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Ruins of the Château d'Habère-Lullin
Remains of the Gothic castle of Habère-Lullin, built in the 15th century by the marquises of Lullin and burnt down by the SS on Christmas night 1943. A few wall sections and a memorial monument recall the tragedy of the Vallée Verte.
At a glance
Type
Ruins Gothic castle Memorial
Access
Free No charge
Duration
20 to 30 min
Best season
Spring to autumn Guided tours by appointment
Town
Habère-Lullin
What is Ruins of the Château d'Habère-Lullin
The Ruins of the Château d'Habère-Lullin overlook the village of Habère-Lullin in the Vallée Verte, 25 km south-east of Thonon-les-Bains. The château's origins go back to the 15th century, when the marquis of Lullin built a first Gothic-style castle; further wings were added until the 17th century, while preserving the medieval silhouette. The seigneury passed in the early 14th century to the nobles of Fernex, returned in 1429 to Thomas de Genève-Lullin, and was bought in 1696 by the Gerbais de Sonnaz family.
The castle was burnt down on the night of 25–26 December 1943 by the SS of the 28th Todt police regiment: a dance organised for young men evading the STO and for resistance fighters was betrayed and encircled. Several people were shot on the spot, others deported — 32 victims in total, one of the most painful episodes of the Resistance in Haute-Savoie.
Today only a few sections of wall survive, along with a memorial monument raised to the young victims. The site is freely accessible all year round and forms a place of remembrance at the heart of the Vallée Verte.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Village centre, 74420 Habère-Lullin View on map
Coordinates
46.235098 N 6.452860 E
Phone
Alpes du Léman Tourist Office 04 50 39 54 46
Official website
alpesduleman.com habere-lullin.fr
Opening hours
Free access year-round. Guided commentary tours possible on reservation with the Alpes du Léman Tourist Office.
Prices
Free
Access / Parking
Parking in Habère-Lullin village, ruins a few minutes' walk from the centre. From Thonon-les-Bains, 25 km via the D 12 and D 22 (Vallée Verte).
Visit duration
20 to 30 min on site
Audience
Heritage and memory enthusiasts, families, school groups
Pets
Allowed on a leash
Recommended gear
Proper walking shoes, ground can be uneven
Access
How to get there
Nearest stops
- Chef-lieu · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y04 · 303 m
- Chef-lieu · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y04 · 339 m
- Chez Delarche · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y04 · 558 m
- Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Official fares & timetables →
Transport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)
Parking
- Free · 186 m · 12 spaces · Go →
Parking checked on 2026-06-15 · © les contributeurs d'OpenStreetMap sous licence ODbL
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Ruins of the castle of Habère-Lullin freely?
Yes. The Ruins of the castle of Habère-Lullin are open with free access and no charge year-round. Guided commentary tours can be organised on reservation by the Alpes du Léman Tourist Office.
What is the history of the Ruins of the castle of Habère-Lullin?
The castle of Habère-Lullin was built in the 15th century by the marquises of Lullin in Gothic style, enlarged until the 17th century then acquired by the Gerbais de Sonnaz family in 1696. It was burnt down by the SS on the night of 25 to 26 December 1943, during the Christmas 1943 massacre that cost the lives of 32 people.
What remains of the castle of Habère-Lullin today?
Today only a few wall sections of the Ruins of the castle of Habère-Lullin remain, along with a memorial monument erected in memory of the young victims of the Christmas 1943 massacre.
Where are the Ruins of the castle of Habère-Lullin located?
The Ruins of the castle of Habère-Lullin are in the centre of the village of Habère-Lullin (74420), in the Vallée Verte, about 25 km south-east of Thonon-les-Bains.
How long does it take to visit the Ruins of the castle of Habère-Lullin?
Allow 20 to 30 min on site to discover the Ruins of the castle of Habère-Lullin and read the memorial panels. The stop can be extended with a walk in the village and the Vallée Verte.
Are the Ruins of the castle of Habère-Lullin family-friendly?
Yes, the Ruins of the castle of Habère-Lullin can be visited with the family. The ground can be uneven around the remains: bring closed shoes and the usual care for young children near the walls.
Sources
Sources & verification
- OT Alpes du Léman
- Haute-Savoie Tourisme — fiche 11119
- Wikipédia — Massacre d'Habère-Lullin (Noël 1943)
- Le Souvenir Français 74
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
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