Exploring Annecy and beyond in two days

Annecy is considered one of the most picturesque towns in France, featuring flower-lined canals, a stunning lake surrounded by rugged mountain peaks, and charming medieval architecture. The town, often referred to as the "Venice of the French Alps," dates back to a fishing village around 3100 B.C. and has been influenced by various historical events, including its strategic importance during the Roman Empire and integration into the Duchy of Savoy. The Thiou River, with its canals winding through the old town, adds to the town's enchanting atmosphere. Exploring Annecy allows visitors to delve into its rich history, from ancient châteaux to museums and monuments spanning different eras. Take a look at my recommendations for places to explore in Annecy and its surrounding areas in two days.

Let’s start with a tour of the Annecy old town from the Rue de la République bridge.

Stroll along the banks of the Thiou River

The Thiou is a short river in France, measuring less than 5 km in length. Historically, it was used to power manufacturing industries that emerged along its banks in the 19th century. Today, the charming houses surrounding the flower-filled canals add to the picturesque setting of the old town of Annecy, located between the lake and the mountains. The colourful facades along the Thiou give the old town a Venetian feel, with hues of lemon, mustard, pink, salmon, and pistachio.

Palais de I'Île

Palais de I'Île stands as a picturesque symbol of Annecy's rich history and architectural heritage. The fortified building was originally used as a prison in 1325, but was later converted into a mint by Count Amadeus III of Geneva in 1355. Although the mint stopped operating in the late 14th century, the building known as "Maison de l'Île" continued to be a significant structure in the medieval town. In the late 16th century, it became the Palais de Justice de l'Île, serving as a courthouse. Throughout the 18th century, the building was primarily used for administrative purposes, but continued to function as a prison until 1864. From 1865 to 1880, the Palais de l'Île was utilised as a nursing home. It also briefly housed a drawing school for stonemasons and carpenters, as well as a gymnasium and living quarters. The museum provides information on the area's history and displays exhibits on local heritage and medieval life. It may not be my top choice, but it is worth visiting if you have ample free time.

Address: 3 Pass. de l'Île

Annecy Castle

Annecy Castle is a significant landmark in the city due to its strategic location and historical significance. Originally built in the 12th century as a fortified castle, it has been reconstructed several times, most notably by the Dukes of Savoy in the 15th and 16th centuries. The castle served as the residence for the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Savoy-Nemours before becoming property of the town in the 1950s. It has been restored and now houses a museum with diverse collections in fine arts, archaeology, and natural history, along with temporary exhibitions. The Queen's Tower, the oldest structure in the castle, was likely constructed in the 13th century to block access to the rocky promontory. It is also known as the "great tower" or "white tower," with its current name being a more recent designation by historians in the 18th century. The tower stands at about thirty meters tall, with walls four meters thick at the base. Make sure you don't overlook the breathtaking scenery from the castle grounds.

Address: Pl. du Château

Church of Saint François de Sales

The church has a history dating back to the early 17th century when it was commissioned by Saint Francis de Sales. Originally built to serve the Visitation convent established by Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, the church was finished in 1614. The design of the building was influenced by the church of the Gesù in Rome, featuring a two-level facade and a triangular pediment. The interior is lavishly decorated, as many important figures visited Annecy to pay their respects to the graves of Saint Francis, Saint Sales, and Jeanne de Chantal. The church houses seven stunning altarpieces inspired by the Baroque style. During the French Revolution, the church faced near destruction and was repurposed as a military barracks and a canvas factory. It was restored to its religious function in 1923 and taken over by the town of Annecy in 1968.

Address: 1 Pl. Saint-François de Sales

Gardens of Europe

The Jardins de l’Europe is a beautiful natural park situated between the Hôtel de Ville and Lake Annecy. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy a leisurely walk in the shade. The park has a rich history, starting as a swamp in the Middle Ages before being transformed into a promenade by the Nemours family in the 17th century. Later, the gardens were used by the nuns of the Order of the Visitation before becoming part of the national domain during the Revolution. In the 1850s, the town of Annecy purchased the land and created a large natural park with over 650 trees and 1,000 shrubs. Visitors can admire a variety of trees, including a large ginkgo biloba, pines, giant sequoias, and a tulip tree. The park also features benches for enjoying views of Lake Annecy, boat cruises, a fountain, and is used for events such as the Venetian Carnival and the Annecy Landscapes Festival. Additionally, the park is a great spot for picnics with plenty of benches, shaded lawns, and ice cream vendors. While walking, you may encounter modern art installations from the Annecy Landscapes Festival that have been purchased by the town and are on display year-round.

