Office.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to the Châteaux des Allinges free?
Yes. Access to the Châteaux des Allinges is free and at no charge year-round, including visits to the Romanesque chapel and the ruins of both fortresses.
How do I get to the Châteaux des Allinges?
By car from Thonon-les-Bains (4 km), take the D12 towards Mâcheron then turn right towards the Châteaux des Allinges. Free parking at the foot of the hilltop, then 20 min walk. Three hiking trails also allow access to the site from Allinges.
What is the best season to visit the Châteaux des Allinges?
The best period to visit the Châteaux des Allinges is April to October, with preference for May, June and September offering pleasant weather and moderate crowds. Summer provides the best conditions for panoramic views over Lake Léman.
Are dogs allowed at the Châteaux des Allinges?
Yes. Dogs are allowed at the Châteaux des Allinges provided they are kept on a leash throughout the site (trails, ruins, chapel).
Are the Châteaux des Allinges accessible by stroller or wheelchair?
No. The Châteaux des Allinges are not accessible by stroller or wheelchair. The access trail from the parking lot has a fairly steep climb over 20 minutes, and the site itself features uneven terrain with ruins and stairs.
How much time should I allow to visit the Châteaux des Allinges?
Allow 1 h 30 to 2 h 30 on-site at the Châteaux des Allinges: 20 min walk from the parking lot, 1 h to 1 h 30 to explore the ruins of Château-Neuf and Château-Vieux, visit the chapel and enjoy the panorama from the viewpoint, then 15 min descent.
Can I visit inside the chapel at the Châteaux des Allinges?
Yes. The 11th-century Romanesque chapel at the Châteaux des Allinges is open for free visits year-round. You can admire Savoy's oldest fresco preserved in the barrel-vaulted apse. The chapel remains a place of worship and Salesian pilgrimage.
Are there guided tours at the Châteaux des Allinges?
Yes. Guided tours of the Châteaux des Allinges are offered by Évasion Léman on reservation (Bertrand Prieur, heritage guide, tel. 06 56 83 94 27). Tours available for school groups, families and individuals with medieval treasure hunt for children.
Sources
Sources & verification
- fr.wikipedia.org
- fr.wikipedia.org
- www.visitesenchablais.fr
- www.thononlesbains.com
- allinges.fr
- pop.culture.gouv.fr
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.