Ah, Duingt... Is there a better place to escape to? One wonders about that. A true jewel of the Haute-Savoie department, on the left bank of Lake Annecy, Duingt, adored by Cézanne, has been invited to come and discover his most beautiful faces.
Bordering between the large and small Lake Annecy, Duingt is adorned with the gentle nickname of "Pearl of Lake Annecy". And rightly so, since this lake destination is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in the area, marked by the splendour of its heritage and environment. Because that's what attracts visitors to Duingt: its absolutely magnificent, unspoilt setting, which is particularly ideal for recharging one's batteries. To discover the history of Duingt, which dates back to the Middle Ages, head to the heart of the village for an immersion in all that makes up its charm. Along small winding streets, you will discover its beautiful medieval architecture, which gives it a crazy cachet. Anything in particular to see? Châteauvieux castle, no doubt about it. Also called Ruphy castle, it is located on a peninsula in the heart of Lake Annecy. A real postcard setting, this medieval fortress was built in the 11th century before attracting, from the 17th century onwards, theatre, music, poetry and literature enthusiasts who came to seek inspiration in this extraordinary place. This fortified house, housed in a breathtaking natural setting in the hollow of the mountains, has inspired Paul Cézanne as well as many painters and photographers over the centuries. While walking in Duingt, you will certainly cross the road of two other castles, that of Duingt, of which only a large hexagonal tower remains (12th century), and that of Héré: built in the 15th century, it fascinates visitors for the splendour of its 16th century frescoes. Reshaped in a superb neo-gothic style in the 19th century, it still has its old walls, a period barn and outbuildings.
Hikers? You've come to the right place. The municipality of Duingt is criss-crossed by numerous marked paths for all levels of walking, as well as by cycling routes perfect for mountain biking and for family outings. We can only recommend the hike starting from the belvedere and the cave of Notre-Dame-du-Lac, which will take you straight to Taillefer, with incredible panoramas over the whole Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains. The commune of Duingt also has a shady grassy beach, perfect for strolling, reading a book in front of the lake, or even swimming. In terms of water activities, you will have during this stay all the leisure to practice sailing, but also diving, kayaking, water skiing, wakeboarding, paddle or discover the many faces of the lake during sailing boat trips. Finally, take advantage of your holidays in Duingt to visit the old town of Annecy and its mythical Palais de l'Isle, to play a round of golf in Talloires, to paraglide over the lake, to visit the castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, the Bell Museum, to taste delicious fish in one of the lake's starred restaurants (Le Clos des Sens***, l'Esquisse*, Yoann Conte**, La Ciboulette**...), or to take you on a trek or a hike, to discover the viewpoint of the Col de la Forclaz, the Mont Veyrier, the Crêt de Chatillon or the Tournette, for unforgettable views of the blue of the lake.