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Annecy
Annecy is one of the most popular towns in the Alps, and is an attractive setting with woods, mountains and the Lake d'Annecy close to hand.
The town is found in the Haute-Savoie region of eastern France, on the shores of Lake Annecy, 22 miles south of Geneva. Annecy is situated at the northern end of the lake of Annecy, and is 25 miles NE of Aix les Bains. It occupies a strategic location on routes between Italy, Switzerland and France.
Annecy is a pleasant residence, and is home to a number of important places and monuments:
- The Palais de l'Isle also called the "old prison", was built in the 12th century. It is the symbol of the town and is among the most photographed monuments in all of France.
- The Château d'Annecy (Annecy Castle) was the home of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours, an offshoot of the House of Savoie (12th-16th century). Today it is home of the Art and History Conservatory of Annecy and the Regional Office of the Alpine Lakes.
- The Cathedral of Saint-Pierre built in the 16th century was the cathedral of François de Sales, and is home to a number of artworks and baroque pieces from the 19th century.
- The rue Sainte-Claire and its romantic arches date from the 17th and 18th centuries.
- The rue royale, with its numerous shops, gardens and the fountain of Saint Jean, is the heart of the commercial and political activities of the town.
- The money workshop of the Genevois now houses the Musée de l'Histoire d'Annecy.
- The church of Saint-Maurice has a flamboyant gothic style of the 15th century, and houses some very interesting paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries.
- The European Gardens made just after the annexing of Savoie in 1863 where one can admire the very rich and diverse vegetation.
- The Pont des Amours (Lovers' Bridge, see picture above), is a beautiful example of the iron architecture typical of the 20th century.
- The Impérial Palace inaugurated in 1913, with its public gardens, its beach and its casino.
- The Basilique de la Visitation built in the 20th century, home of the tomb of François de Sales and Jeanne de Chantal, and offers a magnificent view of the town and the agglomeration.
Annecy: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Plan a visit to Annecy, France
Hotels Annecy
Holiday rentals / travel
Property for sale Annecy
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Map of Annecy, France |
Places to visit - Annecy
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Annecy.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Annecy are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
- Aix-les-Bains Mountain town at 33 km
Tourist Classifications for Annecy
- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)
- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Annecy when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
