 |  |  |
|---|
A beautiful day in Annecy
Annecy is the greatest city of the Upper Savoy region in South-Eastern France. Located on the northern side of Lake Annecy, it is just 35 KM South of Geneva. It has a big lake and many canals.
The lake is the 3rd largest lake in France, and known as the Europe’s cleanest lake because of strict environmental regulations introduced in the 1960s, and that is why no one is allowed swimming in the water! But there are many beaches and swimming pools in the area just for that reason! It is a popular destination for swimming and water sports. The lake was formed about 18,000 years ago, when the large alpine glaciers melted, and is now fed by many small rivers from the surrounding mountains, and from a powerful underwater source, the Boubioz, which enters at 82 m depth.
​
It is by far the prettiest Medieval town we have come across in France and is sometimes known as the little Venice. Such a little nice town, gorgeous houses, incredible architecture, and cute little restaurants and bars everywhere you turn. There are beautiful flowers around the canals leading to La Vielle Ville. It is the 9th most-flowered French city! Very hard to get bored in this little pretty town. Every turn you make; you will see a perfect picture postcard.
We went a few times in the summer, and spent the whole day, not staying overnight, since you can easily walk through the entire stretch from lake Annecy in a couple of hours including visiting churches and stopping at cafes.
Walking along the cobblestoned streets and along the town's many canals, try to imagine life here in the 11th and 12th centuries. This was a village of nobles and the privileged. Today this part of Annecy is lined with brassieres and restaurants where you can enjoy al fresco dining.
Visit "Palace of the Island"
We got there in the afternoon, and seeing the most common picture when you think of Annecy, we went straight to the Palais de L’isle (Palace of the Island), which is a former palace/prison stone building.
This instantly recognizable city landmark is one of the most photographed buildings in France! It is located in the center of Thiou canal with numerous cafés around the canal so you can admire it from there or just stop at the small bridge like we did and take some photos of this former palace/prison stone building. It is basically in the old town of Annecy.
Now the palace is a history museum. We didn’t go inside but it offers modern art exhibition with a some information about the city and the Palace itself. It might be nice to check out the prison cells from inside.
Tip: If you decide to go inside you better buy the combo ticket that includes Chateau de Annecy too (free on first Sunday of the month).
​
​
​
​
​
Thiou
Thiou is basically the name of the river that crosses the city forming small canals. Because of these canals, the town is often called the Venice of the Alps.
Annecy castle
Then we headed to the castle of Annecy. This castle was built between the 12th and 16th centuries. It was bought by the city of Annecy in 1953, then restored with the help of historical monuments, then finally the city installed a museum there. This castle was used by many lords who ruled over Annecy in the Middle Ages.
Inside, we saw some important collection of furniture dating from the 15th century onwards, some photographs and models of Alpine chalets and some sculpted objects.
Tips: The tour can be done in less than an hour, so don’t waste too much time here. For gorgeous views of the old city, this is the place to come guys.
XXX resto
We finally made our way for lunch. Seeing all these nice restaurants with terrasses, I already started feeling hungry since we got here. Delicious gigantic burgers, were served to us, but not not in buns but huge slices of bread! This restaurant is amazing for food, and specially if you are really hungry. I highly recommend! But just be hungry when you go there.
​
Basilique de la visitation
This beautiful church is located on top of the hill of Annecy facing and dominating the lake. This place houses the tombs of Francois de Sales (1567-1622) and Jeanne de Chantal (1572-1641), co-founders of the religious order.
It is pretty nice hike up, helped us digest our huge meal. Again, for stunning views, this is a must-see guys. It provides stunning views of Annecy, with the lake and mountains in the background!
Tip: I would recommend this place if you are up for the hike of steep stairs here, because otherwise, the basilica looks pretty much the same as any other one. But if you are looking for amazing views, then I would highly recommend the church guys. There is a little museum (free entrance just like the basilica) near the gift shop. It has the actual garments of Francis de Sales and St. Jeanne on wax figures. That was cool to see.
Annecy Cathedral
Then we headed to Annecy Cathedral. This is a roman catholic cathedral as well as a national monument of France. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century. The building was used as a temple of the Goddess Reason during the French Revolution and then got converted back to a cathedral in 1822.
Tip: The architecture is nice to see inside, otherwise, to us, was a normal looking cathedral again. So I would recommend it if you have a lot of time and not rushed for anything else.
Drive to Semnoz
We didn’t have enough of views, and the weather was nice, so we headed towards the Semnoz mountain. The drive up to the mountain is roughly 50 minutes. There is a bus that runs 3 times a day from Annecy’s train station I believe that you can find out about from the information center, if you didn’t go to Annecy by car. You can also hike or bike, we actually saw a lot of bikers, but they were in a hell of a good shape. The views from the top of the mountain are again breathtaking! You get the view of Mont Blanc, Avaris and Bauges mountains.
It is so peaceful up there, with the charming background noise of the cow bells. If you meditate, there is no better place you can find. Best way to enjoy the views is to go up there and have a picnic like we did, there is a restaurant as well up there called Les Rochers Blanc, where we had coffee, and the prices are very reasonable.
Tips: there is also the lovers bridge that is very popular to take pictures with the mountain and lake in the background. A lot of newly weds come there from around the world because of the rich landscape.
Tips for shoestring traveller
Beaches and pools
There are many free public beaches in Annecy and some where you can pay a very small fee, and have all the facilities required, such as toilet and restaurant and even a picnic area in striking distance. Some beaches have pool for kids while the parents are bathing themselves in the beach.
Boat ride
There are inexpensive boats companies that offer dinner cruises, water taxi to go towns around the lake, or just to admire the beauty of the mountains and the lake sitting on a boat.
Rent a bike
There couldn’t be a better way to explore this little town by bike, if you didn’t come to the town by car. It is as little as 7 euros an hour to rent a bike, and you can pretty see everything the town has to offer within the first hour. Riding a bike with such natural beauty surrounding you, you will forget about everything.
Picnic
There are many grocery stores in the area, if you don’t feel like having a real big meal, then you can just buy a sandwich from the grocery store and head to endless amount of picnic areas around. There is even a market on the street every Sunday that sells fresh fruits and vegetables.
Go for a hike
Another fun activity would be to go for a hike. Many people hike and bike to the Semnoz mountain, you can try that if you are in good shape! otherwsie the Information center has a full map of all the trails within the area. And nothing can be more rewarding to go for a hike and know great views are waiting for you at the end.
Watch a movie
In this medieval, there is even a cinema! if you dont feel like doing anything, or if the weather is really bad, your best bet would be to go watch a movie.
Stay
There are a few hostels in the area that you can look into if you will be staying the night. Otherwise, if you are camper then this is one of the best places I can recommend to camp, with beautiful scenery and everything available around you for your comfort.