Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard
A fairytale castle overlooking Lake Annecy, rumored to have inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty. Offers guided tours and stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard
Best Time
Enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A fairytale castle overlooking Lake Annecy, rumored to have inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty. Offers guided tours and stunning views.
"Wonderful fairytale castle beneath jagged mountains, with commanding views of the lake, and a nice cafe and terrace."
🎯 Book Guided Tours Early
Tours are mandatory for interiors. Check for English tours to fully grasp the history .
📸 Capture the Fairytale Views
The château's perch offers incredible photo ops of the lake and mountains .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Fairytale Castle Exterior
Overlooking Lake Annecy
A storybook fortress perched above the lake, rumored to have inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty. A truly magical sight!
Guided Interior Tour
Inside the Château
Step back in time with a guided tour revealing centuries of history, art, and family life within its walls.
Panoramic Lake Views
Château Gardens
Breathtaking vistas of Lake Annecy and the surrounding Alps from the château's elevated position.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Fairytale Setting
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours Early
Tours are mandatory for interiors. Check for English tours to fully grasp the history.
📸 Capture the Fairytale Views
The château's perch offers incredible photo ops of the lake and mountains.
☕ Relax at the Cafe
Enjoy a coffee or snack on the terrace with beautiful lake views.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the grounds and castle interior with ease.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours Early
Tours are mandatory for interiors. Check for English tours to fully grasp the history.
📸 Capture the Fairytale Views
The château's perch offers incredible photo ops of the lake and mountains.
☕ Relax at the Cafe
Enjoy a coffee or snack on the terrace with beautiful lake views.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the grounds and castle interior with ease.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Leave your furry friends at home, though staff may be accommodating for brief check-ins.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard for its fairytale charm and breathtaking views over Lake Annecy. The guided tours are highlighted as informative and engaging, offering a fascinating glimpse into centuries of history. While the gardens are pleasant, they are not the main draw for most.
"Wonderful chateau tucked away in the hills overlooking lake Annecy.
this review pertains to the castle exterior and surrounding gardens
Allow yourself to be transported back in time and get a glimpse of how it feels to live in the Menthon household (1180 AD). The chateau is well kept and the gardens are intricately pruned with tiny little pathways surrounding a wonderful little fountain.
The chateau is not particularly accessible for wheelchair users, as there is no wheelchair accessible toilet.
Parking is plentiful.
There is a cafe and gift shop. The gift shop contains abundant trinkets available for purchase as well as an array of tame pottery offerings.
The chateau do not allow dogs, but the lady was very accommodating and not only gave us slightly cheaper tickets (€3 is the standard price for the outdoor realm) but allowed us to come in and out to tend the dog and swap who was looking after it."
Max Rose
"Wonderful fairytale castle beneath jagged mountains, with commanding views of the lake, and a nice cafe and terrace. The interior was beautiful and fascinating. Our guide Caesar was informative and animated, providing fascinating details of the history and art in the castle. Not to be missed!"
Clare Roberts
"The château is really beautiful, with amazing views over Lake Annecy. There’s a little café and a souvenir shop too. You can only go inside with a guided tour. Ours was in French, but we still enjoyed it—the guide added a few explanations in English here and there.
Inside, you get to see the church, kitchens, bedrooms, library, workrooms, and more. The building itself is very impressive. We came on a super hot day, but thanks to the great insulation it stayed nice and cool inside, which was a relief!
After the tour, we checked out the gardens. They’re pleasant, but quite small and nothing too special. I wouldn’t recommend visiting just for the gardens, but the château itself is definitely worth it."
hila
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The château is located above Lake Annecy. Driving is the most convenient option, with plentiful parking available. Public transport options might require transfers and longer travel times, so check local bus schedules if you're not driving.
Yes, parking is generally plentiful at the château, making it easy for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can only visit the interior of the château as part of a guided tour. These tours are offered in French, but English explanations are often provided.
Ticket prices typically cover access to the grounds and the guided interior tour. Expect around €12 for a combined ticket, which is considered a good value for the experience.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information, especially regarding tour availability in your preferred language.
While not always mandatory, booking guided tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot and preferred language tour.
Yes, the château sometimes hosts special events like medieval festivals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Unfortunately, the château is not very accessible for wheelchair users, and there are no wheelchair-accessible toilets.
Inside, you'll explore various rooms including the church, kitchens, bedrooms, and library, all offering a glimpse into historical life.
The gardens are pleasant and offer lovely views, but some visitors find them to be quite small and not the main highlight compared to the château itself.
Photography policies inside historical buildings can vary. It's best to check with your guide or look for signage regarding photography rules during your tour.
A visit typically includes a guided tour of about an hour, plus time to explore the grounds and enjoy the views, so plan for 1.5 to 2 hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe and a gift shop on-site where you can purchase refreshments and souvenirs.
For more extensive dining options, you'll find restaurants in the nearby towns around Lake Annecy. Le Palace de Menthon also offers drinks with a view.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the château, the panoramic views of Lake Annecy, and the charming gardens offer excellent photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and national heritage locations. It's advisable to check local regulations and château policies before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Children will be captivated by the fairytale atmosphere and the chance to explore a real-life castle. The guided tours, while informative, are often engaging enough to hold younger attention spans, especially with the visual elements of the historic rooms. Consider booking tours that offer English explanations to ensure everyone in the family can follow along. While the gardens are pleasant, the real magic for kids lies in the castle's exterior and the stories it holds. Remember that the château is not wheelchair accessible, which might be a consideration for families with very young children or strollers.
🏰 History Buffs
Beyond the interior, research the Menthon family's lineage and their impact on the region. The château's strategic location also speaks to its historical importance. Visiting during a less crowded time can allow for more focused engagement with the historical context and a deeper appreciation of the château's enduring legacy.
📸 Photographers
Aim for the 'golden hour' in the late afternoon for soft, warm light that enhances the château's charm.Don't miss the panoramic views from the gardens, which offer sweeping vistas of the lake and the Alps – perfect for landscape photography. While interior photography might be restricted, the exterior and grounds provide plenty of material. Consider capturing the château during different weather conditions for varied moods and compositions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Disney Connection
This connection adds an extra layer of enchantment for visitors, particularly families, who can imagine themselves stepping into a real-life fairytale.This romantic association is a significant draw for many tourists. The château's picturesque setting overlooking Lake Annecy further enhances its storybook appeal. It's a place where history and imagination intertwine, offering a unique experience that resonates with visitors of all ages. The visual resemblance, combined with the château's own rich history, makes it a memorable destination for those seeking a touch of magic.
Exploring the Interior: A Journey Through Time
The château's architecture showcases a blend of medieval fortress elements and Renaissance stately home transformations, offering a fascinating architectural study. The guides provide detailed insights into the art, furnishings, and daily life of the noble families who resided here, making the history come alive. Even if the tour is in French, supplementary English explanations are often provided, ensuring a comprehensive experience for international visitors.
Gardens and Views: A Tranquil Escape
The gardens themselves are meticulously pruned, featuring intricate pathways and a charming fountain.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit