La Turbine Sciences, Annecy

Arts Venue, Attraction and Museum in Annecy

xl Turbine ext rieur
xl Turbine ext rieur
All Rights Reserved / La Turbine Sciences

La Turbine sciences - Centre de Culture Scientifique Technique et Industrielle Annecy is Annecy's hands-on science and innovation hub, designed for playful learning through interactive exhibitions, workshops, and special events. It sits in the Place Chorus cultural complex in Cran-Gevrier (part of greater Annecy), an easy add-on to a day exploring the lakefront and the Old Town.

If you're building an Annecy walking tour, pair La Turbine sciences with a stroll through Vieille Ville's canals and arcades, then finish by the lake at Jardins de l'Europe for classic postcard views. It's also one of the best places in Annecy to duck into on a rainy day or when you want a break from outdoor sightseeing without sacrificing something distinctly local.

History and Significance of the La Turbine Sciences

La Turbine sciences is part of Annecy's broader cultural ecosystem, created to make science, technology, and industrial know-how accessible as a form of everyday culture. Rather than feeling like a traditional museum of glass cases, it's built around interaction, experimentation, and conversation.

Its significance in Annecy is how it bridges locals and visitors: exhibitions and mediation activities are designed for families, school groups, and curious adults, often linking big themes (energy, digital life, the living world, space) to tangible, hands-on experiences. The venue also plays a role in community learning through talks, workshops, and digital inclusion initiatives.

Because it’s embedded in a multi-use cultural site (with other amenities nearby), it works well as a modern “third place” in the city: somewhere you can learn, attend an event, and spend time together without needing a full-day commitment.

Things to See and Do in the La Turbine Sciences

Start with the current temporary exhibition, which is usually the main draw and tends to be designed for a wide age range. Expect interactive stations where you can test ideas, manipulate models, and learn through short, approachable explanations rather than long wall texts.

If you’re visiting with kids, look for scheduled workshops and guided activities that turn the visit into a more memorable, “we made something” experience. These sessions can be the highlight for families, especially on weekends and during school holidays.

For adults, the appeal is the programming: talks, themed events, and occasional festivals that give the place a lively, contemporary feel. Even if you only have 60-90 minutes, you can still get a satisfying visit by focusing on the main exhibition and one activity zone.

How to Get to the La Turbine Sciences

The nearest major airports are Geneva Airport (GVA) and Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Annecy on Booking.com.

Annecy is well-connected by rail, and arriving at Gare d'Annecy makes it easy to continue by local transport or taxi to the Place Chorus area. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

If you're driving, Annecy is straightforward to reach via the regional motorway network, and having a car can be handy if you're combining the visit with lake villages or mountain viewpoints the same day. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the La Turbine Sciences

  • Official website: https://laturbine.annecy.fr/
  • Entrance fee: Adults: €5; Children: €3; Under 12: free.
  • Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 14:00–18:00. Closed on Monday.
  • Best time to visit: Weekday afternoons are usually calmer, while weekends can be livelier with more families and scheduled activities. If you’re visiting in school-holiday periods, arrive early in the opening window for a smoother start.
  • How long to spend: Plan 1-2 hours for the exhibition at a comfortable pace, or 2-3 hours if you’re adding a workshop or event. It’s an easy half-day anchor if you want a break from outdoor sightseeing.
  • Accessibility: The venue is designed to be welcoming for a broad public, and it’s a good choice if you want an indoor attraction with step-free circulation. If you have specific needs, confirm any workshop-room access details before you go.
  • Facilities: Expect visitor-friendly basics like restrooms and a staffed reception, plus a cultural-complex setting that makes it easy to combine your visit with other nearby amenities. Booking ahead is smart for popular workshops.

Where to Stay Close to the La Turbine Sciences

Base yourself in central Annecy (near the Old Town and lakefront) for the best all-around experience: walkable sights, dining, and easy connections to the rest of the city.

