DUINGT   The Pearl of the Lake  (pronounce douin) Latin origin of divinus. Could be the name of the landowner of the place.

According to a study by Perrenot, it is possible that the origin is Burgundian: Dugingo, which means mound (Duno in Celtic). The population of Duingt was estimated at 886 inhabitants in 2007.

It inhabits a small part of the area of the commune. Total area of 4.4 km².

The Entrevernes stream flows along the authentic hamlet of “Maisons” to its peaceful and accessible shores of Duingt. The town hall and the church are located at 447 meters altitude. The summit of the commune reaches 1202 meters (Le roc des bœufs).

Old village - History – Construction

The oldest house dates from the 13th century. The current owners have undertaken the restoration of a 14th-century strong house. The rest of the village continues to expand over the following centuries. Do not miss visiting this well-preserved past.

Coming from Annecy, you cannot miss seeing in the bend of Duingt a castle.

The old castle. A stone sentinel placed there, for nearly a thousand years, is the privileged witness of the passing time.

Occupying a strategic position, it oversees the lake and the road, a mandatory passage for commercial exchanges between Geneva and Italy. Built on an island originally, it was later attached to the shore.

Origin of the castle: It took the name of Old Castle when its owners built another one, a few years later, on the northern face of the Taillefer, called the Count's Castle of Duingt (or the rock).

Since 1839 it is more known under the name of RUPHY castle, from the surname of its owner, the lawyer Pierre-Scipion RUPHY. (He also acquired the Dhéré castle.) It was he who undertook major works to give this huge medieval building the appearance it has today. For the anecdote, on August 25, 1844, the city of Annecy inaugurated a statue, to pay tribute to the scientist BERTOLLET. Before fixing it on the base, where it is still today, it was decided that it would take a tour of the lake. After Talloires, the statue was welcomed by the Ruphys at the Duingt castle.

Overlooking the beach, you will see its second castle. The Dhéré castle. Built around 1200, this former strong house was modified at the beginning of the 16th century. Passing from the hands of Saint François de Sales' grandfather, it now belongs to the Frèrejean Family. The new safety standards prevent the organization of festivities, (Reception, classical music concert)

You also cannot miss at the entrance of the village its beach appreciated by all and especially in July August by Dutch and English tourists. A few superb wooden boats moored at the communal pontoon. Nearby, the moorings offer a place for sailboats and other motorboats. Nautical Base

About 3 km of shoreline remains partly accessible. From the intense lake traffic until the beginning of the 20th century, the pier remains, next to the castle. Through there, for centuries, all trades were transited. (wine from the slopes of Talloires, wood, coal from Entrevernes,)

Today the Lake Annecy Boat Company masterfully orchestrates the commented visit of the lake. Immediate boarding on La Belle Etoile, the Allobroge, the Cygne, the Savoie or the original Ms Libellule. www.annecy-croisieres.com/

Good plan: Stations of the Cross: A few steps from the church, starts the Stations of the Cross leading to the oratory of Notre Dame du Lac. Higher up, dominates the statue of Saint Michael defeating the Dragon. Statue cast in the Denonvilliers foundries and offered by Miss SERAND in 1890 DUINGT. According to a study by Perrenot, it is possible that the origin is Burgundian: Dugingo, which means mound (Duno in Celtic). The population of Duingt was estimated at 886 inhabitants in 2007.