Where is Annecy in France? Annecy: a walk through the most beautiful village in France. Annecy on the map of France
The town of Annecy and its lake are famous throughout Savoy. Compared with Lake Geneva, which is nearby, the water in Annecy is incomparably cleaner, and many people choose it as a vacation spot.
There have already been several articles on Charming Annecy, to which I personally am very partial, on Difficulty.net - about its main attractions - “Annecy: A Romantic Resort Town in Savoy” and a photo report from winter Annecy. Many who ski in the Alps wonder whether, for example, it is worth breaking away from alpine skiing and go to Annecy for a day in winter. Of course, worth it at any time of the year.
But I couldn’t ignore the topic summer holiday in Annecy, because there is so much entertainment on the lake, and it itself is one of the main centers of attraction for residents of the region and huge number tourists.
Thanks to special environmental protection measures taken in the region since the 1960s, Lake Annecy is today considered one of the cleanest in Europe, and the first tourists flocked here already in the 19th century, attracted by the romantic mountain and lake views. The final absorption of Savoy by France in 1860, however, did not affect the character and traditions of the lands of the former independent and powerful state. There are many local specialties here that take their history from gastronomic traditions historical region Savoy. Pay special attention to cheeses called Reblochon and Tome des Bauges, local fish from the lake served in Annecy restaurants, local white wines, as well as chocolate and all kinds of chocolate products.
So, what to do in Annecy in summer. Firstly, of course, sunbathe and swim in the numerous comfortable beaches(photo below) both near the Old Town of Annecy and located further away around the lake. Lake Annecy's website lists 13 beaches, but in fact there are many more. Beaches of Annecy. The water temperature in the lake in summer averages 24 degrees.
Secondly, most popular look active rest here - discover Annecy and its surroundings by bicycle, along specially laid out routes. Cruises on boats and yachts are also incredibly popular. There are several excursion companies operating in Annecy that will not only take you from point A to point B along the lake, but will also provide you with a guide (for foreigners, there are mainly English-speaking staff, although it is possible that you can find a Russian-speaking guide).
List active entertainment, including extreme sports that can be experienced in Annecy, is truly enormous: here there is paragliding, diving, water skiing, yachting, kayaking, water safari, flights over the mountains on hot-air balloon, gyrocopter and much more. In short, a traveler of any age, health and physical fitness will find something suitable here for themselves.
Annecy has its own Lake Festival with a grand 70-minute musical and pyrotechnic show, which takes place on the first Saturday in August. This holiday dates back to 1860, the time of the annexation of Savoy to France and the solemn events in the “Venetian style” on this occasion in Annecy in honor of Napoleon III. IN different time Annecy's lake festival with fireworks attracted up to 200,000 spectators at a time.
Other important events in Annecy and its surroundings:
Venice Carnival (in 2019 it will be held from March 15 to 17). It’s not for nothing that Annecy is called “the French Venice,” and the “mask shows” on the streets of the Old Town and against the backdrop of its canals really resemble crazy Italian carnivals.
"King of the Lake" is a wakesurfing competition (on a board without bindings) that attracts hundreds of athletes. Competitions are accompanied by broadcasts on large screens, parties, concerts, etc. For everyone.
From November 23, 2018 to January 6, 2019, Christmas celebrations and performances will take place in Annecy. Every year the Christmas festivities have a new theme.
Calendar of other events in Annecy (and there are many of them!).
Summer photos of Annecy and the lake
The old town of Annecy is decorated with flowers in summer, although, of course, it is far from the “flower madness” of the village of Yvoire located in Savoy.
The main attraction of Annecy is the Palais de L'Iles.
A cafe with the most original chairs in the Old Town of Annecy, which constantly has problems with customers. Apparently, visitors are slightly afraid of such beauty.
The old town of Annecy is quite large, so you won’t be able to learn it by heart in a day or two of walking.
Small fountains gush out from the lake. During holidays and celebrations, the embankment is decorated and the fountains are beautifully illuminated.
Picnics on the grass near the lake are the most favorite pastime of the townspeople. The photo shows a pre-wedding bachelorette party...
And this is not a gay pride parade, but guys from a bachelor party.
