Several millennia ago, numerous lakes with pure life-giving water gave birth to a settlement called Annecy, or as it is also called Annecy (Latin Annesium). The official date of foundation is considered to be 876, when the village was first mentioned in documents created during the reign of the French Emperor Lothar.
At various times, the city was the patrimony of the Counts of Geneva (X-XIV centuries), the Dukes of Savoy (XV century), after the Geneva reforms, bishops moved here and the headquarters of their diocese was established (30s of the XVI century), which significantly strengthens the religiosity of the population and allows raising education to a new level. In parallel, the city is expanding, a castle is being built, and many craft workshops are being formed in the area of the Tew Canal.
Panorama of the city of Annecy and Lake Annecy in France Myrabella
Annecy became the object of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s attention: in his work “Confession”, published in 1765, he described the quiet and modest life of a small town, similar to life in the countryside. However, since the end of the XVIII century, a number of events have been taking place leading to the industrialization of this place, and a century later, the tourist infrastructure begins to build in the city, which subsequently affected all types of activities that existed at that time.
Annecy received more active development at the beginning of the last century, population growth and the pace of construction of industrial enterprises increased, and tourism has become one of the key industries of the area, which has something to show and offer to discerning travelers.
Temples and palaces of ancient Ansi
Such a rich historical experience and the participation of many original nationalities in the creation of the city simply could not but affect its appearance. Among the attractions of Annecy in France, legendary architectural monuments are famous, each of which has its own fascinating history. If you are visiting the sights of France, then be sure to take a look at Annecy! The list of the most popular of them includes such masterpieces as:
- The island Palace of the Palais de Lisle; The Castle of Annecy; The Church of St. Francis de Sales; the Cathedral of St. St. Peter’s Church of Saint-Maurice and many other monuments in the vicinity of the city.
St. Peter’s Cathedral in Annecy Martin Stone
It is believed that to visit the city and not take a photo at the palace on the island means to waste time in vain. The structure was built in the XII-XIII centuries on a small island in the middle of the Tew Canal, which flows between the lake and the river Fuer. The originality is that every centimeter of the island was used in its construction, the structure repeats its shape, so one of the facades looks like the nose of a floating ship. The building was conceived as a toll collection office when crossing the bridge, then its quality, and the fact that it is surrounded on all sides by water, played a role – it became a good prison. However, a century later, the same qualities prompted the community to get rid of the casemate and create a mint in the palace. The building was visited by a residence for the nobility, an almshouse, an orphanage, a drawing school, a gymnasium, a palace of justice (actually, that’s why it still bears this proud name, despite its quite mundane functions). Finally, a city bathhouse was almost built in its place, but the beginning of the twentieth century became a period of revival of the ancient palace, it began to be protected as a historical monument of architecture.
The Palace of the Old Golden Island – Palais de Lisle in France Frans Berkelaar
Unfortunately, the Second World War forced these walls to recall the lamentations of prisoners, it became a prison again, but after the war it did not lose popularity. At the end of the last century, it was restored for the second time and still enjoys the sympathy of travelers.
The city Castle complex
Built in the XII century in the capital of the Geneva county, the Annecy Castle received the status of a count’s residence, as befits a structure of this type. Its foundation was a fortress that stood on this site for about four centuries. Fires raged in it several times, but the castle was always restored. During the period when it was owned by the Dukes of Savoy, the most beautiful tower of the Perrier complex was erected. The fortress’s defenses improved, which, however, did not prevent the French army from capturing it at the beginning of the XVII century, turning it first into a barracks, then into a warehouse.
Annecy Castle in Annecy in France Silex
In the end, the castle, which had fallen into disrepair, became a refuge for the poor and homeless. The black streak for him was interrupted only in the middle of the last century, when he was taken under protection as a historical monument. The buildings were put in order and today there is an interesting collection of the museum, which offers visitors to enjoy the unique spirit of exhibits with a centuries-old history. The area around it has been transformed, it has been surrounded by many beautiful squares, restored, though not so large, but no less interesting historical sights. The walls of the castle offer a panorama of the city of Annecy and a picturesque view of the lake of the same name.
See the beautiful places of Annecy in this wonderful video!
Sights of Annecy: Alpine Venice
This is what Europeans often call this city, and they are partly right. Three rivers and many canals, houses surrounded on all sides by water, involuntarily refer us to the Italian miracle on the water. Looking at the colorful photos of the sights of Annecy, France and many European countries appreciated the town with an apt expression, calling it “the most beautiful French village.”
View of Lake Annecy in France Dingy
Enviable competition for the architectural delights of the settlement is Lake Annecy. Its picturesque surroundings are the delight of many tourists who, having once visited here, return to admire the beauty of the lake over and over again. Travelers are offered almost three thousand hectares of crystal clear water surface with a length of 15 km and a width of up to 3 km, surrounded by incredibly beautiful slopes and cliffs covered with forests. It is considered the cleanest reservoir in the world, because it owes its origin in ancient times to the glaciers of the Alps, whose meltwater filled and continues to replenish the bowl from small mountain rivers and streams.
Beach holidays on the shores of Lake Annecy in France Dmitry Dzhu
A beach holiday is organized on the shores of Annecy for residents of the city and its guests, because the air temperature in July-August reaches +27 degrees, and the water warms up to +24. The abbey on the lake shore, where monks previously lived, is equipped for a comfortable hotel. The beginning of August is marked by an influx of tourists who want to admire an interesting holiday, accompanied by fireworks and shows on the water.
Romantic places of Annecy
The small town simply breathes romance, thanks to the medieval architecture, picturesque streets and parks. The Pont de Amour, a bridge over the canal where lovers make appointments, also emphasizes this feeling. Couples of different generations tend to walk along it, those who have the whole love story still ahead of them, and those who have something to remember for a long and happy life together.
Pont de Amour is a meeting place for Dingy couples in love
Not far from the junction of the canal and the lake, an English-style park was laid out in 1863, called the “Garden of Europe”. Visitors are simply mesmerized by the unique landscape design, sculptural compositions, and amazingly beautiful vegetation. The origin and type of trees can be found on the information plates at each of them. An island has been created in the park lake, where snow-white swans live and tourists can enjoy their majestic beauty and grace. The park itself has several attractions, for example, the first sundial with a gnomon column, invented by the Capuchin monk Father Arsen, has been preserved on the embankment.
A place to relax in the park of Annecy Guilhem Vellut
Official website: https://en.annecy.eu
Often, the tour routes that are formed in Geneva, Grenoble, Lyon, include a visit to Annecy. But, having set foot on the streets of this city, many tourists prefer to stay here for a few days, fortunately, the whole environment contributes to this desire: many comfortable hotels, cafes, restaurants, casinos that will solve the problem of accommodation, food and evening leisure. Well, during the day there is always something to admire in Annecy.
Read also about the sights of Bordeaux and be inspired to travel further in France.
English 
Russian 
German 
Polish