Today we’re going to talk about Annecy, France.
Annecy gives off the vibes of a fairy-tale setting, with white swans swimming through
tranquil rivers and snowcapped mountains in the background.
Once there, you will love meandering across town and discovering the town’s picturesque
beauty.
Annecy, known as the "Venice of the Alps" because of its lovely rivers, is a jewel of
the historic Savoy region in the heart of the northern French Alps.
Beautiful natural areas and world-class ski resorts are nearby.
The breathtaking backdrop stimulates outdoor activities, and comfortable chalets and old-fashioned
eateries welcome visitors in true alpine flair.
Let’s look more into top five things that you can do in this picturesque town.
5.
Activities at Lac d’Annecy When you think about Annecy, the setting that
forms in your mind is this postcard image of the lake's clear water reflecting the surrounding
mountains.
It's the town's number one tourist attraction.
The Lac d'Annecy entices visitors with its pristine alpine scenery and a plethora of
recreational activities.
This sparkling stretch of crystal-clear waters is considered Europe's cleanest lake, and
the scenery is breathtaking.
Mountain peaks covered in snow create a stunning backdrop for walking, cycling, sunbathing,
swimming, and boating.
The Plage d'Albigny (Avenue du Petit Port) is Annecy Lake's principal beach, with a large
grassy space for sunbathing and a trail for strolling or cycling.
The lawn at Albigny Beach is perfectly kept, with flowers and plants encircling it.
There are public facilities and showers on this beach, as well as a picnic area.
Swimming is made easier by lakeside staircases.
Lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in July and August.
If you want to enjoy Lake Annecy while simultaneously having your adrenaline racing, include paragliding
in your list.
The view will leave you awestruck; it's no surprise that Annecy is Europe's most famous
paragliding destination and one of the greatest in the world!
Many companies offer this service, with different prices for 15/20 minutes.
You can also select whether you want a high-speed acrobatic flying or something more relaxing.
The paragliding session is normally arranged in advance and begins from Forclaz pass (col
de Forclaz in French) or the little village of Talloires.
Paragliding in Annecy is the ideal way to learn about this thrilling activity!
A Segway tour, a popular activity on Lake Annecy's shore, is a fun way to explore the
area.
Even if you've never tried before, the area surrounding the lake is an excellent location
to start because it's a pedestrian-only zone.
Something you’d really enjoy with your family.
Lake Annecy is a popular summer getaway for families, couples, and singles alike, with
a vast range of lodgings and communities to choose from.
Although Annecy is the largest town, the villages dotted around the lake provide a much more
private atmosphere, with those on the east side being generally more expensive and catching
the afternoon sun, and those on the west side providing more campgrounds and fewer summertime
events and activities.
4.
Learn about Eglise Saint Maurice
The Eglise Saint-Maurice is Annecy's oldest church and a historical landmark.
This 15th-century church was previously a Dominican convent chapel.
By the nineteenth century, the structure had become the parish church for the town.
The church's outside features notable Flamboyant Savoyard architectural elements, whilst the
interior has a more solemn atmosphere.
To accommodate a huge assembly, the impressively vast nave was created in the traditional style
of Dominican cathedrals.
Among the notable works of art are an 18th-century finely carved pulpit and a painting of the
Virgin in Glory.
The church was looted during the French Revolution.
Part of the looted artifacts, as well as some artworks obtained from the city's other convents,
were returned in the early nineteenth century.
Among them are the following works by Jakob van Oost dit le Jeune (1639-1713): Transverberation
of Saint Thérèse, Flight to Egypt, Adoration of the Shepherds, Marriage of the Virgin,
and The Presentation in the Temple.
There are another four paintings by Louis Joseph Watteau depicting moments from the
Passion (1731-1798).
The church houses the monument of Charles Ferdinand d'Artois, Duke of Berry, the youngest
son of Charles X, King of France, and his wife Maria Theresa of Savoy, who was slain
in 1820.
The church was restored in the nineteenth century by Philippe Cannissié and then holding
a position of a historic monument.
The church continues to provide religious services and welcomes the public for free
visits all year.
3.
How about the lover’s bridge (Pont des Amours)
The Lovers' Bridge spans the Canal du Vassé, which flows from the Lac d'Annecy, in an ideal
setting beneath a canopy of green trees.
With its gorgeous lakeside landscape, this arched ironwork bridge appears to inspire
romance.
The Pont des Amours is a popular photo location, particularly for engagement and wedding portraits.
