French resort town of Annecy, Haute-Savoie. French resort town of Annecy, Haute-Savoie What to see in the area

Annecy is a unique turquoise-colored reservoir, a natural phenomenon of amazing beauty. The lake, filled with the purest water of drinking quality, is located in the department of Haute-Savoie, France. Annecy in French is Lac d'Annecy, so the spelling of the name is often found - Annecy. The natural body of water is almost as beautiful and popular as its larger neighbors - Lake Geneva and Lac du Bourget.

Where is the amazing lake?

Geographic coordinates of the natural reservoir: 45°51′ N. 6°10′ E On its northern shore is the city of Annecy. In France, this settlement with a population of over 50 thousand inhabitants is considered the administrative center of Haute Savoy. The other closest town is Crans-Gevrier. Lake Annecy is located 145 km from Lyon, the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region. The road from Paris to the east to the Alps passes through this large city. The natural reservoir is located 80.5 km south of Geneva, Switzerland. The road runs through beautiful terrain, framed by snow-capped mountains and sunny valleys.

How to get to the city and the lake of the same name

Trains and buses go to Annecy from many French cities. There is an option to get there via Aix-les-Bains by rail. From the Swiss city you need to take a train towards Haute-Savoie, France. Annecy has a modern multifunctional train station combined with a bus station. Another travel option from Geneva is to drive your own or rent a car. The train from Paris takes 3 hours 30 minutes, from Lyon to Annecy Central Station - 1 hour 50 minutes. The station has parking and buses that go to nearby ski resorts, as well as to major cities in the region. There is a direct bus from Lyon Airport to Annecy.

In this charming area, tourists can stay in comfortable hotels, of which there are more than 40, rent chalets, and rent apartments. The northern and western coasts were built up with villas, castles and cottages in different eras.

Lake Annecy, France. Origin

A stunning lake with crystal clear water lies at the foot of the Alps, surrounded by mountains and forests. The calm surface reflects the magnificent landscapes. The Annecy Basin owes its origin to ancient glaciation and tectonic movements. During the last climate cooling 18-19 thousand years ago and the subsequent melting and retreat of alpine glaciers, stones and sand were crushed, washed away, and gorges and lowlands were filled with melt water.

Main characteristics of the lake:

  • absolute height - 446.6 m;
  • length from north to south - 14.6 km;
  • width - 3.3 km;
  • the average and greatest depths are 41.5 m and 82 m, respectively.

Natural features, climate

All of France, including Annecy, lies in a temperate climate zone with sufficient moisture. In summer, during the beach season, the air temperature in the lake area is 25°C, the water heats up to 22°C. In January, the average water temperature reaches 6°C. Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year, and there are fogs. Snow and frost are rare phenomena.

A major role in the water supply of the lake is given to seven main streams and mountain springs. When the basin is filled, part of the water goes into the Tiu River, which merges with the river. Fie. That, in turn, carries its waters further into the Rhone, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The eastern and northern shores of the lake are protected by mountains. There is enough heat and moisture in the region for trees, shrubs and flowers to grow luxuriantly. The lake itself is home to over 20 species of fish, and wild animals can be found in the forests on the coast.

Ecology and tourism

Clean air, vineyards and gardens - all this is provincial France. Annecy is the most environmentally friendly corner of the country. The stories about the unusual turquoise lake are not an advertising gimmick. The water is truly a striking blue hue due to the special composition of phytoplankton.

A strict ban on the discharge of industrial and municipal wastewater into the reservoir was introduced in 1960. Since then, the popularity of the lake as a beach holiday destination has increased significantly. People come to Annecy all year round, but most tourists prefer the summer. Here you can fully enjoy swimming in the clearest waters, fishing, and horse riding. From the Napoleon III embankment, tourists go on a boat trip along the beautiful lake. Other recreational opportunities:

  • cycling routes around the perimeter of the lake (40 km);
  • nearby alpine ski resorts;
  • thermal towns and spas;
  • mini golf courses.

Annecy city, France. Attractions

In the quiet provincial part of eastern France, the spirit of medieval romance still hovers. The city of Annecy is a network of narrow cobbled streets, canals and bridges. Three rivers flow through the old part; some houses stand directly on the water, which gave rise to comparisons between the city and Venice. Tourists enjoy strolling along the lake and around the city.

Guides-translators and detailed tourist maps help solve the problem of what to see in Annecy. France is a country that respects its rich historical and cultural heritage. The Palais de L'Isle castle is declared part of it. Externally, the main architectural landmark of the city resembles the bow of a ship. Since its appearance in the 12th century, the building has served as a prison, a mint, and then was transferred to the French Cultural Heritage Foundation. The castle hosts exhibitions and organizes excursions to explore the former casemates. Other popular attractions in Annecy:

  • the building of the former private hotel de Sales, built at the end of the 17th century;
  • well of St. Zhana;
  • bell tower from the 16th century;
  • former town hall;
  • the Cathedral of St. Maurice, the patron saint of Annecy, erected in the 15th century;
  • Church of St. Francis;
  • a statue of the Catholic patron of journalists and writers, Francis de Sales;
  • St. Peter's Cathedral, built in 1535;
  • the former episcopal palace, which now houses the conservatory;
  • bridge of love.

Connoisseurs of antiquity, lovers of beach and active recreation on the water, and skiing admire the city and the lake for which Haute-Savoie, France, is famous. Annecy was chosen by the Catholic Bishop Francis de Sales, who fled Geneva during the Reformation. This was the first wave of travel to the lake at the beginning of the 16th century. Francis was accompanied by a retinue of the cultural and religious elite of Europe.

Nowadays, the reservoir has gained fame as a prestigious resort. Colorful festivals and holidays attract the attention of tourists. One of the main ones is the annual lake festival. During it, a magnificent pyrotechnic show is organized.

