Logo bleu
Logo bleu
chateau-Duingt.jpg
chateau-Duingt.jpg

Duingt and its Castle: Come Discover Châteauvieux

In Haute-Savoie, not far from Annecy, is the small village of Duingt . Although the area is bordered by a national road, which also facilitates travel for local residents, the village faces the famous Châteauvieux, a renowned castle in the region. It goes by several names: sometimes it’s called Château Ruphy, or commonly, and mistakenly, Duingt Castle, a name that actually refers to ruins located within the commune.

What is its history? What can you see around this old fortified house? That’s what we will explore in this article dedicated to Duingt Castle!

Table of Content

The history and architecture of Duingt Castle

Duingt Island (which became a peninsula over time), located in the heart of Lake Annecy, has been occupied for nearly 1000 years by Duingt Castle, formerly called Châteauvieux for reasons long forgotten, a fortress of medieval origin.

Until the 16th century, the site was occupied by the de Duin family, vassals of the Counts of Geneva; their lands stretched from Provenche (Saint-Jorioz) to Beauvivier (Doussard).

After changing hands several times (including the Marquis de Sales, among others), Châteauvieux was sold as national property on August 20, 1796, to Jean Berthet de Bossey, before being repurchased by Baron Scipion Ruphy in 1839. The latter undertook renovations there, particularly for the roof and the large round tower, which gives the castle a 13th-century appearance. In addition to this, Duingt Castle has its own cylindrical tower, giving it the majestic look it is known for today.

Beyond its magnificent exterior architecture, the castle’s interior remains sumptuous: decorated in the 18th century, the salons feature wood paneling into which canvases by Italian painters have been inserted, depicting, in the style of the era, “chinoiseries” and “pastorals.”

Duingt-chateau.jpg

What to see around Lake Annecy

Besides Duingt Castle, Lake Annecy is ideal if you wish to visit typical villages during your stay, such as Veyrier-du-Lac, a magnificent village due to the beautiful properties located there, but also practical if you are looking for various activities: you can go hiking on Mont Veyrier, as the village is situated at its foot, or visit its beach to sunbathe and stroll, especially in summer. Another village to visit: Talloires. Often nicknamed the “little Monaco of the lake,” Talloires is a particularly popular resort known for its microclimate and its Pyroconcerts that enliven the bay in summer.

How can we talk about Lake Annecy without mentioning the region’s flagship city, Annecy? With its picturesque canals, medieval architecture, and bridges, the Venice of the Alps has everything to make you dream! Besides the city itself, due to its location, outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking in the mountains and enjoy an exceptional natural environment. To learn more about Annecy, read our dedicated article!

Outdoor activities nearby

Both iconic and secretive, Duingt Castle opens its doors a few days each year, between May and October, offering the opportunity to enjoy several cultural events, such as free screenings, suspended concerts, and a special show: La Presqu’Île de l’Imaginaire. In early July, in front of the lake and the castle lawns, you can enjoy various performances related to our times; for example, during this event, a troupe of 17 artists presented, in 2021, “Le Roi s’amuse” by Victor Hugo.

In addition to all this, if you want to enhance your stay with outdoor activities, especially if you come during the summer, there are plenty around the lake: you can enjoy the clear and pristine waters by practicing water activities, such as sailing or paddleboarding, but also out of the water by taking one of the pedestrian sections that border the lake. End to end, this path is approximately 27.59 kilometers long, which is the circumference of the lake. Finally, for those who prefer calmer activities, it is possible to fish around Lake Annecy if you have a license for this purpose.

If you want to know what to do around Lake Annecy, click here !

Restaurants and local cuisine

During your stay in Duingt, you will certainly hear about the restaurant La Terre du Bellevarde, a place that offers a culinary and friendly experience, with breathtaking views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains. In a magnificent setting, you will enjoy a varied menu with homemade dishes, made from local products: tasty grilled meats, vegetarian options, Sunday brunch… In short, this “guinguette” offers a warm atmosphere where all taste buds will be delighted.

For those who want to discover more about local gastronomy, other restaurants around the lake are worth trying, such as Restaurant Chez ma Cousine, with its seasonal menu, Bistrot du Port, an establishment offering traditional cuisine with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, or Le 1903, a more upscale restaurant that highlights a quality gourmet meal.

Duingt Castle

Tips for planning your visit

Depending on the season you choose to visit Duingt Castle, we advise you to pack accordingly: indeed, if you plan to go during the summer, light clothing, swimsuits, and sun protection will be essential, because, even if you are surrounded by mountains, the sun can be intense. Furthermore, if you wish to hike during your stay, prepare a water bottle and something to protect yourself from the sun.

Conversely, in winter, you will need to bring warm clothes and good shoes that are resistant to humidity, as temperatures are quite low and the region remains damp. These are obvious tips, but it’s always good to remember them so that your stay goes as smoothly as possible.

Discover Duingt and its castle!

Duingt and its castle are must-see places around Lake Annecy : with its rich history and charming environment, the village has everything to please, especially for visitors looking for a varied region full of outdoor activities.

Before heading to Duingt and its castle, all that’s left is to find the ideal accommodation: visit our website to find the lodging that suits you!

RENTALS
LAKE ANNECY
APARTMENTS
LAKE ANNECY
HOUSES
LAKE ANNECY
Facebook Instagram Youtube