The purity of the water, which is protected and proud of in Annecy, is at its best.
Around the lake, as I already mentioned, there are 13 equipped beaches. One of the closest and most comfortable to the city is near the Imperial Hotel, entrance is 4-5 euros for the whole day. There is everything you need to have a great time here.
France is a country of poets, artists, scientists and writers, powerful kings and desperate revolutionaries. A country of exquisite cuisine and equally exquisite beauty. But there is a tiny pearl in it that can touch even the most sophisticated tourist, her name is Annecy, which is deservedly called “the most beautiful village th" France.
Annecy on the map of France
Annecy, France is a city located at the base of the Alps, on the border with Switzerland. Annecy, sometimes called Annecy, is the center of the Haute-Savoie department. In the north, the department borders with Switzerland, and in the east with Italy. Until the mid-19th century, Haute-Savoie belonged to Switzerland, and the city itself was the residence of the Counts of Geneva. In 1860 the department became part of France. The city of Annecy is located 85 km north of Grenoble, and 45 km south of Geneva.
Thousands of years ago, clear water lakes and the proximity of mountainous alpine valleys and meadows contributed to the birth of a settlement called Annecy, or Annecy (Latin Annesium). The first information about Annecy dates back to 2500 BC. e. It was a settlement of 2000 people. Later, Annecy was a port on the lake, that is, a large and significant place. The village is mentioned in documents from the time of Emperor Lothar, in 876, which is why this year is considered to be the time the city was founded.
Weather in Annecy, France
The climate in Annecy is moderately warm. Observed a large number of precipitation, the driest month is July (precipitation 66 mm). Maximum precipitation falls in November – 96 mm. The average annual temperature in the city is +10 °C. The warmest month of the year is July average temperature+19.5 °C. The lowest temperature occurs in January, it is about +0.6 °C.
Annecy France
Interesting! The city lost the competition to host the 2018 Winter Olympics. Biathlon and other sports competitions are held in the city and its surrounding areas in winter.
Annecy in France: attractions
Annecy (France) is called the “Venice of the Alps”, as three rivers and many canals pass through the city. In the city you can see many attractions related to the history of not only the city itself, but also the entire department of Haute-Savoie.
Island Palace Palais de L'Isle
Located on a small island right in the middle of the Tew Channel, which flows between the lake and the Fewer River. It is called the Palace on the Island and is shaped like a ship. Exactly this popular place in the city and it is believed that visiting Annecy and not taking a photo at the palace on the island is an unacceptable waste of time. This castle was built in 1132 and belonged to the Counts of Geneva until the 13th century. Its peculiarity is that every centimeter of the island was used during construction, so its shape resembles a ship.
Initially, it was conceived as an office for accepting payments when crossing the bridge. Then it was a prison, a mint, a residence for the nobility, an almshouse, an orphanage, a drawing school, a gymnasium, and a palace of justice. At the beginning of the 20th century, a city bathhouse was almost built in its place, but with the advent of the revival period of the ancient palace, it began to be guarded as historical monument architecture. Due to the position in the middle of the canal and the comfort of the surrounding streets, in fact, the charm of this place was created. Inside it there is now a museum of the history of Annecy with an exhibition about the history of the region.
Palais de L'Isle
Annecy Castle
This is the castle and residence of the Counts of Geneva. The castle is located on a hill. It was built from the 12th to the 15th centuries. The castle often burned and was finally abandoned in the 17th century. Later it was used as barracks until the end of the Second World War. The city bought the castle in 1953 and it now houses a museum of modern art and a local history museum. The Perrier Tower has a popular science collection. This is the oldest part of the castle with walls four meters thick. Also, an observatory is now open in the tower; from the terrace in front of the castle there is a charming view of Old city Annecy and the lake.
Church of Saint Francis de Sales
The Church of St. Francis stands on the banks of the Thieu River, the shortest river in France. The church was built in the 17th century in honor of Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, as well as his spiritual disciple Joanna de Chantal.
