Benjamin’s Essential Places

Menthon-Saint-Bernard Castle is a must-see in Haute-Savoie. Majestically overlooking Lake Annecy from its rocky promontory, this medieval fortress, renovated in a Neo-Gothic style in the 19th century, offers a spectacular panorama. Continuously inhabited by the same family for nearly a thousand years, it is said to have inspired Walt Disney for the castle in “Sleeping Beauty.” By entering its grounds, you will immerse yourself in centuries of history, exploring its 105 richly furnished rooms, its vast library, and even its 13th-century kitchens. It is a “Savoyard architectural gem” that brilliantly combines heritage, culture, and nature.

The Wood and Forest Ecomuseum in Thônes is a true immersion into the history and ancestral craftsmanship of the Savoyard valleys. At the heart of the Montremont Valley, this exceptional site features an old 19th-century hydraulic sawmill, the “Scierie des Étouvières,” which still operates thanks to water power. “It’s fascinating to see these mechanisms start up again!” Sawing demonstrations bring the work of sawyers of yesteryear to life. The Ecomuseum highlights the natural and cultural heritage, illustrating the deep connection between man and the mountain forest. You learn about the multifunctional role of wood, from traditional tools to current environmental issues, in a “very educational and friendly” atmosphere.

Annecy Castle is a heritage site of exceptional richness, perched above the old town and offering a spectacular panorama. Formerly the residence of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Savoy, this building, classified as a Historic Monument, bears witness to several centuries of history. Its architecture is a fascinating mix of styles, ranging from the massive Queen’s Tower (12th-14th century), with its four-meter-thick walls, to the Renaissance-style residential lodgings. Today, it houses the Annecy Museum-Castle. The cultural aspect is very rich: you can discover collections of regional art, archaeology, and the Regional Observatory of Alpine Lakes, which highlights the connection with the surrounding nature and the study of lake ecosystems.

The Parmelan Massif is an essential nature destination near Thônes and Annecy, famous for its breathtaking panorama. This limestone plateau, culminating at 1832 meters, offers an astonishing landscape, often compared to a karst field (lapiaz), a geological formation where the limestone rock has been eroded by rainwater, creating a cracked and jagged ground. The ascent, generally starting from the Villaz area or the outskirts of Thônes, leads to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the region. From the summit, the view is “absolutely majestic”: it encompasses Lake Annecy, Mont-Blanc (on a clear day), the Aravis Range, and all the surrounding valleys. A must for hiking enthusiasts!

The Col des Aravis (Aravis Pass), located at 1486 meters of altitude, is a mythical passage that connects the Thônes Valley to Haute-Savoie and the Val d’Arly region. It is one of the most famous mountain passes in the Alps, often used by the Tour de France, which gives it a strong cultural and sporting appeal. Beyond its road aspect, the pass is primarily a place of exceptional panorama. It offers a breathtaking view of the majestic Aravis Range, whose jagged limestone peaks form “a picture-postcard backdrop.” A small oratory dedicated to Saint Anne is erected there, reinforcing the heritage side of the site. In summer, you often encounter herds and alpine farmers, highlighting the strong connection with nature and mountain agriculture. It is an “ideal stopping point for contemplating the wild and preserved beauty” of the Alps.

“An ode to nature and the lakes,” Le Clos des Sens is a three-Michelin-starred establishment that celebrates vegetable and lake cuisine. Located in a contemporary house in Annecy-le-Vieux, this restaurant offers a culinary experience that focuses exclusively on local and Savoyard products. Chef Laurent Petit has successfully transformed freshwater cuisine into high-end gastronomy, “pure and refined.” The atmosphere is calm and elegant, with a magnificent garden that extends the culinary journey. It is Savoyard excellence, where every plate is designed like a painting, inviting “a tasting of finesse and emotion.”

L’Auberge du Père Bise, located on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy in Talloires, is a historic institution that benefits from a natural setting of rare beauty. Directly on the waterfront, this hotel-restaurant offers an “unforgettable panorama” of the lake. Its history is intimately linked to the tourist boom of the lake and has hosted, over the decades, many international personalities, testifying to a rich heritage. The chef perpetuates a culinary history spanning almost a century, while bringing a touch of modernity. The cuisine is delicate and precise, celebrating local products and lake fish. Dining here is a moment of pure luxury and heritage: “an orchestrated ballet facing the water,” where impeccable service completes the memorable experience.