Annecy is a charming town nestled in the heart of the Alps in an idyllic setting. Nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps", Annecy has become one of the leading tourist destinations for the French.
We present to you the Top 10 visits and activities to do in Annecy:
Stroll through the Old Town
The Old Town of Annecy is a must-visit and will take you back several centuries. Established on the shores of Lake Annecy and crossed by the Thiou and the Vassé canal Indeed, with its cobbled streets and arcades, old Annecy offers an undeniable cachet. You will find beautiful narrow pedestrian streets lined with picturesque buildings. Small bridges cross the canals and various small archways between the streets with colorful walls, but also many restaurants, cafes and quaint shops.
Visit the Palais de l'Isle
The Palais de l'Isle was erected in the 12th century and was first a seigneurial residence before becoming a courthouse and then a prison. This famous monument is now converted into a museum of local history.
Walk on the Pont des Amours
The Pont des Amours is one of Annecy's must-see monuments. Located between the Pâquier and the Jardins de l'Europe, the Pont des Amours offers a magnificent view of the lake. Initially, a simple wooden footbridge built in 1845 to allow spectators to see the illuminations on the canal, the Pont des Amours as we know it today was inaugurated in 1907 and quickly became a cult place in the city.
Stroll through the Gardens of Europe
The Gardens of Europe are one of Annecy's favorite walks and a historic site used since the Middle Ages. Religious property until the Revolution, it is nowadays a privileged space. Located between the Hôtel de Ville and Lake Annecy, it is a large wooded park with century-old plantations that allows you to take advantage of many benches to enjoy Lake Annecy.
Discover the castle of Annecy
Overlooking the city, the Château d'Annecy was once the residence of the Counts of Geneva and is now listed as a Historic Monument. It now houses the Museum of Alpine Folk Art which retraces the history of the lake and hosts an aquarium as well as temporary exhibitions. The visit of the castle of Annecy lasts approximately 1 hour.
Take a bike ride
Visiting Annecy by bike is the recommended activity in order to enjoy the many viewpoints in the historic city center as well as around the lake. Indeed, cycling is practiced everywhere in Annecy.
You can go around the lake by following the greenway which represents 33 km of cycle paths. You will easily find bike rental companies on site.
Paragliding
For thrill seekers, you can fly over Lake Annecy in a paraglider. You will have a splendid view of the lake for 40 to 45 minutes supervised by qualified instructors. Note that Annecy is the busiest site in Europe for paragliding and regularly hosts the world championship.
Go on a hike
Annecy is a destination known for its beautiful hikes. There is something for all levels on the heights of Annecy. You can climb Mont-Baron from the Col des Contrebandiers (60 min), climb the Tournette (6 h) or even stroll to the summit of Semnoz.
Take a walk in Pâquier
Le Pâquier is a pleasant place offering a beautiful lakeside promenade right in the center of Annecy. You can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Take a boat trip on the lake
In order to take advantage of Lake Annecy more peacefully, you can take a boat trip there and spend the afternoon or the day on the lake, a true jewel of nature. Thus, you can get lost in the middle of the 27 km² lake and enjoy a swim away from the hustle and bustle of the shores.
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