Hotel de Sales

Rue du Paquier, where the former private Hotel de Sales(Hôtel de Sales) - a red building with white arcades and a cast-iron balcony - was built at the end of the 17th century by the grandnephew of Francis de Sales. On the façade of the building you can see busts of the 4 seasons and a bust of Night, facing east. Notice the beautiful gates and the artistic iron balcony with intertwined laurel leaves, a symbol of eternity, and the massive letters BMS for Benoit Maurice de Sales.

Before the urban changes of the late 18th century, the street ended at the junction with the Rue Carnot, in front of the façade of the Church of Saint John of Jerusalem. In 1822, Rue Royale was built here.

Well of St. Zhana

Well of St. Zhana exists today and is reminiscent of the monks of the Order of St. Jean, known as the “Cavaliers of Malta.” On the side stone of the well you can read the names of the members of the municipality of Annecy who contributed to the renovation work of the city in 1689.

Notre-Dame de Liesse

Turn left rue Notre Dame. From the first Church of Notre Dame de Lies(Notre-Dame de Liesse) only the 16th century bell tower remains. The church, destroyed during the Revolution, was restored in neoclassical style in 1850. Pay attention to the main altar - a real creation of architecture.

To the left of the church is the former Town Hall, which became the dwelling of the priest; with the image of a trout from the coat of arms of the city of Annecy.

Eglise Saint-Maurice

St. Maurice Church– an old Dominican church built in the 15th century. It is located in one of the most picturesque corners of the city on the St. Dominic Canal. In the choir you can see the painted, imaginary grave of Philibert de Montu (1458), adviser to the Savoy and Burgundian dukes, a local nobleman. The ecclesiastical chairs with backs date from the late 18th century, and the altar held by the colossus dates from 1715.

Church of St. Maurice occupied a central place in city life in the 15th and 16th centuries. Professional guilds and influential officials built chapels. You can see the draper's scissors on the window frame of the second chapel to the right of the church.
Saint Maurice is the patron saint of the city and Savoy.

Eglise Saint Francois

Church of St. Franziska(Eglise Saint Francois) - occupies the site of the church of the first monastery of the Visitation order, founded by Francis de Sales and Jeanne de Chantal in 1610. It was rebuilt in 1644 in the architectural style of the Counter-Reformation. Until the end of the 18th century, it served as a room where the graves of its founders were located. In 1795, due to the abolition of clergy property, the monastery and church were converted into a printed calico factory.

Restored in the 1990s, the church was annexed to the Italian community in 1923. The large altar of the church choir is a reconstruction of the 19th century. The altars of the lateral chapels and the gilded statue of Jeanne de Chantal are fine examples of the 18th century Baroque style.

Place aux Bois

On Square Eau Bois, where lumber and firewood were once stored, now stands a statue of Francis de Sales, surrounded by his books. The holy Bishop of Geneva, born in the town of Toran in 1567, wrote a huge number of works dedicated to his vision of the world. The Catholic Church has declared him the patron saint of journalists and writers.

The large porch shows the church of the second Monastery de la Visitation, built in the period 1634-1636. Nowadays, this monastery houses the monastery of the sisters of St. Joseph.

La Maison de la Galerie

A little further along the rue de la Providence is La Maison de la Galerie. It was there that Francis de Sales and Jeanne de Chantal established the Order de la Visitation in 1910. In addition to the modest chapel and cell of Jeanne de Chantal, there is a monastery courtyard and garden.

Palais dole

Continue on to the Faubourg des Annonciades, pass through Port Perrières and you will reach Palais de Lisle - Annecy's main attraction.
On the bridge in front of the entrance to the building on the left you can see part of the Tiu Canal, surrounded on both sides by houses whose facades go under water. They reflect the appearance of the old city, as they were here even before the construction of the embankments. Le Palais de L'Isle was for several centuries a palace of justice and a prison. Now there are exhibitions of architecture and old things, and you can also visit former prison cells. The oldest part of the building dates back to the 17th century. From the embankment of the diocese you can see the water gate.

Turn right into Passage De Celestin.

Cathedrale Saint-Pierre

Towers before you St. Peter's Cathedral. It was built in 1535 to receive Franciscans. Soon after this, it became a temporary refuge for the Genevan bishops hiding in Annecy from the Protestant reform. The façade of the church is made in the Renaissance style. Inside is an 18th-century throne depicting Francis de Sales preaching before the Senate of Savoy. He was the Genevan bishop of Annecy between 1601 and 1622. The lateral altar was presented as a gift. In the stained glass windows of the apse (1933) you can trace the life of Francis de Sales.

In 1780, renovation work was carried out using architectural finishing plaster imitating marble. You can admire the paintings “The Liberation of St. Peter Mazzola” (1781) and “The Entombment” - inspired by the famous artist Caravaggio.

As you exit the cathedral, facing you will be a statue of St. Peter, which adorns the music school for training church choristers, where Jean-Jacques Rousseau studied music as a teenager. On the right is the Lambert residence (16th century), where Francis de Sales lived. Next door to the cathedral is the Episcopal Palace (late 18th century), which now houses a conservatory and dance school. You can enter the building. Note the canopy above the front door, which depicts a series of oval engravings by artist Claude Vial (1991).

In the courtyard of the Episcopal Palace there was once a small house where Madame de Warens, whom Rousseau met in 1728, lived. She was 28 years old, he was only 16. A small monument, Golden railing post, keeps memories of this meeting.

Rue de la République

Cross the small bridge that takes you into the Episcopal Garden, then walk along the Quai Madame de Warens (wooden footbridge) and turn left onto Republic street. From here you have a stunning view of the Thu Canal. Barrier shields direct water flows to the turbine of the cotton manufactory (1804 - 1955).