Saint Francis was born in 1567 in the castle of Sales, 20 kilometers from the city. The castle of Sales was destroyed by Louis XIII in the 18th century. Francis received religious education and became a priest. He was a talented preacher, helped the poor and disadvantaged, and was distinguished by meekness and patience. Author of many books.
Church of Saint Francis de Sales
Cathedral of St. Petra
Saint Peter's Basilica in Annecy is a national historical monument and Cathedral diocese of Annecy. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century. Combines architectural elements of late Gothic and Renaissance. In the first half of the 17th century, the very young Jean-Jacques Rousseau studied and sang in the Saint-Pierre Cathedral. The future composer and thinker entered the seminary, and then studied at the choir school and sang in the choirs of St. Peter's Cathedral. In 1822, the cathedral was given cathedral status. In the 19th century, a large organ by the master of the royal court, Nicolas-Antoine Lete, was installed in the cathedral.
Interesting! The main cathedral bell weighs about three tons. The interior is decorated with an altar in the New Baroque style, as well as stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis de Sales.
Lovers' Bridge
Couples in love should definitely check out the Lovers' Bridge, which is widely known among tourists, although it was built quite recently. Despite its short lifespan, the bridge has already become part of the legends of tourists. Lovers definitely need to cross the bridge so that their feelings become stronger and the union is preserved forever. However, the bridge looks nicer from afar, with boats in the foreground and the lake surface surrounded by ancient willows in the background.
Lake Annecy
The lake itself, framed by mountains, is so beautiful that it is an undoubted attraction at any time of the year. There is a boat company office next to the lake and in the summer they sell tickets for pleasure boats. You can also book a lunch or dinner cruise on Lake Annecy. Since the end of October, this company has been running boat trips only once a day - at 3 pm, and also at 11 am on weekends. Such an hour-long walk costs 14 euros.* On occasion, you can board a private boat for a little high price. When viewing the shores of Annecy, you can see chapels, houses and the Annecy castle itself on a ledge of the shore.
Lake Annecy
Events in the City and surrounding areas
In August, Annecy hosts the Flower Festival and Lake Annecy Festival. During these holidays, unrealistically beautiful fireworks are displayed over the lake at night. It is possible to view the lake from the ring road around it, but it is often very busy, so it is much quieter to explore the shores of the lake on boat excursions. They provide options for stopovers or return with a later flight. A variety of trips with stops on the shores of the lake are offered by Compagnie de Navigation on Place Bois, next to Quai Bayreuth; a full circle around the lake costs €13.30*.
On east coast there is a large Menthon castle (Chateau de Menthon) with towers. The road to it is marked with a sign near the town of Menthon-Saint-Bernard. A few kilometers from this town stands on the shore the lovely Talloires. Here is the luxurious Hotel de Vabbaye, a former 11th-century Benedictine monastery.
The Fier River, flowing from Lake Annecy, formed the narrow Fier Gorge (Gorges du Fier) in the rocky limestones. The path leading into the gorge, which is 300 meters long, is marked on the D14 highway with a sign near Lavagna. The path goes down, passes along the gorge along high bridges, from which you can see the Montrottier Castle (Chateau de Montrottier). You can reach it along the path, walking another 3 kilometers. The 13th-century castle houses an eclectic display of furniture, pottery, lace, and exotic objects from former French colonies.
How to get to Annecy
You can reach Annecy by train or bus from Geneva. The Routiere bus station in Geneva is the closest to Annecy, there is a direct bus from here, the ticket costs 15.5 francs, * the journey takes 1.5 hours. When calculating credit card, can take 2 francs extra.
Address of Routiere station in Geneva: Place Dorcière, 1201 Genève. Located on the left bank, near the railway station. This station is one small booth and a platform for buses.
In Annecy the station is larger, it is combined with train station. A round trip ticket is valid for one day, the time is not indicated on the ticket. The city also has an airport that accepts domestic flights in France.
Annecy has a calm, almost rural life, so a holiday here will help you relax and take a break from the bustle of the city.
* Prices are current for 2018.
One glance is enough to imagine that this picturesque French resort town has stepped out of the medieval paintings of an unknown artist. called “Savoy Venice”, since it is completely permeated with many canals and streams that originate in the lake of the same name. Many travelers rush here to visit the so-called “most beautiful village in France.”