If you want to keep La Turbine sciences within easy reach while still enjoying Annecy's classic atmosphere, choose a hotel near the Old Town or around the train station for quick transit and plenty of restaurant options. For a quieter stay, look toward the lake edge or residential areas with straightforward bus/taxi access.

Impérial Palace Chosen for its landmark lakeside setting and a special-occasion feel, ideal if you want your stay to be part of the trip.

Le Pélican A stylish, modern base close to the water, great for travelers who want contemporary design and easy lake access.

Hôtel Les Terrasses A practical choice near the train station, convenient for day trips and for getting across town efficiently.

Hôtel du Château Included for Old Town charm and a quieter hillside feel, while still being walkable to the canals and restaurants.

Aparthotel Adagio Annecy Centre Best for longer stays or families who want extra space and self-catering flexibility without leaving the central area.

Is the La Turbine Sciences Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you like interactive museums, you're traveling with kids, or you want a weather-proof activity that still feels distinctly Annecy. It's engaging without being overly technical, and it complements the city's outdoor highlights by adding a modern, hands-on cultural stop.

Honest Pivot: if your time in Annecy is extremely limited and you're focused on “only the classics,” prioritize the Old Town canals, lake promenade, and viewpoints first. Also, if you prefer quiet, object-based museums (art, antiques, historic interiors), the interactive style here may feel less aligned with your tastes.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (501)

Reviews are strongly positive overall, with visitors highlighting a comfortable, high-quality cinema experience within the cultural center and a fun, lively atmosphere during events and festivals. Comfort and overall quality are recurring positives. A common downside mentioned is that the surrounding outdoor area can feel a bit neglected or dirty compared with the interior.

JG Hernández
a year ago
"The seats are super comfortable and the quality overall is superb. The zone is a little bad, everything outside is dirty, but when you go in it istotally different...."
therealzedd
2 years ago
"Nice place, the cinema is really comfortable."
Kevin Crampton
2 years ago
"A grand day out for the Japa ecy festival at this always-funky cultural centre."

For Different Travelers

La Turbine sciences works best when you treat it as a flexible, modular visit: drop in for an hour, or build a longer afternoon around an exhibition plus a scheduled activity. It's less about ticking off a famous landmark and more about having a fun, curious experience.

Families with Kids

This is one of Annecy’s most family-friendly indoor attractions, with interactive elements that keep kids engaged rather than just looking at displays. It’s especially useful when you need a break from walking the Old Town or when the weather turns.

To get the most out of it, aim for a workshop session if available, since guided activities often create the “highlight memory” of the day. If you’re visiting with very young children, plan a shorter visit and focus on the most tactile zones.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, La Turbine sciences is a smart change of pace between lake strolls and long meals. It's a playful, low-pressure stop that can spark conversation and give you something different from the usual scenic itinerary.

Pair it with a late-afternoon walk back toward central Annecy, then sunset by the lake. If you're visiting during a festival or evening event, it can feel surprisingly lively and local.

Budget Travelers

This is a good value stop if you want an activity that doesn’t require a full day and still feels substantial. It’s also a helpful option when you want to balance more expensive lake activities with a reasonably priced cultural visit.

To keep costs down, check for free-entry days or special programming, and consider building your day around walkable areas so you’re not stacking transport costs. Combine it with free highlights like the Old Town canals and lakefront parks.

History Buffs

While it’s not a historical museum in the traditional sense, it does offer context on how science and technology shape everyday life, which can be a fascinating lens on the region’s modern identity. Exhibitions often connect big ideas to real-world applications rather than focusing on artifacts.

If you're a history-first traveler, treat it as a contemporary complement to Annecy's older sights. Do the Château d'Annecy and the Old Town first, then use La Turbine sciences as a modern counterpoint.

