It has been voted the prettiest city in France, the most effective place to reside, essentially the most stunning setting – all of the kudos you’ll be able to think about.
I are inclined to agree, however then, I am biased.
You see, I reside 45 minutes from Annecy, so I usually go there for purchasing or a meal out. And what a fortunate individual I’m!
Seeing Annecy is to fall in love with the city.
Swish bridges span slow-drifting canals and the tiny Thiou River, all framed by windowsills whose flowers tumble freely beneath. All through city, cobblestone streets are lined with historic arcades, the previous buildings they help silhouetted in opposition to the mountains and lake simply past.
Should you lookup you may spot high-flying paragliders drifting slowly in the direction of the lake, skilfully touchdown in a close-by subject.
Deciding what to do in Annecy will not be tough: it is a small city − you’ll be able to merely do all of it. And even do nothing, merely having fun with its magnificence throughout a mild stroll.
One of many many superb views of Lake Annecy (Europe’s cleanest lake) ©SavoieMontBlanc-MariShould you occur to be within the Swiss metropolis of Geneva, Annecy will be seen on a day journey or even a half-day journey if that is on a regular basis you’ve.
You probably have a bit extra time otherwise you’re coming from elsewhere, I’ve some transportation choices on the backside of this text.
Annecy’s turbulent historical past
Like most of the most stunning cities in France, there’s one thing Roman across the nook.
Within the case of Annecy, traces of civilization date again to 3100 BCE, with the city evolving into the medieval Annecy we all know and love at this time.
When the château’s first stone was laid within the Twelfth century, town was referred to as Annecy-the-new, to distinguish it from Annecy-le-Vieux, or Annecy-the-old, a Gallo-Roman settlement on the hill above town and which nonetheless carries that title. That is complicated, as guests see the title ‘previous’ and head for what they suppose is Annecy Previous City, or Vieille Ville.
It’s not.
Between the constructing of the château and the fifteenth century, Annecy was razed a number of instances by hearth, so what we see at this time is “solely” 5 – 6 centuries previous.
Fashionable, nearly.
Being near Switzerland made Annecy a refuge for Catholics fleeing the Protestant Reformation in Geneva and incomes it the nickname “Rome of France”. Even thinker Jean-Jacques Rousseau referred to as it residence for some time, however for no explicit non secular purpose.
Right now, Annecy is the capital of the Haute-Savoie, having lastly joined France in 1860. Which will have been 150 years in the past, however a hard-core nucleus of Savoy separatists nonetheless haven’t accepted ‘French rule’ and imagine the area needs to be a sovereign nation.
The truth is, the bridge in my very own village of Seyssel (which spans two provinces, the Haute-Savoie and the Ain) is commonly bisected by a ‘border’ of white paint, with the phrases “Savoie” on one aspect and “France” on the opposite.
Annecy could also be France’s prettiest city, but it surely’s nonetheless far off the vacationer path for foreigners (besides the Swiss, who’ve at all times visited). It wasn’t even a dot on the vacationer map till the steam prepare arrived within the mid-Nineteenth century. What was as soon as the ‘finish of France’ is at this time a fast half-hour drive from Geneva over a scenic and dizzyingly excessive motorway.
6 finest issues to do in Annecy
Most issues to see in Annecy are inside strolling distance, which makes issues simpler. Most of them are additionally within the Previous City, a smallish space that’s straightforward (and pleasant) to discover on foot.
Here is what I counsel, if you wish to get essentially the most out of this city.
Amble across the streets of previous Annecy
The streets of Annecy are made for strolling, and for those who choose your home within the Previous City, it’s possible you’ll really feel you are again in medieval instances, the place little has modified in centuries.
That is by far some of the gratifying issues to do in Annecy. Should you do nothing else on this city, strolling round will already fill you with marvel.
And alongside the best way, you may discover a lot to see − the Jardins de l’Europe (Gardens of Europe), the numerous church buildings and outlets, all the things round you as a result of Annecy is really a feast for the eyes.
Rummage round Annecy market
It is unattainable to walk beneath Annecy’s arcades and never be taken in by the romance. However it could possibly get even higher.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, a market units up its stalls alongside the previous city’s arcades and also you get the additional advantage of native produce and regional specialties.
On the final Saturday of the month, a beautiful brocante, or flea market, takes locations below the arcades. Costs aren’t significantly low, however then, the setting is beautiful.