Place Sainte Claire

On St. Clare Square there is an ensemble of recently built real estate, the remains of a cotton manufactory founded in 1804 in the old monastery of de Claris. At the foot of the arcade span is located Kibere fountain(1635). Pay attention to the trout - the symbol of the city. To the right of the gate of St. Clara's, the Gallo house retains a beautiful 18th-century façade.
To the left of the gate of St. Clara takes the steep climb of the Nemours road, which climbs along the former city fortifications and leads to the castle.

Chateau d'Annecy

Annecy Castle was founded by the counts of Geneva, who stayed there since 1219. After the purchase of the Genevan province by Savoy in 1401, in the 16th century the castle became the residence of the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours. From the end of the 17th century until 1940, the castle housed barracks, and today the castle premises house the castle museum and the Regional Observatory of the Alpine Lakes (ROAO).

The entrance to the castle was fortified in the 16th century with a trench around the castle. The castle gates were protected by a palisade and a drawbridge. The huge Queen's Tower, one of the oldest parts of the castle, dates back to the 13th century. During archaeological excavations, defensive structures were found.

Then you can go down to the left of the castle ramp and see the towering towers Cathedrals of St. Paul and St. Petra. Opposite you, under the arcades, pay attention to the strange leaning door, which is in this condition due to subsidence of the ground.

You can walk along the road Tour de la Renne(Queen's Tower), then along Avenue de la Visitacion.

Basilique de la Visitation

Monastery and Basilica Visitación tower over you with their impressive dimensions. The Visitacion sisters settled in the monastery in 1911. The construction of the church, which has a functioning bell tower, was completed in the early 30s of the twentieth century. It was consecrated in 1949 and began operating as a basilica in 1951. Inside the cathedral you can admire stained glass windows depicting the lives of Francis de Sales and Jeanne de Chantal. They are both buried in sarcophagi made of gilded copper.

In the small museum next door you will see luxurious sarcophagi containing wax figures dressed in traditional costumes. A beautiful panorama of the city opens from the esplanade. From this point one can appreciate the development of Annecy, which had 12,894 inhabitants in 1896 to a settlement with more than 138,000 inhabitants now.

As soon as I crossed the line where Annecy began, I realized: if I had spent my entire vacation in Paris, I would not have seen France. High mountains surrounding the crystal clear waters of a huge lake, amazingly clean air, but most importantly, unusually small houses with their foundations deep into the water of the canals... This charming town is like a precious stone in a silver frame of a mountain ring.

I was captivated by the tiled roofs, flower pots on the balconies, the petals of which fall into the water, the bright fresh greenery of the trees growing in the squares... And, of course, the picturesque canals: it’s not for nothing that Annecy is called the Venice of Savoy!

Of course, Annecy is inferior to many French cities in size and number of attractions, but it has its own unique appearance, its own amazing unique spirit. Here it is very clearly felt that Savoy recently became part of France, having previously been a separate duchy. But now it is a vibrant region of a large, multifaceted country and, undoubtedly, its highlight.

You definitely need to visit Annecy to experience this amazing atmosphere. It is also worth remembering that Annecy is a popular resort, as its mild climate allows you to comfortably relax on the shores of a fantastically picturesque lake. And lovers of antiquities will be happy to plunge into the atmosphere of a real flaming Gothic Middle Ages.

How to get there

The small town of Annecy, whose name is sometimes written as " Annecy", is located in the east of France on the shores of the amazingly beautiful Lake Annecy. In general, it was the lake that I saw first when we approached this place, which is no less than the capital of the Haute-Savoie department. And in fact, this travel option - going by car - is, in my opinion, one of the most convenient. If you are located in the European Union.

If you are departing from other places, it is more convenient to fly to Paris first. In general, the location of Annecy is such that, willy-nilly, you will have to make a couple more transfers or even change transport to get to the city.

Annecy can be reached by bus; the bus station has connections with many major cities in France. But you will have to get to large cities by plane, cars or trains.

There is also a train station in Annecy, this method will be especially good if you decide to travel from Paris, but not by plane. Which, by the way, will be more difficult there. Despite the fact that there is an airport in the city, communication there is only with the capital, and not so frequent.

Well, the city has no access to the sea, so there is no sea transportation there. Except for the lake boats and speedboats that tourists and locals ride on.

By plane

When traveling from Russia, you can fly not only through the capital of France. Let's consider the options.

Via Paris

Annecy Airport, its full name is Annecy - Mont-Blanc, is located about 6 kilometers from the city. As I already said, planes from there fly exclusively to Paris.

Via Geneva

It is much easier for our compatriots to do this: take a ticket to Geneva (GVA), which is only 44 kilometers from Annecy, and then get from there by bus. Flights to Geneva from Moscow and St. Petersburg occur regularly, several times a day, some with transfers, some direct. The price starts from 6.5 thousand rubles one way, time - from 4 hours one way.

Well, it’s easy to get from Geneva to Annecy by company bus TransdevHaute Savo ie . Buses run regularly from the bus station, approximately every hour, the ride will take a little more than an hour, and the price is generally quite reasonable - 10.5 EUR. Detailed schedules can be found on the bus company's website.

From Annecy airport to city center

Getting from the airport to your future destination is also quite easy. There is a constant guard in the parking lot in front of the building. Taxi from several companies at once, such as strong , ANNECY TAXIS ,TIBERO Lucien and several others. You can catch a car directly leaving the airport, or you can call the dispatch center in advance. By the way, on the same airport website there is also a telephone number for taxi services. If you order a car in advance, a trip to the center will cost you no more than 10 EUR.

Well, those who decide to move independently can take rent a car. There are rental services at the airport AVIS,HERTZ,EuropCar . Perhaps this option is much more convenient, since then you will not depend on buses, excursions and taxi drivers. The price of renting a car starts from about 20 EUR. You can look at offers from rental companies, for example.

