16 recommended sightseeing spots in Annecy, a French city located on a beautiful lake

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Annecy, a city located on the shores of Lake Annecy in the eastern part of France, is a popular tourist destination in the summer as a summer resort and in the winter as a ski resort. Although it is not particularly large, with a population of about 50,000, there are many attractions, such as Lake Annecy, which boasts one of the clearest waters in the world, the old town that retains traces of the Middle Ages, the Thiou Canal through which the lake flows, parks rich in nature, and churches.

Annecy is a lakeside city that is becoming increasingly popular in France due to its beautiful nature surrounding it. In this article, we will introduce 16 carefully selected tourist spots that are recommended in Annecy, a city full of charm.

1. Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy, known as the clearest lake in Europe, is also known as the "Jewel of Savoie" due to its beautiful cobalt blue water surface. Located near the border with Switzerland, it has an alpine resort atmosphere that is slightly different from France. In addition to

swimming, you can also enjoy various water sports such as yachting, windsurfing, water skiing, and diving. There are many sandy beaches in the surrounding area, so even families with small children and the elderly can play safely. It's no wonder that many tourists from both inside and outside France visit the lake. There

is a bicycle path along the lakeside, so you can enjoy the spectacular view of Lake Annecy while cycling. You can enjoy the scenery of Annecy from various angles, such as a course that passes through the small villages on the shore of Lake Annecy and a course that overlooks the lake from a high place. Sightseeing by sightseeing boat is also recommended.

2. Annecy Old Town

The Annecy Old Town area, known as the "Venice of France," is known for its beautiful streets surrounded by canals, as its name suggests. The old town has many small alleys, making it almost a maze. Enjoy the streets that still retain their medieval atmosphere while stopping by cafes and buying souvenirs.

Annecy Old Town is also famous as the town where Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a philosopher active in France, lived. The building where Rousseau once lived and the bishop's palace where he met Madame de Varin remain, and the street in front of them is affectionately known as Jean-Jacques Rousseau Street.

3. Marché

The Marché (market), held three times a week in the old town, is a popular event for local Annecy residents and tourists alike. In addition to fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as everyday foods such as meat, fish, bread, and olives, Annecy's specialty products such as cheese, wine, sausages, and jams are lined up in a narrow space.

If you come to Annecy, you should definitely try the cheeses that are a specialty of the Savoie region. Take this opportunity to experience the special taste that can only be produced in the Rhône-Alpes region, such as Robloxon, Abondance, Beaufort, and Tomme de Savoie.

At the antique market held every month, various retro goods from high-end antique furniture to everyday items decorate the market. What may look like junk at first glance may actually be a premium non-sale item, and you may experience the excitement of a treasure hunt. However, be careful of pickpockets.

4. Palais de Lille

The Palais de l'Ile stands sturdy on an island in the canal. Its dark stone walls give it a rugged look, but it is one of Annecy's most popular tourist spots. Built in 1132 as a palace for the Count of Geneva, it was later used as a prison and a court of law, but is now open to the public as a history museum.

The Perrière Bridge on Rue Perrière is a very popular photo spot for the Palais de l'Ile. The view from this bridge is also one of Annecy's most iconic views. At night, it is lit up, welcoming tourists with a beauty that is different from that during the day.

5. European Garden

The European Garden is an English-style garden built in the marshland on the lakeside. From the garden, you can see the artificial island "Île des Cygnes (Swan Island)" floating on the lake, and there is also a sundial made by Capuchin monk Alcer in 1874, making it a perfect tourist spot for a stroll. If you cross

the bridge from the European Garden and head south, you will see the sightseeing boat pier. This sightseeing boat is a cruise ship that takes you around Lake Annecy for an hour, and runs every 30 minutes from 11:00 to 18:00 every day. It is always crowded with tourists as you can enjoy the collaboration of Lake Annecy and the cityscape of Annecy, which cannot be seen from land.

6. Champ de Mars

Champ de Mars Park is a park that spreads out to the north of the European Garden. It is also known as the screening venue for the popular Annecy International Animated Film Festival, which is held every June, and attracts many animation professionals and fans from all over the world.

If you walk along the promenade along the Vazée Canal and cross the Albert Lebrun Bridge, you will see the cultural center Bon Lieu ahead to your right. Inside, you will find a theater, library, and tourist information center, making it a great place to take a short break. Be sure to check out the merry-go-round at Liberation Square, which boasts over 100 years of history.

7. Bridge of Love

The lakeside bridge "Pont des Amours (Bridge of Love)" that connects the European Garden and the Champ de Mars Park is, as its name suggests, a popular date spot for couples. It is said that if a couple crosses the bridge holding hands, their wishes will come true, so there is no end to the number of tourists visiting this bridge of love. Not

only couples, but anyone can be captivated by the view of Lake Annecy from the bridge. The beauty of the lake's sparkling surface at dusk is especially striking. It is a tourist spot that is a must-visit even for non-couples.

8. Locks on the Thiou Canal

Under the Pont de la République in the old town is the Thiou Watergate. It is a mechanical watergate built by the architect Sadi Carnot in 1874, which allows a stable supply of water to the water wheels of the silk mill on the riverbank. It can be said to be a historical asset that marked the first step in Annecy's modern industrialization.

