Small village marking the boundary between the small and the big lake of Annecy, Duingt is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the Haute-Savoie department. A town of about 900 inhabitants, it is made up of two old villages, Duingt and Dérée, and takes place twenty kilometers from Albertville and about thirty-five kilometers from Chambéry.
Former property of the County of Geneva, in the Middle Ages, the village of Duingt has long been nicknamed the pearl of the lake because of its important architectural heritage and its exceptional landscapes. The proximity of the town with the city of Annecy and its lake, as well as with the Swiss border, make Duingt an ideal place to spend a quiet holiday to discover the most beautiful tourist sites of the region.
The Château de Châteauvieux, also known as the Ruphy Castle, was built in the 11th century and is part of the Historic Monuments. Located on a peninsula, it features 18th-century interiors rich in woodwork and paintings by Italian artists, as well as beautiful terraces. The old house was strongly rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries, as can be seen in particular with the crenellated terrace of the cylindrical tower. From the original castle, one can still see a tower pierced with archers. The ensemble has inspired many painters over time like Paul Cézanne for example. It should be noted that the pavilion-pier, located on the edge of the lake, is registered with the Historic Monuments.
Two other castles take place in the territory of Duingt, as the castle of Héré. Built in the 15th century, it has been listed in the Historic Monuments, notably for its 16th century frescoes. You can still admire the old enclosure, the outbuildings, as well as a barn. At the end of the 19th century, the castle was completely redesigned in neo-Gothic style. From the castle of Duingt, there remains only one hexagonal tower. This former 12th century fortified castle was strongly altered in the 14th century.
Walking through the town of Duingt, you will appreciate the small winding alleys of the old village, as well as the many traces of medieval architecture. Guided tours are organized regularly during the summer period. Not far from the peninsula, in the shoal of the Roselet, you can admire the remains of a lake dwelling.
From the grotto and belvedere of Notre-Dame-du-Lac, you can take a marked hiking trail leading straight on to Taillefer. You will enjoy a unique point of view on Lake Annecy and its surroundings.
A summer market is held every Tuesday morning between July and August. A night market is also offered during this period. Garage space and dressing rooms are available between June and September.
In April, the trail of the Laudon goes through Duingt. At the same time, the town is also crossed by the marathon of Lake Annecy.
In June, the lights of the Saint-Jean are celebrated on the shores of Lake Annecy.
The musical festival Voix La Dun is held every year at the end of July, and offers several concerts.
