Geographical position
Annecy, nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps," is located in the northern French Alps, in the heart of Haute-Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The city stretches along the northern and western shores of Lake Annecy, surrounded by the Bauges, Bornes, and Aravis mountain ranges. Close to Geneva (42 km) and Chambéry (55 km), it boasts an exceptional natural setting, featuring mountains, forests, and turquoise waters.
History and heritage
Inhabited since prehistoric times, Annecy was founded under the name Boutae by the Romans around 50 BC. Its turbulent history saw it pass under Savoyard, Genevan, and then French control. In the Middle Ages, it became the capital of the County of Geneva and experienced a religious and cultural boom with the arrival of Saint Francis de Sales in the 17th century, earning it the nickname "Rome of the Alps." The city industrialized in the 19th century and opened up to tourism in the 20th century, notably thanks to the arrival of the train and the reputation of its lake.
Monuments and must-see sites
Annecy is rich in remarkable architectural heritage:
Annecy Castle : former residence of the Counts of Geneva, it overlooks the old town and today houses a museum and the Alpine Lakes Observatory.
The Palais de l'Isle : emblem of the city, this 12th century fortified house perched on an island in the heart of the Thiou was successively a palace, a prison and a court.
Saint-Pierre Cathedral : built in the 16th century, it bears witness to the religious importance of the city.
The Church of Saint-Maurice and the Church of Saint-François-de-Sales : two jewels of religious heritage.
The canals and the old town : cobbled streets, arcades, colorful houses and flower-filled bridges offer a unique atmosphere, worthy of a postcard.
Prehistoric lake remains : three submerged archaeological sites are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Culture and events
Annecy is a dynamic city, renowned for its major events:
International Animation Film Festival : a global benchmark for animated cinema.
Venetian Carnival : Every year, masks and costumes parade through the old town, recalling the Italian influence.
Descent from the Alps : traditional festival of the return of the herds to the valley in autumn, bringing together up to 100,000 people.
Lake Festival : spectacular fireworks display over the lake every summer, a legacy of Savoy's annexation to France.
Lake Annecy: attractions and activities
Lake Annecy, the second largest lake in France, is renowned for the purity of its glacial waters, fed by mountain springs. Surrounded by mountains, it offers a dreamlike setting and preserved biodiversity, with two nature reserves on its shores.
Activities at the lake :
Swimming : supervised beaches, clean and pleasant waters, numerous shaded areas.
Water sports : sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, rowing, water skiing, diving, cruises and fishing.
Walks and hikes : cycle path around the lake, mountain trails, panoramic viewpoints.
Underwater exploration : snorkeling, diving on archaeological sites and the wreck of the France.
Nature : spectacular landscapes, rich flora and fauna, absence of tides, safe environment for families.
Annecy gastronomy
Annecy's cuisine reflects the richness of the Savoyard terroir and the freshness of the lake's produce:
Cheeses : Reblochon, Tome des Bauges, Tomme de Savoie, Abondance, Beaufort, often cooked in fondue, raclette or tartiflette.
Charcuterie : diots, pormoniers, ham and Savoie sausage.
Lake fish : whitefish, Arctic char, pike, trout, prepared as fillets, gratin or en papillote.
Traditional dishes : Savoyard fondue, tartiflette, Savoyard gratin, stew, crozets.
Sweets : Savoy cake, blueberries, honey, Saint-Genix.
The town is full of restaurants, from traditional inns to Michelin-starred restaurants, where you can enjoy inventive and generous cuisine, often with a view of the lake.
Conclusion
Annecy captivates visitors with its unspoiled natural setting, rich history, architectural heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and authentic gastronomy. Nestled between lake and mountains, the city offers a unique way of life, perfect for a relaxing and gourmet stay in the heart of the French Alps.