Allinges Old and New feudal castles, Thonon

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Explo writer

Frederic PILI

440 pts.

Off the path Explo

92 %

Off the path Explo rate

Score

4.6 / 5

Comments

This fort is not famous. Only visible on the ExploGuide. Cool!
Article Quality

96 %
Article Quality rate
- Description
  
  Score
  
  5 / 5
  
  Comments
  
  Yep, very good description and tips Frederic!
- Plans & useful information
  
  Score
  
  5 / 5
  
  Comments
  
  Yes, and you added a useful plan!
- Pictures
  
  Score
  
  5 / 5
  
  Comments
  
  Yes, many pics!
- Precise localization on map
  
  Score
  
  5 / 5
  
  Comments
  
  Yes!
- 1 specific article for 1 specific spot
  
  Score
  
  4 / 5
  
  Comments
  
  Yep.
Explo Popularity

%

2 old castles facing each others on the top of a hill overlooking the Leman Lake.

My experience, Explo description:

During the middle age, these 2 castles were the symbols of a relentless fight between the Savoy counts and the Faucigny lords. The castles are only separated by a few hundred meters...

In 1842, a Saint Francis mission settled there (at the "New Castle" : château Neuf in French). The mission is still an important pilgrimage place.

If you search, you can see old catapult balls lying on the ground, down the ruined rampart walls...

Have a look at the 11th century Fresco in the chapel of the "New Castle".

Do not miss the impressive view over the Leman lake from the "New Castle".

The "Old Castle" has still impressive rampart walls ruins.

My personal recommendations:

Park you car in Allinges (at the church, close to the fountain). Cross the road to go on a little dead end street : at the end of the street, go right (W) on a trail. After a 20mn walk on the trail, you will reach the ridge of the hill. From there, walk to the "New Castle" (5-10mn to go). Then, continue on the trail and cross the "Old Castle". From there, the trail goes down back to Allinges.

How getting there:

By car. Drive 4km (SW) from Thonon on the D 903 road. Then follow the signs to Allinges (1km South) from the road.

A tip to eat:

Take a picnic to enjoy the wonderful views from the top of the hill.

Useful information:

Open hours:

All day long.

Visit duration:

Walk tour : 2h.

Entry fees:

Free !

Access security: