Annecy, France

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Annecy, France

Region: Haute-Savoie

---

Geographic Coordinates: 45.916000, 6.133000

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 130721

Language: French

---

Annecy is a town situated in southeastern France, In the region of Haute-Savoie. It is often referred to as the Venice of the Alps due to its network of canals and waterways that run through the historic old town. The town sits on the shores of Lake Annecy, Which is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning mountain scenery. The old town of Annecy features narrow streets and alleyways lined with colorful buildings that date back to medieval times.

One of Annecy’s most famous landmarks is Palais de l’Isle, A 12th-century castle built on an island in one of the canals. It has served as a prison, Courthouse, And now houses a museum dedicated to local history. Visitors cannot miss taking a stroll along Annecy’s charming canals or admiring its beautiful gardens. Jardins de l’Europe offers breathtaking views across Lake Annecy towards snow-capped mountains beyond. Visitors can also take boat tours around Lake Annecy or rent bicycles to explore nearby areas like Talloires or Duingt.

For those interested in history and culture, There are several museums worth visiting in Annecy. Musée-Château d’Annecy showcases art from medieval times through contemporary works while Musée du film d’animation highlights French animation history with interactive exhibits. Annecy hosts several festivals throughout the year including Fête du Lac (Lake Festival) which features fireworks displays over Lake Annecy; Festival International du Film d’Animation (International Animated Film Festival) which attracts animators from around the world; and Carnaval Vénitien (Venetian Carnival) where locals dress up in elaborate costumes inspired by Venice’s carnival traditions. In terms of cuisine, Savoyard dishes dominate menus in Annecy.

Raclette, A dish of melted cheese served with potatoes and cold meats, Is a must-try for visitors. Tartiflette, Made with potatoes, Bacon, And reblochon cheese is another popular dish. Annecy also has several patisseries where visitors can indulge in traditional French pastries like croissants or macarons. Overall, Annecy offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, History and culture that makes it an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience the best of France’s Alpine region.

---

---

1. Lake Annecy
2. Old Town (Vieille Ville)
3. Château d’Annecy
4. Palais de l’Ile
5. Basilique de la Visitation
6. Pont des Amours (Lovers’ Bridge)
7. Jardins de l’Europe (Gardens of Europe)
8. Musée-Château d’Annecy (Annecy Castle Museum)
9. Semnoz Mountain Range and Ski Resort
10. Gorges du Fier (Fier Canyon)

---

• The major industries and businesses in Annecy, France include:
1. Tourism
2. Manufacturing (especially precision engineering)
3. Technology and innovation (including startups)
4. Service sectors such as healthcare and education
5. International companies in the:
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Automotive industry
• Aerospace industry
6. Arts and culture scene with numerous:
• Galleries
• Museums
• Theaters
• Music venues
• Festivals throughout the year

---



Noteable History

1. The founding of the city in the 10th century by the Counts of Geneva.
2. The construction of Château d’Annecy in the 13th century, which served as a residence for various noble families over several centuries.
3. The establishment of Annecy as a center for religious reform during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.
4. The visit by King Henry IV of France in 1600, during which he granted Annecy city status and established a new bishopric there.
5. The birth of Saint Francis de Sales in Thorens-Glières near Annecy in 1567, who later became Bishop of Geneva and was canonized as a saint by Pope Alexander VII.
6. The publishing of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s novel Julie, or the New Heloise (1761), which is set partly in Annecy and features several prominent landmarks from the city.
7. The hosting of several Winter Olympic events at nearby venues such as La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand during the 1968 Winter Olympics held in Grenoble.
8. The establishment of several major companies headquartered or founded near Annecy, including Salomon Group (ski equipment), NTN-SNR Roulements (ball bearings), and Somfy (home automation).
9. Notable people associated with Annecy include philosopher Michel de Montaigne, poet Alphonse de Lamartine, painter Paul Cézanne (who painted scenes around Lake Annecy), skier Jean-Claude Killy (who won three gold medals at Grenoble), cyclist Bernard Hinault (winner of five Tour de France titles), and singer Laurent Voulzy.

