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Things to do in Annecy (France)

Annecy is known to be one of France’s prettiest mideval towns. It is right on the shore of Europe’s cleanest lake!

Heads up: I have not spent much time in Annecy.. HOWEVER, I could easily say it’s a place worth visiting!

We drove to Annecy from Geneva, as a pit-stop on our way skiing in the French Alps! The plan was a stop for lunch in Annecy, and resume to our next stop.. Passing by the lake only was a good reason for me to makeup my mind on wanting to return to this beautiful place.

 

 To be fair and to leave the longer review for my next visit, I would recommend the below for your visit!

Things to Do in Annecy (France):

 

  • Lac d’Annecy

The thing that caught my attention the most! When you’re around, do not to miss: Paragliding flights over Lake Annecy in summer, and the Grand-Bornand in winter. There are many activities and things to do in the Lake especially outdoors and in summer/spring time such as river cruises, cycling and others!

Lake Annecy is one of France’s largest lakes although smaller than the neighbouring Lake Geneva and Lake Bourget. Lake Annecy is at its widest between Veyrier and Sévrier (3,350m) and at its narrowest between Duingt and the Roc de Chère (800m).

The eastern shore of Lake Annecy enjoys a lot of  sunshine and stretches from Veyrier-du-Lac to the commune of Verthier. There are three villages of importance: Veyrier-du-Lac, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires, all situated at the foot of the towering mountains of the Pre-alps.

 

  • Vieille Ville

Basically Annecy’s Old town (old buildings and canals – magic!)! Many options to discover this place including a Segway or a bike tour! It is definitely also a nice place to be walking around.

 

  • Jardins de l’Europe

Whether you are going through Annecy for a day, or staying for longer, les Jardins will offer you opportunities for a quiet moment with a view of the lake and the mountains. It’s a great spot for a picnic and to relax!

 

 

  • Pont Des Amours

Pont des Amours (or Lovers’ Bridge).

It is said that, before, it was a meeting point for prostitutes.. but I prefer the Legend which says that lovers who kiss in the middle of the Bridge will be together forever! The Bridge allows you to go from Jardin de l’Europe to the Pâquier, passing over the Thiou river which is entering the city.

  • Palais de l’Île

The view of the Palais de l’Île from Pont Perrière in Annecy is one of the most photographed sights in France.

  • Gorges du Fier

Now how did I miss this bridge? (Even for the day!! LOL)

The Fier is one of the most important rivers in the Haute-Savoie region. Just 10 km from Annecy, the river has carved out one of the most magnificent examples of erosion by running water, the Gorges du Fier, considered to be one of the natural wonders of the Alps.

 

 

  • Château de Montrottier

Just 10 minutes’ drive from Annecy in the French Haute-Savoie – Beautiful small fortified chateau with impressive classic fortress Centre keep. Tours twice daily in French. Written guides in English. Staff, friendly, helpful courteous. English spoken. Lovely grounds well worth walking. Interesting historical and military artifacts, some from the middle and far east.

  • Le Grand Bornand

Located on the western slope of the Aravis mountain range not far from Mont Blanc, Annecy Lake and Switzerland, Le Grand–Bornand is a summer and winter resort which developed around an old village.

  • Lake Annecy

Ofcourse.

  • Plateau du Semnoz
  • Aix-les-Bains
  • Chambéry

If you happen to visit, and do have more recommendations on top of this list (or until I go again to combine a new one), please feel free to share the recommendations with me! 😀

Cheers

Fatima

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