Palais de l'Île

Palais de l'Île

Annecy

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Home Europe France Annecy Do & SeePalais de l'Île

Palais de l'Île

Palais de l'Île

The Palais de l'Isle is probably the most famous building in Annecy and, without any doubts, one of the most photographed sights in France. The palace, built in the 12th century, was once a prison, and today hosts exhibits about local architecture and history.

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address3 Passage de l'Île, Annecy
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Annecy Castle

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Annecy Castle was the residence of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours, andit's also listed as a historic monument by the French Ministry of Culture. Today, its walls contain the Regional Observatory of the Alpine Lakes and the museum of modern art.You can enjoy a great view of both the city and the lake from the terrace.

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Lovers' Bridge

Lovers' Bridge

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Despite its small size, the Vieille Ville (literally "Old Town") is still worth a walk, especially during summer. The gates and arches, as well as the backdoors to small and secret streets, make for excellent photographs, and every corner can hide surprises.

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Jardins de l'Europe

Jardins de l'Europe

Around 250 trees, such as a tulip tree, pines and giant sequoia trees, are found in the lovely Gardens of Europe, where you can enjoy a walk by the lake in a sunny afternoon. This romantic English garden, designed by Henri Porreaux in 1863, is a heavenly spot in town where children are free to play from a walking distance to the old town, while you sit on one of the benches in front of the lake.

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Basilica of the Visitation

Basilica of the Visitation

Dominating the city, this cathedral symbolises the rich religious past of the city and gives an indirect insight of the muted power struggle between Calvinism and Catholism. The Visitation Basilica protects the bodies of Saint Joan of Chantal and Saint Francis of Sales, as well as a 38-ton chime, named Marie-Francoise.

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Le Pâquier

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Notre-Dame-de-Liesse

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Lake Festival

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Perrière Bridge

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This bridge links two parts of the old town and is right in front of the Palais de l'Île. Pont Perrière is a perfect spot for taking pictures, both when there are flowers on it and when it's decorated with Christmas lights.

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Eglise Saint-François de Sales

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Annecy Cathedral

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