Annecy Attractions - Annecy Bus - Annecy Transport - Annecy What to See - Sindbad

Annecy is a town in France right on the border with Switzerland, in the Auvergne-Rhodan-Alpes region. It is located in the Western Alps, on Lake Annecy, which is the second largest lake in the country and one of the cleanest in Europe. Annecy has a population of about 130,000. The presence in the city of numerous canals with bridges spanning over them or narrow and colorful streets with historic buildings have contributed to giving Annecy the nickname "Alpine Venice." Due to its proximity to a post-glacial lake, the canals here have clear, even turquoise water.

The town's origins date back to the 12th century, when Annecy was just a small fishing settlement. In the 16th century, the capital of the Catholic bishopric was moved here from Geneva, then dominated by Calvinists. St. Francis de Sales was bishop here from 1602-1622, and Jean Jacques Rousseau also spent his youth here.

Annecy - what is worth seeing in this Alpine city?

Annecy is a charming town surrounded by majestic mountains and a clear lake. It makes a great destination both during warm summer days and in the winter season. What interesting things to see here?

Palais de l'Ile in Annecy

The palace on an island in the Thiou River that is a symbol of the city was built in the 12th century. In the past it served many functions - a prison, a court, a school or a home for senior citizens. It now houses the Annecy History Museum.

The Old Town of Annecy

The center of the old town is closed to traffic, allowing for leisurely strolls among the colorful streets and arcades lining the banks of the canals.

Château d'Annecy

The Château d'Annecy was built in the 13th century and expanded over the following centuries so that it took on a more residential, Renaissance character. It was the seat of the counts of Geneva. After a 20th-century renovation, it houses the Castle Museum, which presents exhibitions related to the region's cultural heritage.

The Basilica of the Visitation in Annecy (la Visitation)

This towering Neo-Romanesque temple above Annecy was built in the early 20th century. On its tower, measuring 72 meters, is a carillon consisting of 37 bells. Meanwhile, the basilica's interior is decorated with beautiful mosaics and stained glass windows. It also houses the remains of St. Francis de Sales.

Museum of Animated Film

This place interestingly educates about the history of animation, brings closer the process of creating moving pictures in the past and today. For example, you can test the phenakistiskop, a 19th century optical toy in the form of a wheel, which when spun quickly created the impression of movement of objects or characters placed on it. This museum is great for families with children to visit - many of its exhibits can be touched and tested.

Gardens of Europe - Jardins de l'Europe

This vast public park on the shores of Lake Annecy is overgrown with many varieties of trees brought from different continents. Even sequoias or ginkgo biloba trees can be found here. In the vicinity of the park is the Paquier promenade, loved by locals and tourists alike. To get to it, you have to cross a footbridge called the Bridge of Lovers (Pont des Amours).