Annecy is one of France’s most charming towns, a picturesque mix of pastel-hued houses and medieval buildings. With its stunning lake vistas, it’s a popular summer destination for the French.
It’s a great place to explore on foot, with narrow cobbled paths and flower lined canals forming the backdrop. You can take a walk to Chateau d’Annecy, a 12th century castle that dominates the Old Town skyline.
The Old Town
Annecy’s charming old town, nicknamed the 'Venice of the Alps', is lined with enchanting canals and pastel-colored houses. A medieval castle looms over the city, and arcaded streets shelter boutique stores.
One of the most photogenic buildings in Annecy is Palais de l’Ile, a 12th-century prison and palace that looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairytale. A visit to this stunning edifice, perched on the Thiou Canal, is an absolute must!
A short walk from the Palais de l’Ile is Rue Sainte-Claire, which has upscale retail stores and fancy ice cream shops. It’s also an ideal place to stop for a coffee break or dine out in a modish cafe.
The Old Town is also a popular destination on market days (Tuesday best, but most final Saturdays). Local residents as well as vacationers in nearby Alpine resorts make this a popular spot for browsing antiques and crafts.
The Palais de l’Isle
The Palais de l’Isle (Isle Palace) is one of the most distinctive landmarks of Annecy, high in the French Alps. It is located on a small islet in the Canal du Thiou and has been designated a historic monument since 1900.
The fortified house, built in the 12th century, resembles the prow of a stone ship. Originally known as “Isle de Menthoux”, the stronghold was referred to as a prison for the first time in 1325 when the feudal lord of Annecy paid Jean de Monthoux, the master of Isle, for food for two prisoners.
This picturesque medieval castle & prison, surrounded by water, is a must-see in Annecy. It has been used in various roles, including river fortress, toll booth, barracks, land registry office, warehouse, mint, Palace of Justice and finally, a jail.
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy is a beautiful place to visit all year round. It’s a calming, green lake that looks out over high mountains and Mont Blanc.
You can enjoy a walk around the lake and take in some of the pretty villages that are around its edge. There are plenty of boat trips that you can go on to explore this enchanting lake as well.
As well as this, there are lots of other activities you can do in Annecy. For example, there are many bike paths that you can ride on in the area.
There’s also the option of taking a cruise on the lake itself, which is a great way to see all the sights and experience a new side to the city. This is a very popular activity in Annecy, so it’s best to book it in advance if you want to take part in it!
Annecy is located at the northern tip of Lake Annecy, 35 kilometres south of Geneva, Switzerland. It’s a charming city with a heritage that’s more Alpine than French.
Shopping
Annecy is a beautiful lake town that boasts some of the freshest water in Europe. It’s surrounded by mountains on the Swiss border and sits in a region called Haute Savoie.
- Shopping in the town is a mix of luxury stores and small souvenir shops. There are many artisan workshops that produce cheeses, wines and other products from the region.
- A good place to start is with a walk along the promenade until you reach the Pont des Amours (known locally as “Lover’s Bridge”). This popular waterfront park has an interactive playground and artwork scattered throughout, making it a perfect family spot.
- After your stroll, don’t forget to grab a bite at one of the restaurants in the historic center. The bistro Les Chineurs de la Cuisine is a great choice for dinner, serving Savoy regional dishes like potato & cheese tartiflette. It also has a terrace for enjoying a drink after your meal.
