Château-Musée de Montrottier

About the museum

The Château de Montrottier, in the States of Savoy, occupies a strategic position near one of the few crossing points over the Fier torrent. This pentagonal fortress is organised around an imposing cylindrical keep of the 15th century. The Tour des Religieuses, built in the 13th century, is the oldest part and now houses the heart of the collections; the living quarters and the Guards’ Hall date from the 14th century.

Over time, the castle lost its military role and became a residence. Several families succeeded one another, including the Menthon family, the family of General Dufour, the Lyon industrialists Frèrejean and, finally, Léon Marès, from 1906 to 1916. This singular collector bequeathed his estate and collections to the Académie florimontane in 1916.

The castle has been protected as a historic monument and open to the public since 1919. It has held the Musée de France label since 2003. As Léon Marès wished, the presentation of his collections has not been changed: music, games, clothing, furniture, the art of war, tableware, leisure and childhood sit alongside pieces from all periods and cultures.

Highlights

• Léon Marès’s cabinet of curiosities, left as the collector had displayed it
• Armoury, visible only on a guided tour
• Room of oriental collections, visible only on a guided tour
• Samurai armour, faience and ancient weapons
• 15th-century cylindrical keep and 13th-century Tour des Religieuses
• Treasure hunt for children

Permanent exhibition

• Cabinet de curiosités de Léon Marès – Collections from all periods and cultures, including samurai armour, faience and ancient weapons, presented as the collector wished.

Founded

1919

Operated by

Académie florimontane

Visitors per year

approx. 35,392

Admission & discounts

The entrance ticket includes free access to the grounds and certain rooms; daily guided tours are included in the price. Payment in euros, by bank card, cheque or Chèques-vacances.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

One disabled parking space and walking aids with a seat (chaises-cannes) for visits are available. No elevator. Small dogs are allowed in the rooms if carried in arms.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Interactive visit route and treasure hunt with a chest for children to open; family rate. Birthday packages for groups of up to 10 children from age 5 (€150 for the 2027 package). Baby changing table in the shop’s toilets.

Getting there & parking

The castle is 10 km from Annecy. Follow the signs for “châteaux de Montrottier” and “Gorges du Fier”. From Annecy via Poisy: D14, then Lovagny and D64; via Chavanod: D16, then D116. In 2026, the Annecy City Tour panoramic bus serves the castle via the Gorges du Fier (Wednesdays and Sundays from April 5 to October 14; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays from August 4 to 25).

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Souvenir shop, ice cream and cold drinks; picnic tables on the grounds. Several restaurants are nearby, including the restaurant of the Montrottier golf course.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 80 guests.

Guards’ Hall (80 people), Cellar (40 people), terrace and jousting ground for receptions and seminars. Hire of the spaces for an evening until 06:00: €4,000.

Plan your visit