Best Travel Guide Annecy | ArrivalGuides.com

AnnecyGuide was updated: 2025-06-19

Coiled between lake and mountains, Annecy deserves its nickname of "Venice of the Alps". This harmonious city allows you to travel through time, from prehistory to the present day, before following in the tracks of the Princes of Savoy and eating next to the purest lake of Europe, while enjoying the numerous festivals and cultural animations. The city is also turned towards sports: the ski resorts are near the city and accessible by bus, and a biking trail goes all around the lake and lets you explore the shores.

Do & See

Discovering Annecy is like wandering in a romantic fairy tale. The castle, the gates, the arches are a perfect setting to stroll around. The lovely canals leading to the purest lake of Europe and all the cultural events draw 2.5 million visitors each year.

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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Annecy Castle

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

Legend says that if two persons kiss on the middle of the bridge, their love will never end. Built around 1906 to replace an older bridge, Pont des Amours links the European Gardens to the Pâquier park. It offers a viewthat hasthe lake on one side and the town on the other.

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The Old Town

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

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

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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