The best castles to visit in Haute-Savoie

Last remnant of Thonon's medieval fortifications: Porte des Lombards, square tower, 19th-century Rabelaisian friezes. Exteriors free, JEP visits in September.

Ruins of a 10th–12th-c. castle, residence of the Sires of Faucigny before Bonneville. Col at 862 m, 15–20 min trail. Free access year-round, restoration in progress.

13th-century medieval keep, 145 steps, 360° view over the Bauges and Faverges valley. Free admission, listed as a Historic Monument.

13th-c. castle of the lords of Cervens, cylindrical keep + round towers. Listed MH 1932. Exteriors free, privately owned. Commune of Lully.

Two medieval castles facing each other atop a hilltop, residence of Saint Francis of Sales. Panoramic view over Lake Léman. Free access year-round in Allinges.

14th-century medieval tower at the Port de Rives, last remnant of the 1283 mestralie. The name comes from a feudal due of ox tongues, abolished in 1773. Free access.

12th-century abbey listed as a Historic Monument. Free summer exhibition, 13th-century church and restored abbots' lodge. Free visit in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.

15th-century fortified manor listed MH 1944 at Lully (Chablais): four round corner towers with conical roofs, taken by the Genevans in 1590. Visible from outside.

16th-century fortified manor listed MH 1994 at Scionzier (Faucigny): 17th-century wall paintings and 1840 panoramic wallpaper. Visible from the road, closed to the public.

11th-century Cistercian abbey with interpretation centre and immersive 3D visit. Rates: €7 adult, €3.50 child. Open year-round in Saint-Jean-d'Aulps.

14th-century fortified manor restored by the Guyon family since 1971: water-filled moat, drawbridge, medieval wall paintings, escape game. Adult €10.

Rare Italian Renaissance château (1576–1580) in Savoy. Three levels of arcaded galleries, listed MH 1950. Adult €3, free under 8. 4 April to 1 November 2026.

Historic castle inhabited by the de Sales family since 1559. 4-star hotel, reception and seminar venue. Saint Francis of Sales and Cavour collections. Closed to public visits.

14th-century fortified manor, renovated 2019–2021, with the 500 m² Observatoire des Alpes. 50+ interactive modules on 4 floors. Full wheelchair access. Adult €7.50.

13th-c. fortified manor + cabinet of curiosities with 1,500 pieces (samurai, bronzes). 36 m keep with views of the Fier Gorges. Adult €10, open 29 March–31 Oct 2026.

14th-c. residence of Amadeus VIII (Pope Felix V), charterhouse, 1892–1903 restoration. Arboretum + AOC Ripaille wines. Adult €12, open 1 April–2 November 2026.

Castle built in 1260 by Beatrice of Faucigny: Black Tower 21 m + White Tower 15 m, prison from the 16th c. to 1934. Guided tour €5. Exteriors free year-round.

Restored 13th-century fortified house: 'Mont-Blanc côté Val Montjoie' display, 'Mountain rescue' winter exhibition Dec 2025–Apr 2026, Archipel Art Centre. Adult €5.