---



Museums and Things To See

1. Château d’Annecy
2. Musée-Château d’Annecy
3. Palais de l’Ile
4. Basilique de la Visitation
5. Musée du film d’animation (MIFA)
6. Conservatoire Art et Histoire – Bonlieu Scène Nationale Annecy
7. Pont des Amours
8. Jardins de l’Europe
9. Église Saint-Maurice
10. Lac d’Annecy

---



---



Sports Teams

1. Annecy Football Club, founded in 1927, competes in the fourth tier of French football.
2. HC Mont-Blanc, an ice hockey team established in 1983, competes in the French Division 1 league.
3. Chablais Basket Club, a basketball team founded in 1974, plays at Gymnase des Ebeaux.
4. Annecy Handball Club, a handball club established in 1975, plays at Gymnase du Parmelan.
5. Aviron Bayonnais Rugby Pro, a rugby union club hailing from nearby Bayonne with a strong following throughout southeastern France and beyond.

---

---



Cultural Events

1. Annecy International Animated Film Festival is an annual event that showcases the best animated films from around the world.
2. Fête du Lac is a spectacular fireworks show that takes place on Lake Annecy every August.
3. Venetian Carnival is a colorful celebration where locals dress up in elaborate costumes and masks, inspired by the traditional carnival of Venice.
4. Festival des Cabanes is a festival dedicated to the art of building and decorating small huts, which are displayed throughout the city during the summer months.
5. Les Noctibules is an outdoor arts festival featuring performances, installations, and projections that take place throughout Annecy at night.
6. Fête de la Musique is a national music festival held every June 21st with concerts and performances taking place all over town.
7. Foire de la Saint-André is a traditional fair held in November featuring local food vendors and artisans selling handmade crafts.
8. Salon du Livre d’Annecy is an annual book fair where visitors can meet authors, attend readings and workshops, and browse new releases from French publishers.
9. Festival du Film Italien d’Annecy showcases new releases from Italy’s vibrant film industry.
10. Les Rencontres du Cinéma d’Animation d’Annecy et de Haute-Savoie-an animation film festival showcasing short films made by students or amateurs in France’s Savoie region.

---



Cuisine

Traditional Savoyard Dishes:

1. Tartiflette – a dish made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons (bacon), and onions.
2. Raclette – a dish made with melted cheese served with boiled potatoes, pickles, and cured meats.
3. Fondue Savoyarde – a melted cheese dish served with bread for dipping.
4. Crozets – small square-shaped pasta made from buckwheat flour.
5. Diots au Vin Blanc – sausages cooked in white wine.

Popular Restaurants in Annecy:

1. L’Esquisse – serving French cuisine using fresh ingredients from local markets.
2. Le Freti – offering traditional Savoyard dishes like fondue and raclette.
3. Le Bistrot du Port – serving seafood dishes overlooking the lake.
4. La Ciboulette – offering contemporary French cuisine using seasonal ingredients.
5. Le Chalet du Port Vieux – traditional restaurant located on the edge of Lake Annecy.

---



Parks and Recreation

1. Jardins de l’Europe is a large public park situated in the heart of Annecy, featuring stunning gardens, fountains, and sculptures.
2. Lake Annecy is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and other water sports.
3. Parc des Sports is a vast sports complex with amenities for football, rugby, basketball, tennis and more.
4. Le Semnoz is a mountain range located near Annecy that provides hiking trails in summer and skiing opportunities in winter.
5. Les Jardins Secrets is an exceptional garden attraction showcasing an intricate labyrinth of hidden rooms and tunnels to explore.
6. Palais de l’Isle is an iconic castle-like building situated on an island in the Thiou river that now houses a museum about local history.
7. La Voie Verte du Lac d’Annecy offers breathtaking views as it runs along the shores of Lake Annecy for over 42 km (26 miles).
8. Plage d’Albigny is one of several beaches around Lake Annecy where visitors can sunbathe or swim during warmer months.
9. Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard stands proudly on top of a hill overlooking Lake Annecy; it’s an impressive medieval castle offering guided tours throughout the year.
10. Parcours Vita du Pâquier features various exercise stations scattered throughout Jardin de l’Europe park; it’s an outdoor fitness trail perfect for fitness enthusiasts who love to work out amidst nature’s beauty!

---



Adventure Awaits!

---