- Kiss on the Lovers' Bridge to be together forever
It is also a city of artists and colorful festivals. What is there to do in Annecy? Of course, walk along its medieval streets and paved sidewalks, admire the skillful masterpieces of artisans and artists, cute old houses, and get to know the history of the country better. Well, try delicious Italian ice cream. And young people do not miss the chance to kiss famous bridge Lovers.
City of Flowers
Many artists and directors capture the city in their works and films. And how can you not see the beauty of this city if you yourself local residents They do everything to make it truly beautiful. The main decorative element is flowers. They are in vases and pots, in flower beds and in decorative crafts. The city has an incredible aroma of flowers!
It seems as if there is a carnival going on here all the time - everything is decorated and everything is festive. Annecy has an atmosphere of romance, comfort and antiquity. And to this beauty, created by human hands, was added a picturesque landscape: the alpine fragrance of nature with green hills and a clear lake.
Sights worth admiring
Everyone who comes to Annecy for the first time rushes to see Island Palace. Along the Tew channel, on small island costs little, but very much interesting building, sharpened in the 12th century. It seems that the palace simply “rose” out of the water. In the Middle Ages, it belonged to the vassals of the Genevan counts, then became the residence of Helen of Luxembourg. Later within its walls there was a prison and a city court. Today in the Island Palace there is Annecy History Museum.
One of the impressive medieval buildings is Castle of the Dukes of Savoy, which towers over the old town. The castle burned several times in a row. Then in the 17th century the counts abandoned it and it served as a military barracks. After the war, the Castle was bought and restored. Now the chateau is located Museum of Alpine Art, which presents an exhibition of sculptures and paintings by local authors, as well as Museum of Local Lore with furniture and household items, an interesting city photo archive. The Queen's Tower houses an observatory, and the Perrier Tower houses a popular science collection and an aquarium with live fish that live in the local lake. Co observation deck offers stunning views of Old Annecy.
In the center of Annecy, right next to the Canal Saint-Dominique, you can see a beautiful Gothic Church of Saint Maurice. It was built as a classical Dominican church and is the oldest in the city. The famous local nobleman and adviser to the Dukes of Burgundy and Savoy, Philibert de Montoux, is buried there. Above the tombstone is a magnificent fresco. Inside the church there is a very interesting painting that creates a certain illusion of three-dimensionality. It is worth paying attention to the carved church chairs and the throne held by the colossus. Saint Maurice is the patron saint of all Savoy, and of course Annecy.
In general, there are quite a lot of churches in Annecy. And if you walk along Russo Street, you can see another famous temple - Saint Paul's Cathedral, where Jean-Jacques Rousseau once sang in the choirs. Later, in his manuscript “Confession,” he described in detail the life of this lovely town.
Incredibly beautiful Visitacion Church, which houses the relics of Bishop Francis de Sales. At one time, he led the Counter-Reformation movement and did a lot for the spiritual development of Annecy. Thanks to this man, the city became a true citadel of Catholicism. After the bishop's death, the Vatican canonized him. This basilica is young, built in the 30s of the last century. Inside the cathedral, you can admire elaborate stained glass windows depicting scenes from the lives of Francis de Sales and Jeanne de Chantal, founder of the Order of Visitantes and fellow bishop, who was also beatified.
Kiss on the Lovers' Bridge to be together forever
There is such a sign in the city that if you kiss on Lovers' Bridge, then you will never part with a young man (or girl). Therefore, here you can see couples in love, of different ages, just standing and kissing. Romance! The bridge looks much nicer from the side when boats float underneath it on the quiet surface of the canal, and artists sit next to it on the alley, setting up easels and painting city landscapes or commissioned portraits. After all, from the bridge there are stunning views of the mountains and lake
Garden of Europe
A few steps from the Lovers' Bridge there is a small peninsula. Today there is a recreation park on it, which is called Garden of Europe. It was built as an English park. The park has a small lake with Swan Island in the middle.
Local residents and travelers come here to sit in the shade of the alleys on a bench and relax, admire unique statues and beautiful decorative fountains, take a boat ride on the lake.
