Annecy – Introduction

Annecy is a picturesque city located in the southeastern part of France, in the region of Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with a picturesque old town, canals, and crystal-clear lake that surrounds the city.

Annecy’s lake, Lake Annecy, is one of the largest and cleanest lakes in Europe, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports such as swimming, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Lake Promenade

For a very long part, you can walk and/or cycle around the lake. The promenade is well made, and apart from the stunning beauty of the lake and Alps mountains, there are lots of interesting things to see.

Starting at the opposite side of the old city center (where some of the hotels and campings are), you can walk in 20-30 minutes to the old city.

Streets

The old town of Annecy, also known as the “Venice of the Alps,” is famous for its medieval architecture, narrow streets, and charming canals. Here are a few of the streets in the old city center:

Water and Bridges

Annecy is sometimes referred to as the “Venice of the Alps” due to the canals that run through the old town, which are crossed by pedestrian bridges.

Here are a few of those bridges (the first three photos are of the Lovers Bridge -Pont des Amours):

The Buildings and Views

The city’s history dates back to the Roman Empire, and visitors can see remnants of the medieval period in the old town’s narrow streets, quaint cafes, and historic buildings.

Saint-Francois de Sales Church

Quite at the beginning of old Annecy (next to the lake) is an old church; Eglise Saint-Francois de Sales.

This is a church that was been built in 1642 as part of the former sanctuary of the first monastery of the Order of the Visitation Saint Mary founded in 1610. During the French revolution (1789), the church was transformed into a manufacturing facility. It was only in 1923 that it became a church again, and it was completely restored in 2003.

Inside the church:

Palais de I’Ile

The Palais de l’Isle is another must-see landmark, an ancient prison that now serves as a museum.

The island it is on is home to the Palais de l’Isle, a 12th-century castle that was once used as a prison and now houses a museum of local history and architecture.

Saint Maurice Church

Close to the edge of old Annecy, you will find this church; Eglise Saint Maurice.

It’s a church dating back to 1445. The church started out as a Dominican convent chapel in 1422, but quickly became a large church. During the French revolution, it was pillaged and turned into a grain storage.

It was returned to the catholic faith in 1803.

The Castle

One of the city’s main attractions is the Château d’Annecy, a medieval castle that houses a museum of art and history.

The building of the castle started in the 12th century, and was finished in the 16th century. It was changed many times over the centuries along with its owners.

The Queens Tower was the prison, and dated back to the 12th century.

The tower measures 38 meters high and the walls are over 4 meters thick.

This is one of the “logis”, the apartments where the lords lived. This one is called the Logis Nemours and was made in 1545. It has this small watchtower attached to it:

Inside the courtyard, after passing the main entrance, you see the Logis Perriere and the Tower, built in 1445.

The castle is now a museum, and can be visited. Click here for more information about the museum.

Other buildings

Several of the many different buildings and houses you can see while walking along the narrow streets of the old Annecy:

Conclusion

The city is surrounded by the French Alps, providing opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. The Semnoz ski resort is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.

In addition to its natural and historic attractions, Annecy also offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and shops, where visitors can sample local cuisine and purchase souvenirs. Overall, Annecy is a beautiful and charming city that offers a perfect combination of culture, nature, and outdoor activities. Overall, Annecy is a beautiful and charming city that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty,

Annecy is also known for its annual International Animated Film Festival, which attracts filmmakers and animation enthusiasts from around the world. The festival showcases a wide range of animated films, including feature films, shorts, and student films.

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