Château de Châteauvieux

Châteauvieux Castle, also known as Château Ruphy and often mistakenly called Duingt Castle, is a former fortified house located in the commune of Duingt, Haute-Savoie, France. The building was remodelled several times, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its dramatic position on a rocky islet in Lake Annecy has made it a popular subject for painters and photographers, including Cézanne.

The castle stands on a rock known as Le Roc, which divides Lake Annecy into the large lake to the north and the small lake to the south. Linked to the shore by a causeway, it once controlled lake traffic along the Italy–Geneva route and formed part of the defensive system protecting the western lakeside road.

The origins of Châteauvieux are uncertain, but it belonged from an early date until the 16th century to the Duin (or Duingt) family, vassals of the Counts of Geneva. Ownership later passed through several noble families, including the Genevois-Nemours, Stockalper, Monthouz, Montpiton, and Sales families. In 1700 the keep was restored, and during the 18th century the interior was extensively refurbished, including the creation of a Chinese-style salon and a music room accessible by boat.

During the French Revolution, the relics of Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal were briefly hidden at the castle. Châteauvieux was sold as national property in 1796. In 1839 it was acquired by Baron Scipion Ruphy, who gave the castle much of its present appearance, adding slate roofs, crenellations, and decorative towers.

Today, Châteauvieux has the outward look of a 13th-century castle, dominated by a cylindrical tower. From the medieval structure, the arrow-slit tower, parts of the kitchen, and elements of the defensive works still survive.

Address
Chemin du Château Vieux 34, Duingt, France

Established
13th century