Annecy

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Annecy old-city : Thiou river Sunday morning market
Annecy old-city : Thiou river Sunday morning market

Annecy [1] in the North of the French Alps, is the Venice of Savoie -- a well deserved title. The medieval town centre built around a 14th Century Chateau is dissected by small canals and streams running out of Lac Annecy, which is clean, fresh and a wonderful azure colour. Annecy is also the prefecture of the département of Haute-Savoie.

[edit] Get in

Annecy is a popular day trip from nearby Geneva, Switzerland (bring your passport for the border crossing).

Geneva is the nearest major international airport and is well served from across Europe and beyond. A little further away is Lyon, a full international airport, and Grenoble, which is focussed on low cost and winter flights [2]. Both are about a one-hour drive by car or bus. The airport at Annecy only has flights to Paris.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Events

  • June : One of the biggest animation festivals is held in Annecy (6 days)
  • July : Noctibules festival during the nights (4 days)
  • The first week-end of August is the Lake Festival (Fête du Lac) with attractions around the lake and a great fireworks. This event brings more than 100'000 spectators.
  • October : "Descente des Alpages" old tradition show in streets See pictures from this festival

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Swim, row or sail on the lake
  • Hike on the mountains around the city
  • Bike around the lake, or up in the mountains if you are in good condition.
  • Hangliding above the lake from the Col de la Forclaz (~20km)
  • Shop the many boutiques lining the narrow stone-paved streets.

[edit][add listing] Eat

For between meals try the Italian ice cream shops, favored by the locals, located on the numerous pedestrian-only by-ways that weave the city and river together.

Another suggestion is the brioche (sweet roll) and other goodies to be found at the boulangeries (bakeries) in town.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Bed & Breakfast, youth hostel exist. Surrounding mountains and lake activities are draining a large number of tourist during the summer and more and more during the winter season. Several winter sport resorts being in 30' drive.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Annecy has a number of local artisan shops as well as many European chain boutiques.

There is a market (marché) each Sunday morning in the pedestrian streets of the medieval city

[edit] Cope

The town itself gets ridiculously busy in July but September brings less folk- visit then when the air is clearer and the views to the mountains are better.

[edit] Get out

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