Reached from the main part of Annecy by a bridge and surrounded by water on three sides, Le Palais de I’lle’s grand and beautiful gothic façade belies its past as a prison. Today it houses a museum in which it is very much worth serving time.

Set high above the city on a mountaintop, the Bastille was once an important line of defence on the alpine frontier. Today it is served by the oldest cable car in France. Hmmm, but don’t be afraid and you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the city and the Alps.

This fine medieval castle stands between the foothills of the Alps and the river Rhône. You’ll find a large collection of furniture, ceramics, weapons, tapestries and objects brought back from Africa and Asia.

High above the commune of Menthon stands this elaborate chateau which still contains many of its original furnishings. At weekends and public holidays, actors in period costumes make the historic effect complete.