The quiet surface of Lake Annecy
The city's lake of the same name attracts tourists as well as the sights of Annecy. It is considered the cleanest body of water in the world. Formed Lake Annecy due to the melting of Alpine glaciers many millennia ago. And the water level is maintained by the mountain rivers that flow into it. There are several built around the lake resort centers where tourists relax.
Very often you can see paragliders above the lake, who begin their flight from the top of a 1300-meter mountain. Annecy hosts the largest paragliding competition in the world. All year round ply around the lake excursion boats(since the lake does not freeze in winter) and you can enjoy beautiful scenery, see small settlements around the lake (for example, on the hill the towers of the castle of Menton-Saint-Bernard are clearly visible). You can also rent a bicycle and go for a walk along the lake and through the mountain hills.
Festivals in Annecy
In summer there are many vacationers on the lake. You can easily swim here, because... the temperature warms up to +21-23*C. Also held in June International Film Animation Festival. Takes place in July blues festival, but in August it will be fun to relax at an exciting event - Lake Festival, when there are musical performances, light and pyrotechnic shows. Folk dances and songs, fairs and concerts take place during Alpine Harvest Festival, which is traditionally held in Annecy on the second Sunday of October.
How to get to Annecy
You can get to Annecy in an hour or two by train from Lyon or Geneva (ticket costs about 20 euros), or from Paris (a little longer - 3.5 hours, ticket costs 80 euros). It even has its own small airport, which receives domestic flights and planes from Switzerland and some European cities. And regular buses run from Geneva.
In general, if you are tired of stress and want to enjoy peace and tranquility, go to. The city, with its streets and bridges, promenades and lantern alleys, lovely water canals and magnificent views of the surrounding area, has a magical healing effect...
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Lake Lac du Bourget, located in the French department of Savoie, is the largest and most deep lake countries. The area of the lake of glacial origin with a length of 18 meters and a maximum width of 3.5 kilometers is 44 and a half square kilometers. Maximum depth in Lac du Bourget does not exceed 145 meters.
Lake Lac du Bourget was formed about 19 thousand years ago by the melting of glaciers. Swimming enthusiasts come to the lake; the water temperature in summer is 20-25 degrees Celsius. The volume of water in the reservoir is equal to the annual volume of consumption drinking water throughout the country. IN last years Serious work is underway to protect the lake from wastewater from surrounding cities. The shores of the lake are home to storks, black kites, eagle owls and many other bird species.
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy, located in the French department of Haute-Savoie, is considered the second largest lake in the country. Its area, with a length of 14.6 kilometers and a width of 3.2 kilometers, is about 28 square kilometers. The depth of the lake does not exceed 82 meters.
Lake Annecy was formed about 18 thousand years ago from the waters of the glaciers of the Alps. It receives food from many mountain rivers and the Bubioz spring, a river that comes to the surface from a depth of 82 meters. Annecy is surrounded from the north, east and west mountain ranges, in the south there is a valley. To the lake on which it stands old City Annecy, fans come from all over the country aquatic species sports
At the foot of the snow-capped Alps, almost on the border of Switzerland and France, there is the resort of Annecy. Annecy is the center of the Haute-Savoie department.
Annecy is a town in the East of France, located 60 km from Geneva. This lovely city, located on the clear Lake Annecy of the same name, is known for its cozy streets, as well as its medieval castle.
How to get to Annecy
Annecy is 545 km from Paris, 140 km from Lyon, 100 km from Grenoble, 420 km from Marseille, 43 km from Geneva and 270 km from Turin.
You can get to Annecy by train, car or plane (Annecy has a small airport).
We arrived in Annecy at night and barely squeezed into the hotel parking lot. Then my wife started making soup with meatballs - just think! in Savoy... We took an apartment with a kitchenette. Well, you already understand where I ran off to (I haven’t gotten around to it yet). Of course take pictures!
The very center from us was literally two blocks away. First up is Eglise Notre Dame de Liesse, the Church of Our Lady just glowed right behind the hotel.
Here is the Savoy Hotel itself.
And then - to the river (or canal?) Thiu, flowing from Lake Annecy.