Annecy arcades at evening, after the guests have goneGo to the Palais de l’Ile
Probably the most iconic sight of Annecy is the Palais de l’Ile, an historic Twelfth-century fortress whose triangular partitions jut out into the Thiou River. After all that is the half you see, however the constructing stretches out behind, as you would possibly anticipate for a constructing that was as soon as a jail and a mint (not on the identical time). It was additionally a courthouse and the location of administrative buildings.
It had further makes use of, changing into an artwork college for stonemasons, with a gymnasium and lodgings. At one level, in the direction of the top of the Nineteenth century, authorities thought of tearing it down and changing it with municipal baths, however that concept was deserted when some notables took offense and as a substitute, received the constructing categorised as a historic monument.
As for the jail, it hasn’t gone away − you’ll be able to nonetheless go to the previous cells and chapel.
Stroll throughout the Pont des Amours
The Pont des Amours, which interprets as Lovers’ Bridge, is at this time a light-weight, ethereal metallic span from which you’ll be able to get pleasure from two stunning views: to at least one aspect, Annecy Canal and the mild rows of boats alongside its edge; to the opposite aspect, a shocking panorama of Lake Annecy and the Alps past all the best way to Mont Blanc.
Legend has it that anybody who kisses whereas on the bridge will keep collectively for all times.
However there’s one other legend: this one traces its title again to a time when prostitutes used to work on the bridge.
Irrespective of, it is a beautiful spot and it is clear love does have one thing to do with it.
Pont des Amours in Annecy – named after love ©SavoieMontBlanc-ChabanceRelive historical past by Annecy Fortress
One of many issues to see in Annecy is the Twelfth-century fortress which sits on the prime of the previous city − and is properly well worth the climb. It is a fairly extreme fortress however harmonious in its proportions.
It was as soon as the residence of the counts of Geneva and is now the Museum of In style Alpine Artwork, with collections that embrace vintage furnishings, historic images and chalet scale fashions.
The fort additionally incorporates an observatory, whose reveals show the area’s pure assets.
Annecy Fortress in all its glory ©SavoieMontBlanc-ChabancePicnic on the Pâquier
One of the best ways to explain Le Pâquier is as an enormous garden and backyard that ends on the lake and opens up on beautiful mountain views − but it surely began out as a large pasture.
You may discover paths, bridges, and actions of each kind: household outings, canines frolicking, children studying to journey bikes, water sports activities and swimming…
Seize your picnic meals and head straight right here with a blanket or towel, and benefit from the solar and conviviality.
High issues to do in Annecy Lake
Lakes are excellent for out of doors actions and this one is especially fantastic for the outside (and some indoor ones, too). Listed below are some enjoyable Lake Annecy actions
You probably have the time or when you have a automobile (you’ll be able to hire one right here), take a drive across the lake and cease in every single place you’ll be able to − it is that stunning. Most individuals drive counter-clockwise − however I favor the view going the opposite means.
Cease in Talloires for espresso, then head as much as the Col de la Forclaz and have lunch in one of many mountaintop eating places. Stroll it off by heading uphill to observe the paragliders soar off the mountain. Then proceed your drive.
Driving in France is an excellent expertise when you get off the motorways − you may have little visitors and glorious roads. However for those who’re a bit nervous about renting a automobile in France, this is all the things it’s worthwhile to know.
We even have some driving peculiarities and you must no less than pay attention to them earlier than you sit behind the steeting wheel (you may discover tips about driving in France right here).
© C. MaxThere are many different methods to go to the lake. There is a biking path all the best way to the top of the lake, and you may return alongside the alternative shore (tougher and hillier). Or you’ll be able to merely stroll, and benefit from the mountain surroundings as you do.
These of you who need energetic sports activities can go paragliding or climbing near Annecy, or head for considered one of the lake’s fantastic seashores. The lake is ideal for nautical actions, from taking a passenger boat to renting a pedalo, paddleboard or a sailboat.
Annecy hikes are additionally widespread and you may have your choose of the encircling mountains, just like the Semnoz or Mounts Veyrier or Tournette.
Or if you would like one thing outdoorsy however completely different, why not a Segway tour of Annecy?
Taking a day journey from Annecy
Following the contours of Lake Annecy is an apparent day journey throughout your Annecy vacation however there are many others.
Day journeys from Annecy when you have a automobile
Listed below are 4 excellent day journeys from Annecy by automobile:
- Lyon is a shocking city, with a historical past of silk weaving and fabulous murals (and good meals). I’ve positioned this right here as a result of the highway journey to Lyon is properly below two hours, whereas the prepare or the bus are each longer, and never that frequent.
- You could possibly drive to Chamonix, that beautiful city on the foot of Mont-Blanc, preferrred for snowboarding in winter and mountaineering in summer season.
