Best of Annecy

Annecy's Essential Canals and Alpine Charm

Annecy features a network of 12th-century canals centered around the Palais de l'Isle and the Thiou River. The medieval Vieille Ville is dominated by the Château d'Annecy, once the residence of the Counts of Geneva. Along the shores of Lake Annecy, the Jardins de l'Europe and Le Pâquier offer expansive green spaces. Significant religious landmarks include the 16th-century St. Pierre Cathedral and the Baroque Church of St. Francis, reflecting the city's role as a center of the Counter-Reformation.

Annecy's Essential Canals and Alpine Charm — Map

Flip de Bruyn / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Palais de l'Isle

This 12th-century fortified house sits on a rocky island in the Thiou River. Historically used as a prison and courthouse, it now serves as a local history museum and is one of France's most photographed monuments.

Tatiana Decrocq / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Château d'Annecy

The Château d'Annecy is a restored castle which dominates the old French town of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie département.

User:Semnoz / Public domain

C

Lover's Bridge

An early 20th-century iron footbridge spanning the Canal de Vassé. It connects the Jardins de l'Europe with the Pâquier promenade and offers views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Florian Pépellin / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Gardens of Europe

A 19th-century English-style park situated on the shores of Lake Annecy. It features over 600 trees, including giant sequoias and ginkgos, providing shaded paths and views of the Alps.

Torsade de Pointes / CC0

E

Church of St. Francis

A 17th-century Baroque church that served as the original burial site for Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal. It is known locally as the 'Church of the Italians' due to its historical congregation.

Manu25 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

F

Annecy Cathedral

Annecy Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in Annecy, France. The cathedral is a national monument.

Samsamsam / CC-BY-SA-3.0

G

Basilica of the Visitation

Built in the early 20th century, this basilica features a 72-meter bell tower and houses the silver-gilt reliquaries of Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal. It overlooks the city from the Crêt du Maure forest.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

H

Église Notre-Dame-de-Liesse

A mid-19th-century church built in the neoclassical style on the site of a 14th-century sanctuary. It retains a medieval bell tower and features a spacious interior with several dedicated side chapels.

Ricrac / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Annecy station

Annecy is a railway station located in Annecy, Haute-Savoie, south-eastern France.

J

Fontaine

Fountain

Torsade de Pointes / CC BY-SA 4.0

K

Château d'Annecy

The Château d'Annecy is a restored castle which dominates the old French town of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie département.

Semnoz / CC-BY-SA-3.0

L

Pont des Amours

An early 20th-century iron footbridge spanning the Canal de Vassé. It connects the Jardins de l'Europe with the Pâquier promenade and offers views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

User:Semnoz / Public domain

M

Le Pâquier

A seven-hectare open lawn on the shores of Lake Annecy. Formerly a pasture, it now serves as a central public space for recreation and major annual events like the Fête du Lac fireworks display.

N

Square des Martyrs de la Déportation

A public park and memorial space dedicated to those deported during World War II, located near the city center.

Serge LAURENT / CC BY-SA 3.0

O

St. Maurice Church

Église Saint-Maurice is a Roman Catholic church in Annecy, France.

Sébastien Thébault / CC BY-SA 3.0

P

Annecy Cathedral

Annecy Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in Annecy, France. The cathedral is a national monument.

Other Lists

Annecy Heritage Sites Annecy's Religious Heritage Annecy Parks and Views