However, as has probably already become clear, getting from Russia through Annecy Airport is still problematic. You need to make a transfer in Paris, and even there you need to match the flight schedule.

By train

There is a train from Moscow to Paris, which you can read about in. From St. Petersburg you can travel by rail through the capital. For options for traveling from Moscow to other cities in France, see the Russian Railways website, and by plane.

Annecy has its own train station. Trains from there regularly run to, Valence, Chambery and Chamonix. There are several flights from each city every day, the schedule changes periodically, so there is no point in listing it. It is better to check with French railways, where you can also buy tickets online. By the way, I recommend doing this, because in this case the trip may cost you less.

  • From Paris trains run every day with regularity from one to three hours. The drive will take about four hours. Prices actually vary greatly, from 49.9 EUR to 100 EUR.
  • From Lyon You can get there even faster - in just 2 hours. The ticket price will be 26–27 EUR.
  • From Chambery trains take about an hour, such a trip will cost you 10.6 EUR.
  • From Chamonix The ride is not entirely convenient; you will have to make one or two transfers, depending on the flight, in Saint-Gervais and La Roche-sur-Foron. On average, the trip will cost you 22–24 EUR.
  • From Grenoble trains take just under two hours, and the trip itself will cost you about 20.7 EUR.
  • If you go from Valence, then the trip will last about 3 hours, and the ticket price will be 30–40 EUR.

From Annecy station to city center

Annecy Train Station (ANNECY RAILWAY STATION) is located approximately in the city center, from there it is easy to get to anywhere. Either walk, take a bus, or take a taxi.

By bus

Having reached Paris or another convenient European city using the methods described above, you can try to get to Annecy itself by bus.

The bus station is located in the same building as the train station. Buses from Annecy go to major neighboring cities, not only French ones. As I already said, regular bus services connect Annecy with Geneva. It’s best to check the rest of the schedule on transport websites. The price of the bus depends on the place from where you will be getting there, so, in general, the difference in cost is significant. From 10 EUR and, for example, up to 60 EUR.

By car

But, in my opinion, the most ideal way to travel to Annecy is still a car. If you are driving around Europe in your own car, then great; if you don’t have one, but have an international license, then you can rent a car. I have already written about rental agencies above.

If you start your journey by car from Moscow, then the easiest way will be to take the M1 highway through Belarus towards the Polish capital of Warsaw.

I also recommend traveling through Belarus from St. Petersburg. Some motorists advise taking a different route from St. Petersburg, through Latvia and Lithuania, and this, of course, is a good option, given that you save about 1.5 hours of time. Everything, in general, depends on where you decide to cross the Eurozone border: in Latvia or in Poland.

When you leave Russia, do not forget to monitor toll highways. They are common in Europe, and if you want to save money, you can avoid them, although by significantly increasing your journey. In Poland, payment is made for the section of the route traveled, so it is difficult to indicate the exact prices of local highways; you need to understand how much you plan to drive along them. You may see signs for toll highways in Belarus, but don't worry - tolling is only required for vehicles registered outside the Eurasian Economic Union, which includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.

From Warsaw, travel through Germany and Switzerland to Annecy. In Germany, the autobahns are easier - they are all free. In Switzerland you need to buy a vignette, which costs 37 EUR (40 CHF/Swiss francs). The major cities you will have to pass by are Wroclaw in Poland, Nuremberg in Germany, Zurich and Geneva in Switzerland.

When you get to France, you need to remember a few things that are important for the motorist:

  • Major roads in France are mostly toll roads. On the map and on road signs such roads are marked with the letter “A”. Payment is made at the terminal either at the entrance to the toll section or at the exit from it. On average, you will have to pay about 10 EUR for 100 kilometers. You can pay by card.
  • As I already said, there are toll highways, but you can make your journey cheaper, although you can significantly increase it, by taking small roads through the countryside. The main thing here is to remember the speed limit, and in general to become more familiar with the rules and the system of fines in France. But perhaps a long drive through rural France will give you even more pleasure than a high-speed drive on the highway.
  • Cars in Annecy need to be left only in the parking lot. Such parking spaces are available almost everywhere. Usually they are paid, but they actually cost little, somewhere from 1 EUR per hour, and in most cases the first half hour is free.
  • If you violate the rules, you face a fine of 17 EUR for a minimal violation, which is illegal parking. The average fine for speeding and other violations is 135 EUR. More serious violations are estimated at several thousand EUR.

By ferry

Annecy is located on the shore of a lake and there are many fishing boats as well as tourist cruises. But, basically, this is all the transport on the lake. You can’t drive anywhere with it, but you can enjoy the beauty of Haute-Savoie with great pleasure!

Clue:

Annecy - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 2

Kazan 2

Samara 3

Ekaterinburg 4

Novosibirsk 6

Vladivostok 9

When is the season? When is the best time to go

You can come to Annecy at any time of the year because there is always something to do.

The proximity of the lake naturally suggests the possibility of a resort holiday, but this resort is, of course, of the European type, where walks by the water are perhaps preferable to spending time on the beach.

Annecy in summer

Summers here are moderately hot, so don't count on a long high season. However, it exists! In fact, it seems to me that the truly comfortable months for swimming are July and August. In August, the air can warm up to +27 °C, and the water - up to +24 °C.

Annecy in autumn

Autumn in the city is beautiful: crimson, playing with colors, warm and not as rainy as in central Russia.

There are much more sunny days, and although there is more precipitation than in summer, it is not prolonged. But a lot of fog comes from the mountains.

In September, the sun warms up well, and you can wear a T-shirt during the day, but in October and November you will need a sweatshirt - the average temperature in these months is +13 °C and +9 °C, respectively.