A little upstream from the Thiou Watergate is the "Cordrières Bank," the site of the former silk mill. Modern apartment buildings have been built on the site, making it a rare tourist spot where you can feel the breath of modernity in Annecy, where medieval streetscapes remain.

9. Church of St. François de Sales

Saint-François de Sales Church is a Baroque-style church built in 1614. It is known as the first church of the "Congregation of the Visitation of Our Lady," founded by Catholic priests François de Sales and Jeanne de Chantal. During the French Revolution, Saint-François de Sales Church was used as a factory, but it was reopened as a chapel in 1923 and a large-scale restoration was completed in 2003. The church, with its distinctive white-walled facade along the Thiou River, can be seen on the way from Annecy Old Town to the lakeside.

10. Saint-Maurice Church

On the way from Annecy Old Town to the lakeside, you will come across the elegant "Saint-Maurice Church." This former Dominican church played a central role in Annecy from the 15th to 16th centuries and is designated as a historical heritage site.

A highlight is the trompe l'oeil tombstone at the end of the passage, a work by local lord Philibert de Monts.

11. Annecy Castle

Château d'Annecy, built in 1219, sits on a hill in the old town. Built by the Count of Geneva, the castle was used as the residence of successive lords until the 16th century. After serving as a military barracks, it is now open to the public as a lake observation post and local museum. The local museum is full of prehistoric artifacts and materials related to life in the Savoy region, as well as animation films and modern art exhibits, making it a very interesting place to visit. With student discounts and free admission days, it is often used as a place of study for local students.

From Château d'Annecy, you can see the beautiful old town of Annecy with its red roofs, Lake Annecy, and the magnificent mountains. The surrounding area has a calm atmosphere, but there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and cafes, so it may be a good idea to use it as a base for sightseeing in Annecy.

12. La Visitation Temple

If you go up the road behind Annecy Castle, you will see La Visitation, famous as the church with the best view in Annecy. Located inside the huge monastery of the Visitation Sisters, the church's highlights are its bell tower with a carillon (a group of bells) and stained glass. François de Sales and Jeanne de Chantal, founders of the Visitation Sisters, are buried here. You can see wax figures of the two in the adjacent museum, so be sure to check it out as well.

13. Saint-Pierre Cathedral

The St. Pierre Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral built in 1535 as a Franciscan monastery church. During the early 17th century, amidst the period of the Reformation, it served as the bishop's residence for François de Sales, who fled from Geneva. Inside the cathedral, you can see stained glass windows depicting his accomplishments.
Additionally, there are stunning paintings such as "The Burial" and "The Liberation of St. Pierre de Mazzola," along with a remarkable 19th-century pipe organ, making it a place full of attractions. The choir school at St. Pierre Cathedral is also known for being where the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau studied music during his adolescence.

14. Notre-Dame-de-Liesse Church

On the northern side of the canal, across from St. Pierre Cathedral, lies the Église Notre-Dame de Liesse, which was built in the late 14th century by Amadeus III, Count of Geneva. The church features a bell that was installed in the 16th century and remains in its original form.
The building was destroyed during the French Revolution but was rebuilt in 1850. In the early 19th century, it served as a political center for Annecy. The tower, which rises majestically from one side of the façade, makes it a popular tourist attraction in Annecy.

15. Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace, a four-star hotel located on the shores of Lake Annecy, was once a palace and now offers deluxe accommodations. Opened in 1913, the hotel features a casino and a spa, attracting numerous famous personalities, including members of royal families from around the world. From the rose garden on the terrace, you can enjoy a stunning view of the beautiful Lake Annecy.
If you’re visiting for tourism, be sure to check out the Casino Imperial. You can enjoy a variety of games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, and baccarat. Additionally, every August, the hotel hosts a festival called "Joy of Music," making it a great time for music lovers to visit.

16. Talloires

The small village of Talloires, located on the shores of Lake Annecy, is beautifully depicted in the work "Lake Annecy" by the Impressionist master Paul Cézanne. Among the villages scattered along the lake, Talloires is particularly popular as a luxury resort destination, bustling with vacationers from France and beyond during the summer.
The charming buildings lined up along the streets, adorned with flowers, create an enchanting, fairy-tale-like atmosphere. It’s said that Cézanne remarked it was "too picturesque and boring" because of its beauty. Be sure to check out L'Abbaye de Talloires, a hotel that was once a 17th-century monastery and is known for being co-managed by the famous French actor Jean Reno, who is quite well-known even in Japan. Staying in the "Jean Reno Suite" or the "Cézanne Suite," which are associated with these two figures, could provide you with an elegant experience.

Access to Annecy

Access to Annecy is approximately 4 hours by train from Paris and 2 hours from Lyon. Annecy is located in the eastern part of France and close to Switzerland, so it is also recommended to access it from Geneva. It can be reached from Geneva in about 1.5 hours by train or bus.

Located in the eastern part of France and close to Switzerland, the city of Annecy is surrounded by a beautiful lake and majestic mountains, and continues to fascinate people throughout the ages. Why not spend some time relaxing and forgetting about time in this city known as the "Jewel of Savoie"?

Annecy is a small town that can be explored in a day, but there are so many things to see that you will never get bored. As you stroll through the atmospheric city of Annecy and the shores of the crystal blue Lake Annecy, your heart will naturally become clearer.