Church of Saint Maurice

Construction of the church began in 1422 as the chapel for the Dominican settlement, designed similarly to other churches of the Dominican Order with a spacious central nave to accommodate a growing number of worshippers. It became a significant site for local devotion until the late 18th century. After the French Revolution, the church was looted and repurposed as a wheat market until 1802, when Catholic services resumed and it was rededicated to Saint-Maurice, the patron saint of Savoy. Restoration efforts in 1956 revealed two exceptional examples of 15th-century artwork: a depiction of the Assumption of the Virgin surrounded by angels, along with figures of Cardinal Pierre de Luxembourg and the apostle Thomas, painted in a niche near the entrance to the chapel established by the Savoy-Luxembourg family in 1478.

Address: Rue Saint-Maurice

Notre Dame de Liesse church

The church of Notre-Dame de Liesse was established in the 14th century by the Counts of Geneva, who desired a suitable place for their future burials. The title was held by only 17 lords and ceased to exist with the passing of the last one at the end of the 14th century. Their lands were then inherited by the House of Savoy. In 1815, when the county of Mont-Blanc was transferred to the House of Savoy, the church was reconstructed. The one currently standing was constructed in the 1850s in the Sardinian style, reflecting the transition of the Dukes of Savoy to becoming Kings of Piedmont-Sardinia.

Address: Passage Notre Dame

Fountain with obelisk

In Place Notre-Dame, there is a fountain with an obelisk in front of the church, known as the fontaine à obélisque in French. It was created in 1859 by the municipal government to mark the introduction of drinking water in the city centre, symbolising improvements in civic infrastructure. The base of the obelisk is supported by four bronze turtles, while four bronze lions around the fountain release water into the basin.

I missed Saint-Pierre Cathedral, but you can include it in your tour.

Saint-Pierre Cathedral

The cathedral was originally constructed in 1535 as a Franciscan church. In 1538, as Geneva transitioned to Protestantism and Catholic clergy were exiled to Annecy, the church became the bishop's seat. It was officially established as the cathedral of the Diocese of Annecy in 1822. The church showcases a Gothic style with some Italian Renaissance influences in the façade.

Address: 8 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau

This is a map of the route you just covered.

Lake of Annecy

The Lake of Annecy is known for its picturesque scenery and is considered the highlight of the city. It is the second largest glacial lake in France after Le Bourget and is often referred to as "Europe's purest lake." Surrounded by mountain ranges, the lake offers a variety of activities for nature enthusiasts, water sports lovers, photographers, romantics, children feeding ducks, and tourists taking selfies. On calm days, the Alps can be seen reflected in the water. There are three mountain ranges surrounding the lake - Les Aravis, the Massif des Bornes, and the Massif des Bauges - with hiking trails offering stunning views. There are 42 kilometres of paths along the shore of the lake, passing through small villages for a leisurely exploration of the area. The Annecy Lake Festival, which originated in 1860 to celebrate the annexation of Savoy to France, is now a popular event featuring one of the largest firework displays in Europe.

Practical tip

Before you plan to go for a swim in the lake, make sure to research the closest beach location to you.

Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard

This castle, located 10 kilometres from Annecy, has been owned by the same family for 23 generations, a rare occurrence in France. The history of the Menthon family, from Saint Bernard de Menthon in the 10th century to more recent figures like François de Menthon, a key figure in the French Resistance and the Nuremberg Military Tribunal, is worth exploring. The castle has undergone various transformations over the centuries, from a fortress to a residence with a romantic charm. Walt Disney even found inspiration for the castle of Sleeping Beauty here. The interior of the castle remains largely unchanged, offering a glimpse into life in a Savoyard fortress turned into rich residence.

Practical tips

The castle is open from April to mid-November, but be sure to check the specific opening days and times before visiting. To access the Castle via public transportation, it is recommended to board bus number 20 and alight at Chef Lieu Menthon stop. From there, a half-hour walk, including some uphill sections, is required to reach the Castle. It is important to note that access to the interiors of the castle is only permitted through guided tours. Tour schedules can be obtained at the ticket office.