Talking of Geneva, Switzerland is just half an hour’s drive from Annecy so for those who’re utilizing Annecy as your base, you’ll be able to simply drive into over the border and probe for the day.
Day journeys from Annecy for those who’re utilizing public transportation
However what if you do not have a automobile? Does that restrict you to town?
Under no circumstances.
- An hour’s bus or prepare journey from Annecy is the charming metropolis of Aix-les-Bains, a remnant of the Belle Epoque, with buildings that have not been retouched since Queen Victoria swung by.
- Chambéry is the historic capital of Savoy and properly price a go to. It isn’t removed from Annecy, lower than an hour by prepare.
- When you’re in Chambéry, you may be midway to Grenoble, a beautiful metropolis in one more spectacular setting, which you can too attain by bus or prepare.
Consuming in Annecy
One of many points of interest of Annecy is the meals scene, however you’d higher like cheese…
Should you’re visiting in winter, you’ll be able to’t depart city with out consuming a cheese fondue or a tartiflette, a well-liked cheese and potato dish. Each time I really feel like both of those, I head for Le Freti or L’Etage, each equally scrumptious for all the things Alpine cheese.
Should you’re within the temper for one thing extra classical, strive L’Autentic, and while you’re completed with all that consuming, stroll below the arcades and cease for an ice cream − there are no less than half a dozen one subsequent to the opposite (I normally cease on the Glacier des Alpes however others are equally good).
Should you’d fairly seize some meals and head for a picnic on the Paquier by the lake, you can begin by choosing up your fundamental goodies at Pauvert within the Previous City, then to the cheese store of Pierre Homosexual (who has achieved the elite standing of Meilleur Ouvrier de France, or Greatest French Workmanship), and eventually, for dessert, you may need a pastry from Rigollot, voted finest pastry chef on the earth in 2005.
Map of Annecy, France
Issues to do in Annecy in winter
Whereas summer season brings out the flower packing containers and throngs of vacationers, winter can also be a superb season to go to Annecy.
Should you’re right here near Christmas, town has a rising Christmas market that turns into extra charming with yearly.
There’s additionally loads of snowboarding round Annecy, at La Clusaz and the Grand Bornand but additionally just a little additional afield, in Chamonix.
Simply as superb in winter (Picture Ch.Molitor)The right way to get to Annecy
There are airports close to Annecy however that is not essentially one of the simplest ways to get right here.
Should you should take the airplane, fly into Geneva. From the airport, you’ll be able to take a bus on to Annecy from Geneva airport.
The prepare can also be a very good choice. It is a four-hour journey from Paris, and far much less from close by regional cities like Lyon or Grenoble. Test the nationwide railway schedule right here.
A 3rd alternative can be to drive. I really like taking highway journeys in France and whilst you will not want a automobile in Annecy correct, you would wish one to drive across the lake or go to the close by mountains. You possibly can evaluate automobile rental costs right here.
Locations to remain Annecy resorts
You may have loads of alternative in Annecy: it is a much-loved metropolis and many individuals come to go to, so you may have loads of alternative.
The highest resort in Annecy is the Imperial Palace, proper on the sting of the lake. A top-notch “palace” worthy of its value level.
Should you’d fairly be within the coronary heart of city, Les Loges are luxurious self-catering residences with a contemporary contact in a beautiful conventional constructing.
For mid-range Annecy resorts, there’s much more alternative. Le Splendid sits alongside one of many city’s canals; the Lodge du Chateau is true subsequent to the fort − attractive views however an uphill stroll; and you will not get a greater location than the Lodge du Palais de l’Ile.
And for a cut price, strive the Ibis Centre, proper on the sting of the Previous City; Lodge des Alpes, cosy and clear within the Previous City; outdoors the middle, for those who’re in search of a dog-friendly resort with its personal parking, strive the Ace Lodge.
Annecy FAQ
When is the most effective time to go to Annecy?
Annecy in summer season lets you get pleasure from all of the summer season sports activities of the lake − and the throngs. In September and October, the crowds might be gone however the solar will nonetheless be excessive. Winter is time for snowboarding, and March is Carnival time. So there are many selections!
How lengthy does it take to go to Annecy?
Should you solely have sooner or later, you’ll be able to nonetheless handle to see the most effective vacationer points of interest and pure sights: you’ll be able to spend the morning and early afternoon touring the lake (with lunch in-between), with the late afternoon and night in Annecy, after the crowds have left. Two days in Annecy can be higher however you’ll be able to see Annecy in a day.
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