FAQs for Visiting La Turbine Sciences

Getting There

Yes, but it’s a longer urban walk than the lakefront loop, so many visitors prefer bus, taxi, or cycling. If you do walk, treat it as a neighborhood-to-neighborhood stroll rather than a scenic promenade.
Use Place Chorus in Cran-Gevrier (Annecy) and specify La Turbine sciences to avoid confusion with other “La Turbine” venues. Having the French name ready helps with pronunciation.
Yes, it fits well before or after the Old Town and lakefront, especially if you want an indoor break. It also pairs nicely with an evening plan back in central Annecy.

Tickets & Entry

For general entry, you can often buy on arrival, but workshops and special sessions may require advance booking. If you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday, booking ahead is a safer plan.
Yes, reduced rates are commonly available for eligible visitors. Bring appropriate proof to avoid paying the full adult price.
Young children are often free for exhibitions, but age thresholds can vary by activity. Double-check if you’re planning a specific workshop.

Visiting Experience

Adults can absolutely enjoy it, especially if you like interactive learning and contemporary topics. It’s designed to be approachable rather than overly academic.
Very interactive, with hands-on stations and experiments that encourage participation. It’s a “do and discover” style visit.
Yes, it’s one of the most reliable indoor options when the weather isn’t cooperating. It’s also a nice reset after a wet walk through the Old Town.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes: Old Town canals in the morning, La Turbine sciences in the afternoon, then lakefront sunset is a strong, balanced day. It also works well between day trips.
Guided options and mediated activities are often part of the programming. If you want deeper context, look for scheduled talks or guided sessions.
Pick your workshop time first, then build the rest of the day around it with flexible sightseeing before or after. Arrive a bit early so you’re not rushing.

Photography

Policies can vary by exhibition and event, so check on arrival. In interactive spaces, be mindful of other visitors, especially children.
For classic Annecy photos, head back toward the Old Town canals or the lakefront parks. The most iconic shots are outside the museum area.
Often it depends on the activity and the presence of other participants. Ask staff before filming, particularly with kids in the room.

Accessibility & Facilities

It’s generally a good choice because it’s an indoor cultural venue designed for broad public access. If you need specifics for a particular activity room, confirm ahead.
Yes, you can expect visitor restrooms in a venue of this type. Plan a quick comfort stop before starting the exhibition loop.
Typically yes for the main exhibition areas, though crowded times can make maneuvering slower. If possible, visit earlier in the opening window.

Food & Breaks Nearby

On-site options can vary, so it’s best to plan for a snack before you arrive or to eat afterward. The wider Annecy area has plenty of cafés and bakeries.
Head back toward central Annecy for the broadest choice, from casual crêperies to lakeside dining. It’s an easy transition into an evening plan.
For a scenic picnic, the lakefront parks are the best choice. If you’re already in the area, look for small green spaces, but the lake is the main draw.

Safety & Timing

It’s a normal urban area; use standard city awareness, especially after dark. Most visitors find the venue itself comfortable and well-managed.
Earlier in the afternoon opening window tends to feel calmer. Weekdays are usually easier than weekends.
Yes, if you keep it focused to the main exhibition and skip workshops. Leave buffer time for local transport back to the station.

Nearby Attractions to the La Turbine sciences

  • Vieille Ville d'Annecy: The canal-laced Old Town is the city's most atmospheric area for wandering, shopping, and café stops.
  • Château d'Annecy: A hilltop landmark with exhibits and panoramic views that add historical context to your visit.
  • Jardins de l'Europe: A classic lakeside park for an easy stroll with postcard scenery.
  • Pont des Amours: Annecy's iconic bridge viewpoint, especially beautiful at golden hour.
  • Lac d’Annecy waterfront promenade: A scenic path for walking or cycling with constant lake-and-mountain views.

The La Turbine Sciences appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Annecy!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Tuesday - Sunday: 14:00-18:00.

Closed on Monday.

Price:

Adults: €5; Children: €3; Under 12: free.

Address: Rue Chorus, 74960 Annecy, France
Annecy: 2 km
Telephone: +33 4 85 46 74 30
Official Website

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