Orlando, to Geneva, Switzerland.

Annecy is famous for its stunning natural beauty, earning it the nickname "Venice of the Alps" due to its crystal-clear Lake Annecy, charming canals, and pastel-colored buildings in the medieval Old Town (Vieille Ville). It's renowned for outdoor activities like paragliding, water sports, hiking, and skiing, plus cultural highlights like the Palais de l'Île, Annecy Castle, and its world-renowned Animated Film Festival (Festival International du Film d'Animation).  

Vincent’s family’s hotel.

 
 

The view outside my room to the little town.

The Château de Montrottier near Annecy, France, is a well-preserved 13th-century medieval fortress with a distinctive cylindrical keep (dungeon) and other towers, built to guard a Fier river crossing, featuring intact collections of arms, tapestries, and curiosities in its rooms and fun, interactive gardens. Visitors can explore its unique architecture, including the "Tour des Religieuses", and its diverse collections, with guided tours offering access to hidden rooms and a journey through history. 

 

Architecture: A pentagonal fortress with buildings from the 13th-16th centuries, centered around a cylindrical keep with battlements and a separate square "Tower of the Nuns".

  • Collections: Houses an eclectic museum with weapons, Asian artifacts, furniture, armor, and tapestries, collected by Léon Marès.

  • Location: Perched on a rocky hill near the Gorges du Fier, overlooking the valley where a medieval road to Geneva passed.

  • Gardens: Interactive gardens with clues for children, featuring themed walks and playful elements. 

Yes, we climbed the 86 steps to the top of the dungeon tower.

Château de Montrottier Tower Details

  • Structure: The castle complex includes a cylindrical keep, a square tower called the "tower of the nuns," and a corner turret, which houses the spiral staircase.

  • Staircase Features: The 14th-century corner turret contains a superb spiral staircase with a hollow core. Visitors climb 87 steps to reach the top of the keep (dungeon).

  • The "Dungeon": Contrary to modern assumptions about dungeons, the area below ground in medieval castles like Montrottier often served as the kitchen or storage, not a prison. The keep, or main tower, is the structure visitors climb for the view.

  • View: From the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area, including a glimpse of Mont Blanc.

  • Visiting Information: The castle houses eclectic collections of art, weapons, and curiosities. Photography is generally not allowed inside the rooms, but the tower climb is a highlight of the visit. You can find more information about visiting the castle on the official Domaine et château de Montrottier website or the Lake Annecy Tourist Office website. 

Vincent’s backyard.

 

The balcony outside my room.

Dinner friends and relatives at the hotel.

Dinner with Vincent’s mother.