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Annecy

The Venice of the Alps

Cities in the region

Last updated date : 19/01/2023

With the crystal clear waters of its lakes, and the tiny bridges and canals in the town's old quarter, everything in Annecy will make you fall in love with this must-see site in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

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Discover Annecy

Canal d'Annecy © Visual Hunt

Annecy always seems to be in a holiday spirit, and a break on the banks of the lake is certainly not to be missed! Numerous benches all around the lake offer you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the view. And what a view it is! Here the mountain slopes descend all the way into the clear blue waters of the lake… So, it’s hardly surprising when you discover that this is the cleanest lake in Europe!

Annecy is also steeped in history, and will give you plenty of opportunities to quench your curiosity. And if you want to learn everything there is to know about the town, pay a visit to its castle (Annecy's Castle) which was listed as a historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture in 1959.

This Pearl of the French Alps provides a standard of living that attracts growing numbers of tourists, who are sometimes so beguiled by the location that they choose never to leave! In the old part of town, Lovers' Bridge (Pont des Amoureux) is the ideal spot for a souvenir photo. The banks of the canal are also a great place to enjoy a stroll, and boast numerous cafés and restaurants.

Events

Feux d'artifice à Annecy © InstantPyro / Visual Hunt / CC by NC ND

Annecy also hosts events all year round, with, among other things, the unmissable Fête du Lac and its firework display on the 1st Saturday in August. This show lasts for over an hour and attracts huge crowds from abroad, who travel here specially to see it. The magical quality of the location and the exceptional merit of its firework display are now famous worldwide!

Another highlight is the Annecy International Animation Film Festival ! A gem of a festival that promotes the very latest jewels in its genre. Amateurs and enthusiasts come here in droves to attend, and quite right they are too!

With its lake and mountains, leisure activities abound in Annecy. In fact, there's something for everyone!

Further informations on the website of Annecy Tourist Office.