The Jardins de l'Europe park is a short walk from the bridge.
The earliest bridge recorded at this location was a wooden bridge built in 1845.
As a replacement, a cast iron arch bridge with three arch ribs was built in 1859.
The bridge seen today was built in 1907 as a riveted steel arch bridge to replace the
cast iron arch bridge.
The bridge has six arch ribs, with beautiful flowers on the outer fascia arch ribs.
The bridge's ornamental railings are still in place.
Some sources indicate that the name of this bridge was inspired by the presence of prostitutes
in the neighbourhood, while a more recent tradition claims that two lovers kissing on
the bridge will be united for life, or that someone will find the love of their life on
the bridge.
It appears like you might find a partner on this bridge; it is surely utilised by a lot
of people, so your chances of finding someone are very great.
You may end up finding someone too if you visit it alone.
2.
Hike around Annecy Given Annecy's location in the middle of the
French Alps, a fun-filled activity to do is go for a trek in the mountains that surround
the city.
In the summer, you may go on a few treks and mountain bike in the high mountain pastures,
and in the winter, you can sledge, ski, and snowshoe.
There are plenty of locations where you can go for a hike such as: Mount Veyrier.
This hike begins in Annecy le Vieux and ends at Veyrier.
You can walk for a few hours without difficulty, and the most of the pathways are in the forest,
which keeps you cool in the summer.
The best feature about this trek is that you will have a panoramic view of Lake Annecy.
It is also feasible to drive directly to the top of Mount Verrier through the "col des
contrebandiers."
You will next need to take a short stroll to reach the lake's perspectives.
Follow the directions to the "Talabar," a little meadow with one of the best views of
both the lake and Annecy.
Then there’s La Tournette.
This trek around Annecy is only for experienced hikers because the final section is rather
difficult, with chains, cables, ladders, and quite slippery rocks.
But it’s all worth the trouble because then you’ll have a beautiful view of the lake
as well as Mont Blanc from there.
You can also roam around Gorges du Fier that’s 10 km away from Annecy and is much rather
a nice walk in a natural setting than a hike.
The 25m deep gorges du Fier, formed by water erosion on rocks, may be seen owing to footbridges
erected all along the torrent.
Don't miss the "sea of rocks" at the end of the hike.
1.
Palais de I’lle (PAL-AY de The 12th-century Palais de l'Île is on an
island in the Canal du Thiou and is Annecy's most photographed structure.
The best views and photo opportunities of the Palais de l'Île may be found on the Pont
sur le Thiou (bridge).
From this angle, the palace appears fortress-like, with its robust quadrangular architecture
mimicking a ship's bow.
The Palais de l'Ile was originally served the purpose of a prison, but by the mid-14th
century, it had been converted into a coin-minting facility.
The palace became the residence of the Dukes of Savoy in the 15th century and was converted
to the Palace of Justice in the 16th century.
Throughout the French Revolution and until 1865, the castle served as an infamous prison
while also hosting barracks for passing armies.
It was used as an elderly people's home between 1865 and 1880 before being converted back
to a barracks.
There were attempts to demolish the structure, but the high cost of doing so prevented any
action from being taken.
The French State rescued it by designating it as a Historical Monument in 1900.
The façade of the castle is flanked from the entrance courtyard by a quadrangular tower
made in small stone blocks that shelters the spiral staircase.
The lawyers' (Banches) offices are on the left, and the Coin Minting Wing and public
entrance to the castle are on the right.
Four prison cells can be located on the ground floor of the Tower-Lodge, along the tiny arm
of the Thiou river.
The dungeons are one of the castle's most notable features, as they depict the conditions
of confinement during the Old Regime.
Its location was ideal for being a prison because it was completely isolated from the
rest of the town.
All the four cells confined Men and women alike based on their crimes.
The Palais de l'Ile, which is open to the public every day of the year, now houses a
modest museum with exhibits about regional architecture.
With many French-language audiovisual presentations, this permanent exhibition depicts the urban
history, legacy, and ecology of Annecy and its surrounds.
A combo ticket for the Palais de l'Île and Annecy Castle is available.
Some of the ancient prison cells are also open to visitors.
For public ease guided tours are also available.
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This alpine city has a lot more to offer than
the previously mentioned things that will make you want to fall in love with this city
even more.
From wandering around the lakes to exploring eateries this city will whisper all the good
things it has to offer in the most exquisite ways.
Have you fallen in love with this city yet?
Let us know in the comments below.
And as always, where to next?