Château de Ripaille


Built in 1434 and once home to the Dukes of Savoy, this turreted and ivy-clad castle was restored to its former glory in the late-19th century. It has a garden for summer dining and a 22-hectare vineyard (buy a bottle on site). It's 2km northeast of central Thonon.

Inside the castle, visitors can explore chambers dressed in 19th-century style and watch a short educational film.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Casino d'Évian

5.01 MILES

Built in 1911 in neo-Byzantine style, the domed Casino has 10 tables, 250 machines, two hotels and five restaurants at which to relieve your wallet of its…

2. Villa Lumière

5.07 MILES

Once the summer residence of the Lumière family, of cinematic fame, this ornate French-classical villa became the town hall in 1927. During opening hours…

3. Palais Lumière

5.1 MILES

Built in Évian's belle époque heyday, this neoclassical lemon-and-cream spa now houses conventions and exhibitions. It hosts impressive temporary shows of…

4. Source Cachat

5.1 MILES

Locals take pleasure in hauling huge canisters to these outdoor taps and filling them with Évian water, straight from the source. The taps are framed by…

5. Jardin des Cinq Sens

7.78 MILES

Slumbering in the shadow of a 14th-century castle and enclosed by walls, the Jardin des Cinq Sens is designed to be experienced through sight, touch,…

6. Château de Morges

8.18 MILES

Dominating Morge's port is the squat, four-turreted 13th-century Château de Morges built by Savoy duke Louis in 1286 and home to four military-inspired…

7. Rolex Learning Centre

9.78 MILES

This quirky building (which topographically looks like a slice of Emmental cheese) houses the main campus of the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne …

8. Musée Romain Lausanne-Vidy

10.48 MILES

Check out the remains of Roman Lousonna, and the adjacent museum, housed on the site of a Roman villa, with its modest collection of artefacts. Walk or…