Annecy is often called the ‘Venice of the Alps’, which is not surprising. As well as its picturesque canals, it also has the cleanest lake in France, a medieval ‘old town’ and stunning snow-capped mountains as a backdrop. Basically, it has the lot.
Annecy is more than just beautiful. Its rich history and culture, superb cuisine, and an endless number of things to do are all good reasons for you to visit.
A little history
Annecy’s medieval roots are evident in its old town, which became the residence of the Counts of Geneva in the 12th century. Its cultural heritage is also evident in the Renaissance and Savoyard influences of its architecture.
Venice of the Alps, but wait …
There’s more. Much more. And because of its size, it’s easy to explore the old town and the surrounding commercial centre on foot.
Palais de l’Île
This fortified 12th century structure is on a small island in the Thiou River, in the centre of the old town. It’s often the first thing visitors see and it has become a symbol of Annecy.
Over the centuries, it has been a prison, a coin minting house, a home for the elderly and a courthouse. Now it’s a museum that explains its history. You can walk through all the rooms and find out more. Don’t miss the dungeons!
Château d’Annecy
The Château is perched on a hill, and offers panoramic views of the town and lake. In the 13th and 14th centuries it was the home of the Counts of Geneva. Later renovations and extensions resulted in a blend of medieval and renaissance styles. It was used as a barracks until it was purchased by the town in the 1950s. It is now an excellent museum, covering a range of areas, including history, archaeology and art.
It’s easily reached on foot and definitely worth the walk up the semi-steep access path. There’s lots to see and the view from its courtyards and towers is unbelievable. This is a must!
The view from the Castle might make you think ‘Venice of the Alps’, and then you’ll be carried away by the rest….
Lac d’Annecy…
Lake Annecy is what makes the town special. It’s often referred to as the ‘Blue Lake’. It’s big, it’s beautiful and it’s the focus of the town’s leisure activities – boating, walking and cycling along the lakeside trails or just enjoying being there.
Water sports, of course, are popular. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking and paddle-boarding. You can rent a boat and explore the lake for yourself.
… and its gardens
Jardins de l’Europe, located near Lake Annecy, has manicured lawns, flowerbeds and sculptures, making it an ideal spot for reading, walking or having a picnic.
You’ll want to take a pic of Le Monument Solaire, a sundial on the lake’s edge. It is called ‘L’Unique‘ and was created in 1874, by Frère Arsène, a Capuchin friar. As well as the numbers showing the time of day, it has words and phrases related to the passing of time. Fascinating.
A less formal garden area is Le Paquier, a large expanse of green park land, with plenty of open space for walking, jogging and playing.
Pont des Amours (the Lovers’ Bridge) connects the Jardins de l’Europe to Le Pâquier. It’s possibly the most popular photo spot in Annecy.
Museums and churches
As well as the museums in the town’s Castles, and just south of them, Annecy also has the Conservatoire d’Art et d’Histoire (Conservatory of Art and History), a 17th century former seminary that now holds a fascinating collection of art and artifacts.
Annecy has many beautiful places of worship.
Close to the Palais de l’Ile is Saint-François de Sales, built in the Baroque style, with ornate interior decoration. It is popular with the Italian community of Annecy.
Just behind it is the Eglise de Saint-Maurice. It’s the oldest church in Annecy, built in 1422 of Gothic design. It was once a convent chapel that was later extended.
Notre-Dame-de-Liesse, which stands in the ‘old town’, is mainly mid-19th century, built on the site of a 14th-century church that was mostly destroyed during the French Revolution. The 16th-century square bell tower has survived.
The Basilica of the Visitation, situated on a hill in the south of Annecy, is a beautiful religious site with stunning views of the town and the lake.
Still more
Shopping
The weekly markets (Marché d’Annecy) are a treat – possibly as enjoyable as any you’ll find and certainly in a magnificent setting. Go early for the best produce – regional specialities and superb – and ‘early bird’ special prices.
The streets in the old town have local artisan workshops, regular shops and boutiques. It’s fun to shop there.
Local cuisine
You should taste Diots – Savoyard sausages often served with crozets (buckwheat pasta). And tartiflettes (a cheese and potato dish, sometimes with ham). Pick up a piece of Tomme de Chèvre, a delicious local goat’s cheese. Then keep going….there’s plenty to choose from.
Try Savoie wines, such as Apremont and Roussette, to complement local dishes.
Festivals and events
Les Noctibules is a summer festival that turns Annecy into a nighttime spectacle with illuminated art installations.
The Venetian Carnival is inspired by Venice’s traditional parades. Locals and visitors put on masks and costumes, and add a touch of mystery to the old town’s streets. Annecy is the Venice of the Alps, after all.
The Annecy International Animation Film Festival is held annually in June. It attracts filmmakers, industry professionals, and animation enthusiasts from around the world, showcases the latest animated films and hosts conferences and workshops.
The Annecy Paysages Festival transforms the town into an open-air art gallery, showcasing contemporary installations.
Further afield
- You can easily visit the medieval town of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy. It has a beautiful historic castle. You’ll hardly leave Annecy; it’s an 8 km lakeside walk away, if you’re up to it
- Just 13 km from Annecy, Les Gorges du Fier is a canyon, with nature trails and walkways beside, and over the river
- Semnoz Plateau is 17 km from Annecy. You can go hiking, mountain biking and try paragliding. In winter, it’s a skiing and snowboarding destination
- Annecy is the perfect base for exploring other towns in the region. It’s an easy bus or car ride to Aix-les-Bains (35 km) and Chambéry (50 km)
- Leave France for the day and visit Geneva (or make it your next stop). You wouldn’t want to be so close (42 km) and miss it.
The town is well served by buses and trains, and visiting these places is easy.
Read our article Time For A Break In Aix-les-Bains.
See more Francy That! suggestions for Places To Go.
Information
LOCATION: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes at the foot of the French Alps.
DISTANCE FROM PARIS: 540 km (336 miles) southeast .
POPULATION: 126,000+
NEAREST AIRPORT: Geneva Airport (GVA), about 45 km (28 miles) to the northeast.
NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Gare d’Annecy
TOURIST INFORMATION
MARKETS: The Annecy Market (Marché d’Annecy), in the old town; antique markets and flea markets.
MUST SEE: The Palais de l’Ile; Château d’Annecy; Lake Annecy.