Annecy in spring

Spring here is early, very bright, and many flowers bloom. At the end of February - beginning of March, all the trees are painted with bright colors. The air temperature in April is already around +17–20 °C, but for now, like in May, you can’t swim.

Annecy in winter

Winters in Annecy are moderately snowy, the temperature rarely drops below zero, so green grass almost always peeks out from under the snow. But a sharp, piercing wind often blows from the lake and, as fellow Muscovites who have visited there in winter say, the cold is much more difficult to bear due to the high humidity. The average temperature in winter is +5 °C. The coldest month is February.

Annecy - weather by month

Clue:

Annecy - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

Annecy is located on the shore of a lake, and it is a rather elongated city that has somewhat narrowed its borders.

It is divided into 6 communes, that is, districts. In the picture below you can see them.

  1. Annecy,
  2. Crans-Gevrier,
  3. Please,
  4. Annecy-le-Vieux,
  5. Seino,
  6. Prenzhi.

The main tourist life is concentrated in the city center, where the ancient part of Annecy is located. Accordingly, hotels are mostly located nearby. Also, the majority of hotels are located along the shore of the lake. The price of hotels in the city center and near the embankment ranges around 80 EUR. This is a good choice, but remember that this is where most of the tourists and locals walk and can sometimes be quite noisy. However, all the attractions are nearby.

The areas of Crans-Gevrier, Seino and Prengy are considered cheaper, with prices starting from 40 EUR. The downside is that it takes a long time to get to the center.

What are the prices for holidays?

Annecy is not a very big city, so the prices there are not exorbitant. However, it is still worth remembering some points that will allow you to save.

  1. Firstly, move around the city itself on foot, especially if you are there for more than one day. Our small friendly group, for example, left the car in the parking lot near the hotel and went for a walk on our own. Very convenient, and at the same time we got a good look at the city.
  2. Secondly, take the time to find a good hotel. In my experience, the price of a hotel in Annecy depends little on the location, such as in coastal cities. The main thing in the price given is the level of the hotel. We stayed at the Atipik Hotel Alexandra, it is located a ten-minute walk from the lake and literally a stone's throw from the historical center of the city. And it cost us about 70 EUR per night per room. On average, hotel prices in Annecy range from 50 EUR to 100 EUR, and those that are over a hundred are starting to be considered luxurious. You can book hotels on, and compare to see if there are lower prices here.
  3. Thirdly, when it comes to food, I always advise going to restaurants as little as possible. Once or twice, of course, it’s worth it, but no more. On average, a normal lunch can cost approximately 15 EUR per person. But still, it will be much more economical to find a hotel with a kitchen in the room. Or simply with an accessible kitchen. Then you can cook your own food for free. You can look for options for apartments or apartments with a kitchen, for example. So when you buy groceries at the supermarket, you save some money on food.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

Annecy is a small piece of the Middle Ages, frozen in the middle of the mountains, like a dragonfly in amber. There is a lot to see here: fantastic views, medieval castles, austere beautiful churches. But the main attraction of the city is its unique atmosphere, which has not yet left any traveler indifferent. Walk along its streets, breathe in the aroma of fish and coffee, listen to the wind rustling in the cracks of ancient stones, and fall in love with this city as much as I did!


Don't forget about comfortable shoes, a hat and an umbrella: the weather in the foothills is unpredictable!

Top 5

Annecy, although it may seem like a small town, has a large number of attractions that visitors to this Savoyard pearl will want to see. Small churches, beautiful streets that have preserved the charm of the Middle Ages, unusual houses, parks and bridges that are amazing in their layout. The list could take a long time, but I would like to highlight 5 places that you must visit in Annecy if you find yourself there:


Well, I’ll tell you more about all these places below. Go!

Beaches. Which ones are better

Since in the summer not only lovers of historical attractions flock to Annecy, but also those who want to swim in the clear water of the lake, the lake, like the city, is also known for its beaches.

I will highlight three of the most popular:


Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Since the beginning of the 20th century, religion in France has been separated from the state. The majority of the population does not consider themselves believers, which is a kind of record in Europe. The predominant number of believers in this country are Catholics, especially in this region, so close to Switzerland, which was rocked by the waves of the Reformation until the 19th century. So in Annecy, most of the churches are Catholic. They are open from morning to evening, you can always go to any one, no one will kick you out. Women may not cover their hair when entering the temple, but men should still remove their head covering. Skirts are also treated quite tolerantly here, the main thing (which is unlikely to occur to anyone) is not to show up to church in a swimsuit straight from the beach. All the temples discussed below are active.


Also, to get a complete picture, it is worth visiting the following temples:


Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Palace on the Island (Palais de l"Île)

Perhaps the Palace is the main attraction of Annecy. This charming miniature castle is located on 3rd Passage de L'Isle. At this point, the Tiu channel bifurcates, forming a small island. The houses along the canal are crowded close to the water, giving the traveler an idea of ​​what the city looked like in the Middle Ages before the spacious embankments were built.

The palace was built in the 12th century, in 1132, and, surprisingly, it has retained its appearance to this day almost in its original form.

During the first two centuries of its existence, it belonged to the vassals of the counts of Geneva, then to Helen of Luxembourg, and then, coming under the jurisdiction of the city authorities, it performed various administrative functions. Over the remaining centuries of its existence, it managed to visit the Chamber of Accounts, the Palace of Justice, and a prison.

Now it is not only Annecy's most recognizable landmark, but also an excellent historical museum. You can also still see the prison casemates here.

Opening hours and visiting: From 1 October to 31 May it is open every day except Tuesday from 10:00 to 17:00 (closed from 12:00 to 14:00). During the high season, from June 1 to September 30, it is open every day without exception from 10:30 to 18:00 without interruption. The museum is also closed on holidays: January 1, Easter Sunday and Monday, May 1, November 1, November 11, December 25. Entrance ticket - 3.80 EUR.