Les Gorges du Fier

Located 10 kilometres west of Annecy, the Gorges du Fier is a natural wonder in the Alps known for its stunning erosion by running water. Visitors can walk through a narrow canyon on a footbridge attached to the rock face 25 meters above the river, offering views of boulders in various shapes and forms. Light and shadow create unique faces along the rock face, while the Giants' Kettles, carved by the river over thousands of years, can be discovered. A measuring scale on the rock face shows water levels during floods halfway along the footbridge. At the end of the canyon, a display area provides information on the geography, geology, and special attractions of the Gorges du Fier. A display room at the end of the visit showcases historical events in the region from 1860 to the present, along with photos of the river in flood and its impact on the site. The site is open every day from March 15th to October 15th.

Practical tip

The Gorges du Fier is accessible by public transportation, with a walk of approximately thirty minutes required. To get there, take bus number 3 from Annecy train station and disembark at Marie-Iseta-ECA stop. Use the directions provided by Google Maps to Les Gorges du Fier Parking, 74330 Lovagny, France. From there, follow the signs to the entrance of the gorge. The one-way trip from Annecy will take approximately an hour. If you plan to visit on Wednesday or Sunday, consider taking a tour that includes a visit to the nearby Château & Estate of Montrottier. For more information, refer to the Château & Estate of Montrottier Castle section below.

Château of Montrottier

Located just 15 minutes from Annecy, Montrottier Chateau is like something out of a fairy tale. In medieval times, the château was strategically positioned to control a key crossing over the Fier River and a route connecting Geneva and Chambéry. The current buildings, constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, form a pentagonal fortress with a cylindrical keep topped with battlements. Despite undergoing renovations in the 19th and 20th centuries, the château still maintains its medieval military architecture. In 1906, Léon Marès, a collector and philanthropist, inherited the château and brought over his own collections to add to those inherited from the Frèrejean family. He also included his menagerie from Montpellier. In his will, Marès stipulated that the château and its collections be left to the Académie Florimontane, with the conditions that he be buried on the castle grounds, a mass be celebrated in his name annually, and that the collections be open to the public. Following his wishes, the château has been open to visitors since 1919, with the collections displayed as they were in the 19th century. This diverse and uniquely presented collection offers a glimpse into the era's fascination with cabinets of curiosities. The château houses an extensive collection assembled by Marès himself, including furniture, earthenware, tapestries, weaponry, objects from Africa and Asia, and four 16th-century bronze bas-relief masterpieces by Hans and Peter Vischer. The Castle is open from April to November. Unfortunately, it was closed at the time of my visit. For specific opening times, visit the Castle's website.

Lovagny City Pass

If you plan to visit on Wednesday or Sunday, consider taking a tour that includes a visit to the nearby Gorges du Fier. Explore the Gorges du Fier and Montrottier Castle with the panoramic Annecy City Tour bus. The Pass includes transportation, a self-guided tour of the Gorges du Fier, a stunning canyon with a footbridge 25 meters above the river, and a guided tour of Montrottier Castle, a charming castle that will transport you back in time. Departure is at 9:00 a.m. from Annecy City Hall (Annecy City Tour Bus). Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Gorges du Fier and a guided tour of Montrottier Castle before returning to Annecy at 12:30 p.m. The tour can be booked from April to mid-October on Wednesdays and Sundays, with additional tours on Tuesdays in August. The cost is 35€ for adults and 21€ for children. For more information, contact Annecy Tourist Office at +33 4 50 45 00 33.

Practical information

Consider adding Annecy to your itinerary starting from Lyon, along with Chambery and Grenoble. I suggest allocating two days to explore Annecy, where you can visit attractions like Gorges du Fier, Montrottier Castle, and Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard. Keep in mind that the public transportation in Annecy may not be convenient for tourists, as it may not reach all the desired destinations. Bus services are limited on weekends, so it's advisable to check schedules beforehand. Don't miss the opportunity to relax on the beach of Lake Annecy during your visit.

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What did you think? Have you been to Annecy? I would love to hear from you, so please add your comment below.

Author: Anita Sane

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