Annecy, the Venice of the Alps

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One of the most beautiful cities in France is Annecy, the capital of the Haute-Savoie department in eastern France. It is not for nothing that it is called the "Pearl of the French Alps" or the "Venice of the Alps". It is located on a huge lake that is the cleanest in Europe and is named after the city: Lake Annecy. The old town of Annecy has  largely retained its medieval character. It dates back to the period when the Counts of Geneva founded the city. In the past, Annecy was even part of Switzerland for a while. In addition to the old town, there is also a beautiful Lake known as Lake Annecy on which you can take boat trips. Annecy also has beautiful parks, big mountains surrounding the lake, an old palace and a medieval castle from which you have a beautiful view. All of this makes it clear why you need to visit Annecy during your holiday in the Portes du Soleil region.

Old town of Annecy

The idyllic city center is characterized by narrow canals that wind between the houses. There are beautiful bridges over the canals. Along the water there are authentic buildings, coloured houses, banks full of flowers and many cozy terraces. Annecy is a miniature version of Venice. Stroll along the cobbled streets and see the quaint shops selling traditional products, boutiques, and clothing stores. Be sure to also explore the famous traboules, the hidden alleys that connect streets. Some of the buildings you should definitely visit are the Palais de l'Isle from the 12th century, which used to be a prison and is located on an island in the Thiou River, the Cathedral of St. Pierre and the Castle of Annecy. Near the Palais you’ll find the Pont des Amours which has beautiful views on both sides. Also walk along the Quai de l'Île, the old street along the river Thiou with cozy restaurants and an abundance of flowers. When there is a market, all the streets in the old center are full of stalls.

In the city centre

  • Palais de l'Isle
  • Traboules
  • Castle of Annecy
  • Tour de la Reine
  • St. Pierre's Cathedral
  • Pont des Amours
  • Rue Sainte-Claire
  • Saint-François-de-Sales
  • Notre-Dame-de-Liesse
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Castle of Annecy

From all around the village you can always see the castle of Annecy, located in the old city center. From the old city center, climb the Rampe du Château to get to the castle square. The castle was built on a hill between the 12th and 16th centuries by the Counts of Geneva. The walls are more than a meter thick in some places. The striking Tour de la Reine is the oldest part of this castle. You can visit the castle. In addition to the original rooms and décor, it also houses a museum where sculptures, paintings, and other art is exhibited. The Alpine Lakes Observatory is located on the large castle square. From the castle you already have beautiful views, but if you climb the tower you can enjoy an even more beautiful view over the city and Lake Annecy.

Palais de l'Île

The Palais de l'Île was also built in the 12th century, in the middle of the Thiou River. You can see this building on many postcards of Annecy, it is one of the most photographed buildings in France. In the past, the judiciary was located here and there was a prison in the cellars. On both sides of the building there is a small bridge to the banks so you can visit it. Inside there is an exhibition on the history of Annecy.

Pont des Amours

As the name suggests, this is a romantic spot. You will certainly fall in love with the surroundings here, because on one side you will see Lake Annecy with the peaks of the Alps in the background and on the other side you will look down into the old town. The bridge is located at the point where the Vassé canal flows into the lake. Pont des Amours is an iron bridge dating back to the Belle Époque period and it connects the Jardin de l'Europe park to the Pâquier.

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Religious buildings

St. Pierre Cathedral – Church from the 16th century near the castle of Annecy. A sober building in which only the dome and ceiling are painted.
Saint-François-de-Sales – Beautiful Baroque-style building with a white façade and red roof tiles, located on the waterfront between the old city center and Les Jardins de l'Europe.
Notre-Dame-de-Liesse – This church is located in the northern part of the old town on Rue Notre Dame and was built in the 14th century.
Église Saint-Maurice – Built in Gothic style in the 15th century for the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominican order. There is a trompe-l'œil painting with three-dimensional illusion inside the church.
Église La Visitation – Pilgrim's church with cloister.

Rue Sainte-Claire

The most beautiful street in Annecy is Rue Sainte-Claire. What makes this street special are the arcades you’ll find on both sides of the street. In the 17th century, these covered spaces were used by the traders and merchants. Now there are shops, boutiques and restaurants with terraces. The houses above the galleries are painted in all kinds of colors, giving this street a special appearance. The Rue Sainte-Claire joins the Place de Sainte-Claire with the Porte Sainte-Claire. From this square, narrow alleys go up to Annecy Castle.

Lake Annecy

You can't visit Annecy during your holidays without admiring Lake Annecy. You can walk there from the old town. All kinds of water sports are possible on the lake or you can go for a walk along the lake on one of the wide hiking trails. There are benches everywhere that invite you to rest and admire the beauty around you. On the edge of the lake is Jardin de l'Europe, a beautifully landscaped park with lawns, fountains and a playground. More information? Then read our tourist tip about Lake Annecy.

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