The Haras d’Annecy covers three hectares right in the city centre. Once dedicated to horses, this historic site is now home to a vast landscaped park, the Halles du Haras and the Cité internationale du cinéma d’animation. With a museum, exhibitions, a cinema, an artists’ residence and dining areas, it has become a venue dedicated to culture, socialising and relaxation.
The history of the Annecy Stud
Annecy has been home to a stud farm since the First Empire, established to bring together stallions for horse breeding, particularly to meet the needs of the army. The current buildings were constructed between 1880 and 1885 by the architect Ruphy. Originally situated on the outskirts, the site is now in the heart of the city.
The stud farm closed in 2005 as part of the reorganisation of the National Stud Farms. Listed as a historic monument in 2007, it was subsequently purchased by the City of Annecy.
Its architecture follows a simple and functional layout. The central building formerly housed the saddlery and the veterinary surgery, whilst staff accommodation occupied the adjoining wings. The site also includes a large indoor riding arena, used for many years by the La Cravache d’Annecy equestrian club. The manager’s house stands in the middle of the grounds. In total, more than twelve buildings make up this complex, which was once dedicated to the breeding and care of horses.
The site then closed to the public in 2023 to allow for its renovation and conversion. After several years of work, the stud farm reopened in 2026 with new spaces dedicated to animated film, culture, dining and leisure walks.
The International Centre for Animated Film
Located at the heart of the Haras, the Cité internationale du cinéma d’animation offers everyone the chance to discover the history, techniques and diversity of this art form. It comprises several areas:
The Museum of Animated Film
The animated film collections of the Musée-Château d’Annecy have held the ‘Musée de France’ designation since 2003. Having been on display for nearly twenty years at the Conservatoire d’art et d’histoire, they are now exhibited at the museum, located at the Haras.
Forming part of the Cité internationale du cinéma d’animation, this 450 m² space is entirely dedicated to this art form. The Annecy Museums hold over 10,000 works related to animated film. The museum displays around 150 of these, accompanied by documents, film clips, interviews with directors and interactive displays.
The selection changes twice a year so that you can discover new exhibits on a regular basis.
The exhibition comprises five sections where you can:
- discover the history of animated film,
- understand the techniques used to bring images to life,
- explore the diversity of styles and practices,
- admire graphic and visual artworks,
- gain a better understanding of the work of animated film creators.
Exhibitions exploring the world of animation
Le Manège: the major annual exhibition
Housed in the former riding arena of the stud farm, this 650 m² exhibition will be updated every year. It will offer visitors the chance to (re)discover the leading figures of animation, their iconic characters, their worlds and the work of the artists who created them.
The Gallery: temporary exhibitions
Spanning 160 m², the Gallery will host temporary exhibitions dedicated to the various forms of animation. This space will also be available for workshops, film screenings with refreshments, cocktail receptions and opportunities for networking or collaboration.
A versatile screening theatre
Owned by the Haute-Savoie Department, this semi-underground venue takes the form of a versatile amphitheatre. It has 332 seats and can be plunged into total darkness for screenings.
Thanks to its retractable seating, the space also hosts café-concerts, entertainment and various events related to the visual arts. From the glass-walled passageway, you can watch the activities taking place in the auditorium.
Throughout the year, the programme includes, in particular:
- school and themed screenings,
- preview screenings,
- film concerts,
- lectures and debates,
- and events centred on e-sports.
Le Grenier à images: discover and try your hand at animation
Open to all, Le Grenier à images welcomes families, school groups, professionals, artists and anyone who is simply curious. Here, everyone can discover animated films, understand the techniques involved and explore what goes on behind the scenes in their creation.
Workshops and arts education initiatives enable young and old alike to engage with both classic and contemporary works. This space shares knowledge, stimulates curiosity and makes animation accessible to as many people as possible, particularly young audiences.
La Villa: a residence dedicated to artists
La Villa welcomes artists and supports them in the creation of new projects. Designed as a space for work, exchange and interaction, it also fosters collaborations with other artistic fields, such as music and video games.
Les Halles du Haras: a bustling market in the city centre
Les Halles du Haras brings together 24 traders, craftspeople and caterers. The space is divided between a covered market, featuring food specialities such as a bakery, a cheese shop and an oyster bar, and a range of dining options to enjoy on the spot or take away.
Situated amongst the market stalls and food stands, the Biltoki Market Bar is the perfect spot to take a break over a coffee or a drink.
More than just a covered market, Les Halles is a vibrant hub where you can:
- do your food shopping,
- have lunch or dinner on the premises,
- meet producers and craftspeople,
- take part in regular events.
The Winter Garden: enjoy your food on the spot all year round
Located next to the Gourmet Hall, the Winter Garden offers a 300 m² covered area where you can enjoy the produce you’ve bought on the spot. Tables, stools and high chairs are provided, with direct access between the Hall and this tasting area.
On the other side, the Winter Garden opens onto the Place Gourmande, a tree-lined outdoor area where you can sit down to eat or have a picnic.
Opening hours for Les Halles du Haras
- Monday: closed,
- Tuesday to Thursday: 8am to 9pm,
- Friday and Saturday: 8am to 11pm,
- Sunday: 8am to 4pm.
A landscaped park at the heart of the Haras
The park links the various areas of the Cité whilst giving nature a prominent place. Lawns, meadows, clearings, copses and shrubs come together to form an oasis of freshness right in the city centre. Two shaded squares complete this space:
- the ‘gourmet square’, situated near the market hall, where tables are provided for enjoying market produce,
- the ‘palaver square’, situated near the screening room.
At the centre of the park, Place Fontaine features a pond covering nearly 4,000 m², partly fed by rainwater, which is also used to water the green spaces. Jets, mist, bubbles and water features bring the space to life depending on the season and time of day. The pond can also be used as a venue for shows and events.
Opening times for the Haras Park
The Haras landscaped park is open to the public every day:
- from 7.30 am to 6 pm from 1 November to 31 March,
- from 7.30 am to 10 pm from 1 April to 31 October.
How to get there?
The Annecy Stud Farm is situated right in the city centre, very close to the Pâquier and the lakefront. It can be reached on foot from the old town, by bike via the numerous cycle paths, or by public transport using the SIBRA bus routes.
For visitors arriving by car, public car parks such as Bonlieu and Courier are nearby. However, using sustainable transport is strongly recommended to avoid the hassle of traffic jams and parking difficulties in the city centre.
