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.
Be sure to find time to explore Lake Annecy and the villages around its edges
Visit Annecy (Rhone-Alpes, Haute-Savoie) travel, gites and hotels
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The Annecy hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Annecy is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Rhone-Alpes gites for Annecy holiday rentals - Holiday villages in Rhone-Alpes Holidays nearbyLooking for something close by? See a wide choice of hotels, holiday villages and holiday rentals at: VisitSee Visit Annecy for places to visit near Annecy including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages DiscussAsk questions or leave a comment about Annecy in our Rhone-Alpes forum Airports near AnnecyChambery airport at 39 km Annecy property for saleSee Rhone-Alpes property for sale
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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)
Places to visit near Annecy, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Annecy.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
33 km: Aix-les-Bains (Mountain town)
See also Annecy (version Francais)