Castle of the Counts of Geneva (Château d'Annecy)

You should also not ignore this monumental building, towering above St. Clair Street. They say that the first fortress was built here in the 8th century, and in its place in the 12th century, by order of the counts of Geneva, a castle was erected. About 200 years after its construction, it came into the possession of the Dukes of Savoy. It was under their rule that the most beautiful tower of the Perrier structure was built.

However, later, when the duchy disappeared, the castle fell into disrepair - barracks were located here, and at one time it even served as a shelter for vagabonds.

Now there is an extensive museum here, where, along with a historical exhibition, objects of local folk and modern art are presented. In the Perrier Tower, I was curious to see fishing gear, a model of the lake and the mountains that surround it, and an aquarium with the fish that live in this lake. The castle is also worth a visit, if only because the windows of its towers offer magnificent views of the city and lake.

Opening hours and visiting: The museum is under the same management as the Palace on the Island, so the opening hours and days are the same. The entrance ticket costs 5.20 EUR. You can buy a combined ticket for two museums, it costs 7.20 EUR.

Parks

Garden of Europe (Jardins de l'Europe)

At the point where the Canal du Vasse flows into the lake, there is lovers' bridge (Pont des Amours). Here, of course, you definitely need to kiss and confess your love to each other if you come on vacation as a couple. It is also the most popular date spot in the city.

You can get to the bridge along the Jules Philippe embankment, walking from the Hotel de Ville stop. Or along Promnad Jacquet Street from the Prefecture Paquier stop.

But what was more important to me was that it led to a place that, located in the midst of this cozy French-Alpine splendor, was a real piece of England. It's called Garden of Europe(Jardins de l"Europe) .

This regular English park was established in 1863. It has its own small artificial lake with a miniature island, as well as a charming statue sculpted by a man whose main specialty was a chemist, Claude-Louis Berthollet.

Simple benches and perfectly flat lawns, where young people sit to eat ice cream or drink a glass of coffee, involuntarily bring back memories of London.

How to get there: By public transport, you can get to the Garden of Europe by getting off at the Hotel de Ville stop.

Tourist streets

The history of Annecy dates back hundreds of years, and despite the fact that the city has been rebuilt and modernized many times, many streets have retained their historical appearance, which seems to take you to pages from the history of the city.





  • And finally Rue Louis-Armand, another pedestrian artery of Annecy, is located slightly north of the Old Town.

What to see in 1 day

Although Annecy is a small city, there are plenty of attractions there, and it’s understandable that it will take a lot of time to see everything. But what if you are passing through Annecy and you only have a day to explore the city? In this case, I would highlight several places and things that you should definitely visit if you find yourself in this small corner of France:


What to see in the area

Haute-Savoie is filled with many amazing attractions. Many of them are worthy of attention, but first of all, I would recommend paying attention to the following places located near the city of Annecy.

Lake Annecy and the villages along it (right next to the city)

As I already said, the city is located on the shores of the amazingly beautiful Lake Annecy, a real French pearl. This lake is famous for being one of the cleanest in Europe. However, this is the result of careful work by environmental protection organizations.

Lake Annecy is an amazingly beautiful place where you can admire views of crystal clear water and the surrounding mountains. The surroundings of the lake are very picturesque; on the shore, in addition to the city of the same name, there are also small villages. We stopped at the small villages of Duingt (12 km), Doussard (19 km), very beautiful places that I would recommend visiting to admire the lake, small settlement and local residents. You can get there by taxi or private car.

A boat rental center has also been built near Lake Annecy, where the largest paragliding (paragliding) competitions in Europe are held.

Montrotier Castle (10 km)

About ten kilometers separates the city of Annecy from the Chateau de Montrottier, which is located in the Lovagny area. It was built in the 13th century, rebuilt several times, and its last restoration was carried out in the 19th century.

Now the castle is open to the public, but there is an entrance fee. The price of an adult ticket is 8.5 EUR, and if you go in a group of 20 people or more, then tickets will cost you 7.5 EUR per person. There are discounts on visits for students, pensioners and the unemployed. More information about visiting the castle and benefits can be found on it.

Roc des Cher Nature Reserve (13.5 km)

You can visit it for free, and the best way to get there is by car or bus. Buses along the lake run quite often, so it is better to check the schedule at the bus station.

Food. What to try

Savoyard cuisine is an amazing phenomenon even for French gourmets, who are famous for their gastronomic delights. It is rare to find a cuisine based on, in general, simple products, but at the same time so surprising. However, it should be remembered that the simple cuisine of Savoy existed many hundreds of years ago until the local residents decided to slightly diversify their table. The chefs of local rulers came up with original dishes that were made from simple cheeses, meats and game, but in unusual proportions, with the addition of special spices and herbs.

Nowadays, Savoyard cuisine is famous all over the world as one of the most exquisite, mainly dishes are prepared based on ingredients that were obtained directly in Savoy: river and lake fish, local cheeses, game, mushrooms, berries, fruits.

Of course, there are many delicacies in the local cuisine, but I would like to mention two of them, as well as one dessert, that I found especially tasty:


Holidays

Safety. What to watch out for

Annecy is a pretty calm city. We walked the streets at night without any problems, but it should be noted that there were four of us. The locals we met only smiled welcomingly and did not commit any aggressive actions towards us. However, this is still the center of the city, they are used to tourists there, and everything is well guarded.

If you are renting a hotel on the outskirts, then it is better not to walk at night, especially if there is a park in the vicinity. As in any city, despite all the friendliness of the French, troubles do happen. My friends, for example, complained about beggars who are especially annoying in the area of ​​the station. Well, alas, there is no escape from pickpockets, especially in crowded central areas. So you need to pay closer attention to your bags.