The visiting card of the city is the Island Palace (Palais de l`Isle) built in the 12th century. on the top of an island in the Thiu channel. It was used as the residence of the Count of Geneva, a mint and, finally, a prison. Now it is a museum.
There were as many people as there were on a tram at this evening hour. Having squeezed through the crowd of the ubiquitous Japanese, I leaned against the railing (there was no tripod!) and took pictures. The belgo balance was very difficult to choose. Yellow lanterns, white spotlights, plus illumination from under the water and light from windows and advertisements... I tried this and that.
A couple more night shots near the Perrier embankment, and home to meatballs! They were very tasty, by the way...
Annecy - day 2
It has been raining since morning in Annecy. Sometimes it stopped to charge with renewed vigor. We had to leave the hotel, our things were collected and taken out into the trunk. And we went for a walk, first in the places we had explored yesterday. Wet Place Notre-Dame, Hotel de Savoia and of course, the Island Palace. In the rain, the former prison looked gloomy, but the wife fed all sorts of birds.
We also looked into the courtyard of the Palais de l`Isle - nothing special. And again to the left bank of the Thiu River, along the Island embankment (Quai de l`Ile). And there is a fair there, because it’s Saturday. Wine, cheese, sausages, souvenirs... Houses on the island get wet in the rain.
Along with the reflection. At St. Clare's Square, the fair spills out onto the bridge, takes up the square - here the shoes begin to squelch suspiciously, and it no longer flows from the sky like a child. Youth slang, it inspires...
We hide in the building of a cotton manufactory, transformed into a nice complex of galleries and staircases. You can shoot not from under an umbrella, but from under the roof.
I still have enough strength to take a photo of the Gallo house from the 18th century. and the ancient Gate of St. Clare, remaining from the city fortifications of Annecy.
All. The willpower is gone. We wander along the steep path to Annecy Chateau. At least you can dry there.
Annecy Castle
Annecy Castle, small but formidable, towers over the city. It was built from the 12th to the 16th centuries. was the possession of the Counts of Geneva, then the Dukes of Savoy. In the 17th century the castle burned down and was abandoned. Then until 1947 there were barracks in the castle, and in 1953 the city of Annecy acquired the castle and restored it. Now there is a city historical museum.
The most powerful of the castle towers, Tour de la Reine (Queen's Tower), reaches 38 m in height with a wall thickness of 4 m.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about the castle were the ancient maps and drawings (what the castle and the city looked like in the past). There are no traces of the former interiors. But the halls, staircases and medieval windows allow you to feel the past greatness.
But what a view from the observation deck! If only the weather were decent...
However, what did I want from Alpine October? All that was left was to fill the wet shoes toilet paper and get to Lake Annecy. Well, you can’t be here and not go to the lake. Moreover, the way there lies through the very nice, albeit steep, streets of the old city.
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy (French Lac d'Annecy) is considered the cleanest lake in Europe. The second largest lake in France (length 14.6 km, width 3.2 km). The maximum depth is 82 m, and there, by the way, there is a powerful underwater source.
Of course, a lot of boats and boats go out for a walk, as well as a floating restaurant (it was under repair, but they have been inviting you since 2013). The weather is not a hindrance, even if the clouds cover the mountains and it’s drizzling from the sky...
But we didn't take any chances. There is little time, visibility is poor... Let's walk a little along the embankments.
The tiny island, of course, is called Lebyazhiy (Ile des Cygnes). Because these are the swans. And they require feeding - is it in vain that they set sail in such weather?!
The Quai Napoleon III suddenly changes its name to the Gardens of Europe and leads us to the Bridge of Love across the Canal du Vasse. There is a park behind the bridge, but we won’t go there anymore. According to the romantic version, lovers meet on this bridge, and a kiss in the middle of the bridge is a guarantee of fidelity. According to another, girls of easy virtue were hanging out near the bridge. Prose of life!
We return to the source of the Thieu River, from where Annecy Castle and the Visitation Church high above the city are clearly visible.
A farewell look at the Perrier embankment, and to the car.
Goodbye, city, castle and lake Annecy! It would be nice to see you on a sunny summer day...