Dominating historic Annecy, the former residence of the counts of Geneva and the dukes of Genevois-Nemours is depicted by buildings spanning the 12C to the late 16C: Queen's tower (12C), Old lodge (14-15C), Perrière tower (15C), New Lodge (16C). Today the castle is home to the Regional alpine lakes' observatory devoted to the complex local ecosystems and a local folk-art museum, enriched by a contemporary art collection.