Hotels in Menthon-Saint-Bernard

Menthon-Saint-Bernard: Lakeside Village Below a Medieval Castle

Menthon-Saint-Bernard sits on the southern shore of Lac d'Annecy in the Haute-Savoie department, roughly 8 km east of Annecy town. The village is defined by Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, a 13th-century fortress perched 100 metres above the lake on a wooded promontory — the birthplace, according to local records, of Saint Bernard of Aosta in 1020. The château remains privately owned and opens to visitors on selected afternoons between May and September. Below it, a small beach and sailing harbour anchor the lakefront, with the Dents de Lanfon ridge rising sharply behind the rooftops.

Where to Stay

Hotels and chambres d'hôtes line the lakeside road (Route du Bord du Lac), giving guests direct access to the water. Most properties are small and seasonal, filling quickly in July and August when lake temperatures reach 24 °C. Paragliders from Col de la Forclaz (1,150 m), 4 km uphill, land on the village beach most afternoons in summer, making the waterfront unusually animated for a settlement of around 1,800 residents.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Buses connect Annecy bus station to Menthon in approximately 25 minutes on the Ligne 6051 service.
• Season: Book accommodation at least six weeks ahead for July and August; many properties close November through March.
• Beach access: The public beach charges no entry fee; parking fills by 10 a.m. on summer weekends.