But in general, in my opinion, Annecy is a rather welcoming and friendly city, which left a very friendly impression of itself.

Things to do

Although Annecy may seem like a laid-back tourist town, there is plenty of entertainment and shopping to be had. Well, Annecy, like any self-respecting tourist city, is simply well supplied with souvenirs!

Shopping and shops

Galeries Lafayette

There are quite a few clothing boutiques in the center of Annecy, especially a large number of them on one of the central streets, Rue Royale. But I would recommend checking out the huge Galeries Lafayette department store. This world-famous store has many boutiques and departments where you can find clothes and jewelry, perfumes and cosmetics, and everything to suit every taste. Galeries Lafayette is located on Avenue Parmelan, and you can get there by taking buses 5, 14, 1, I, L, M.

Bars. Where to go

Bars where you can just have a drink and sit in pleasant company can also be found in Annecy, as, in general, in any city. The atmosphere there is usually typical for such places, there is a large selection of beers, wines, and light snacks. I will name specific places:

  • Savoie Bar, located on Place Saint-François de Sales. Very nice place.
  • And Captain Pub on Rue Pont Morent - an atmospheric establishment in a maritime style.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Souvenirs can be bought everywhere in Annecy. There are many small kiosks, and there are also large souvenir shops, e.g. Altitude on Rue Perrier. The assortment, however, is approximately the same everywhere: postcards, magnets, mugs, T-shirts, plates and other souvenirs.


How to get around the city

Getting around Annecy is quite easy, since the city is not that big after all. Tourists who don't want to break their feet and walk can take a taxi or ride a city bus.

If you have a driver's license, you can rent a car. This will be especially useful to you if you decide to explore the outskirts of the city. And believe me, there is something to see there!

And finally, if you live in a hotel closer to the historical center of the city or, for example, came for just a couple of days, then you can limit yourself to exploring the Old Town and the embankment near the lake. And for this you don’t need any transport, you can just walk.

Travel costs and payment

If you take a taxi to travel to a neighboring city, then there is a certain tariff for this. For example, to get to Chamonix with four people, you need to pay 70 EUR; if there are five passengers, the fare will rise to 80 EUR; if there are six passengers, then 90 EUR. Prices to different cities vary depending on the distance of travel. Well, when moving around the city, you are unlikely to pay more than 20 EUR.

You can also pay for taxi services with a credit card, but you need to be more careful here, because not every taxi accepts them for payment. It’s better to immediately clarify this issue with the dispatcher if you order a car by phone, or with the driver if you decide to just catch a car on the street.

Buses

Buses are the main form of public transport in Annecy. Transportation is carried out by SIBRA. The bus network covers not only the city itself, but also the suburbs, so if you want to explore Annecy as widely as possible, the bus is the most suitable transport for this. Provided, of course, that you don't have a car.

Fare

Ticket prices vary, and when purchasing, it makes sense to base your purchase on how long you will spend in Annecy. Tickets can be bought at the station or at special kiosks. Or even order on the bus company’s website. There are the following types of tickets:

  1. Ticket for 24 hours. Its cost is 3.9 EUR. When boarding the bus, the ticket must be stamped, and from that moment the time will begin. After 24 hours the ticket will expire.
  2. Ticket for 7 days. It works exactly the same as the daily allowance, only it expires after a week. Such a ticket costs 15.3 EUR.
  3. Ticket for 1 hour. Usually it is bought from the driver. Such a ticket costs 1.4 EUR.
  4. This option is quite good if you are traveling with a large group and only need one bus ride. In this case, you can buy a ticket for 10 adults. The cost of such a ticket is 10.7 EUR. It must be used within an hour.

Annecy - holidays with children

If you are going on vacation with children, it is best to book a room in some large hotel, since they often have all the conditions for children's recreation. These include playrooms, large playgrounds, private swimming pools, and water parks.

For older children, I think it will be interesting to go on excursions to local attractions, for example, to the castles that I talked about above.

Ski holiday

Haute-Savoie can rightfully be called a real fairy tale of alpine skiing. This French department is part of the French Alps and is simply filled with a variety of ski resorts.

Annecy itself is not such, but since it is located at the foot of the mountains, this allows the city to be an excellent transit point where you can spend the night before heading to a real ski resort, for example, Megève, which is only 60 kilometers from Annecy.

Many people do this in order to save money. They rent an apartment in Annecy (from 60 USD), which can be found much cheaper, spend an hour on the road, and then have fun skiing.

Well, in the evening we return by car to the hotel. But it is better to do this if you have your own car or rented a car. Still, adjusting to the bus schedule is quite inconvenient.

Ski passes

The cost of a ski pass is 225 EUR per week and about 40-45 EUR per day!

Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Anything to add?

The town of Annecy stands on the shores of the lake of the same name, in the eastern part of France and about fifty kilometers from the Swiss border. This place, seemingly unremarkable in anything, has gained great fame among tourists all over the world. Travelers rush here to stroll through “the most beautiful village in France” and have a snack by the water, surrounded by the carnival-colorful colors that literally decorate the entire center of Annecy. Well, a photo against the background of the Island Palace is a mandatory attribute, without which a trip to Annecy is simply unthinkable. Annecy is called the “Venice of Savoy”: the town is penetrated by many canals and streams originating in the lake. And the Michelin Guide gives this small town three full stars as a tourist destination.

Annecy is the beauty of the Alps without the Swiss-Alpine prices and the opportunity to admire the surface of the lake against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks without the need to stay in luxury hotels in the absence of others. And on the other hand, there is a lovely, lovely medieval setting with cobbled alleys, canals, boats and old houses in the center.

How to get to Annecy

The easiest way to get to Annecy is not from French territory, but from Geneva. Regular buses go here about 5 times a day on Sundays, and even more often on weekdays. Travel time is about an hour. The nearest international airport is also in Geneva, and using the new expressway it takes just over half an hour to reach Annecy. A little further away are the airports of Lyon and Grenoble, but the drive from them is no more than an hour. Annecy also has its own airport; it accepts flights only from Paris. In addition, you can get to Annecy by direct train from Paris or Lyon (the train station is right in the center of the town).

Search for flights to Geneva (closest airport to Annecy)

Weather in Annecy

A little history

It's hard to believe it now, but Annecy was once the main city of the Duchy of Geneva. After the French Revolution, Savoy became part of France along with Annecy; after the restoration of the Bourbon dynasty, for some time the city belonged to the kingdom of Sardinia, but then was again sold to France as part of Savoy in the second half of the 19th century.

Guides in Annecy

Entertainment and attractions in Annecy

Annecy is the beauty of the Alps without the Swiss-Alpine prices and the opportunity to admire the surface of the lake against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks without the need to stay in luxury hotels in the absence of others. And on the other hand, there is a lovely, lovely medieval setting with cobbled alleys, canals, boats and old houses in the center. The pedestrian area in Annecy's Old Town is absolutely charming and of course always crowded with people. Round Italian wells, embankments, mansions and churches - everything in general looks very harmonious, especially strewn with crimson and purple flowers of potted plants.

6 things to do in Annecy:

  1. Take a stroll along Rue Saint-Clair with its romantic arcades from the 17th and 18th centuries.
  2. Throw a coin into the Saint-Jean fountain, which is on Royal Street - in the very center of the modern city.
  3. Kiss on the Iron Bridge of Lovers.
  4. Take that same photo with the palace in the background.
  5. Eat Italian ice cream on one of the pedestrian streets. You'd be supposed to eat brioche or something like that, but the locals unanimously prefer Italian ice cream parlors - and they know what they're doing.
  6. Find the shop of Jean-Jacques Gamblot, floral artist. This place is truly capable of capturing your imagination, even if you are not going to buy anything - just look at the entrance to the store.

The medieval castle on the hill occupies a more or less central position in the city. It was built, according to rough estimates, around the 12th-16th centuries, and the counts of Geneva and the dukes of Savoy lived here. The castle burned down several times, was abandoned by its owners in the 17th century and was then used as military barracks until the end of World War II. But then the city bought and restored the chateau, and today a museum of Alpine popular art is opened there. Its collection includes many sculptures and paintings by local authors, as well as 15th-century furniture, a photo archive and models of Alpine chalets. The oldest part of the castle's structure is the powerful Queen's Tower, built in 12; its walls exceed 4 m in thickness. Nowadays an observatory is opened in the tower. And from the terrace in front of the castle there is a charming view of the Old Town of Annecy.

There are no authentic city souvenirs in Annecy, but there are many shops and art stalls of local artists, sculptors, ceramicists, and so on.

The notorious Annecy Island Palace of the 12th century, generally speaking, does not really look like a palace. Although it was really built on an island in the Thiu Canal (in fact, the palace occupies the entire area of ​​the island) and really served as the residence of the Genevan counts. Subsequently, this powerful fortified structure was used as a prison and as a court, and today there is a tourist office here. The sharp stone corner of the Island Palace, which cuts into the water of the canal, framed by houses on the neighboring embankments, is Annecy's most famous view.

The Lovers' Bridge is just as replicated as the Island Palace, although compared to it it is a pure remake. It is considered obligatory to walk across the bridge, but it looks prettier from a distance, with colorful boats in the foreground and the lake surface framed by willows in the background. Local artists know about this and from the very morning they set up easels on the canal embankment leading to the bridge.

Annecy Cathedral was built in the 16th century as a Franciscan chapel. This explains the rather modest appearance and small size of the cathedral. The church received cathedral status only in 1822. Nevertheless, a very good organ by Nicolas-Antoine Lete, a royal master, created in the 40s, is installed inside. 19th century.

There are a lot of tourists in Annecy, really a lot. And don’t let the pastoral charm of the provincial town deceive you: unfortunately, there are plenty of pickpockets here too. At all iconic points (especially near the castle and on the bridge overlooking the Island Palace), it is better to keep a close eye on your pockets.

Another noteworthy church in Annecy is the Roman Catholic Church of St. Maurice, the oldest in the city. Initially, in the first half of the 15th century, it was built in the Gothic style as a Dominican chapel. The interior of the chapel is remarkable for the 15th century painting to the left of the choir: it creates an optical illusion of three-dimensionality. And another interesting church is dedicated to Our Lady and built in the neoclassical style. The church is distinguished by a rectangular 16th-century clock tower with three rows of ten beautiful Gothic windows. The church is easily recognized by the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary crowning it.

Popular hotels in Annecy

Annecy Events

In April, the city hosts a cozy farm festival, great fun for the whole family. In June there is a six-day animated film festival, and in July there is a four-night night blues festival. The most crowded gathering awaits visitors to the city on the first weekend of August: this is the Lake Festival with luxurious fireworks that attract more than 100,000 spectators annually. And in October, on the second Sunday of the month, the Alpine Harvest Festival is celebrated here with folk music, food and entertainment.

Annecy area

Lake Annecy is the pearl of the French Alps and the Savoy region. Its length is about 17 km, depth is approximately 45 m; The water here is one of the cleanest in Europe, dark, like the sea, and the air is amazingly clean. Although small in size compared to Lake Geneva, there are all possibilities for recreation for every taste: picturesque towns on the shore, sports centers, good beaches, first-class restaurants, many hiking and cycling routes. A regular bus, departing from Annecy, goes around the lake, and with a rented car this trip becomes even more enjoyable.

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, we collected our things and put them in 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 our wet shoes with 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...