With its turquoise lake surrounded by mountains, cobblestone streets, flower-decked canals and pastel-colored buildings, Annecy in the French Alps is a real-life fairytale village.
The town in southeastern France is nestled by Lake Annecy, one of the cleanest lakes in Europe, where visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, boating and cycling along its shores.
It is often called the ‘Venice of the Alps’ because of the winding canals that flow through its picturesque old town.
Annecy’s old town, the Vieille Ville, has more waterways than roads, surrounded by 16th and 17th-century buildings.
The water comes from the River Thiou, which, at only 3.5km long, is one of Europe’s shortest rivers, connecting the River Fier to Lake Annecy.
The River Thiou splits and rejoins around the old town, creating islands linked by arched bridges which are draped in flowers in the spring and summer.
At the heart of the old town is the Palais de l’Île, Annecy’s most famous and photographed building
This historic 12th-century structure sits on a triangular island in the Thiou River and has been used as a courthouse, mint, and prison throughout its history.
With its turquoise lake surrounded by mountains, cobblestone streets, flower-decked canals and pastel-colored buildings, Annecy in the French Alps is a real-life fairytale village
The River Thiou splits and rejoins around the old town, creating islands linked by arched bridges which are draped in flowers in the spring and summer
The town in southeastern France is nestled by Lake Annecy, one of the cleanest lakes in Europe, where visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, boating and cycling along its shores
Today, it is home to a museum with exhibits on local history and architecture
Annecy is home to the ‘Pont des Amours’ (Bridge of Love), where a popular legend dictates that couples who kiss in the middle of the bridge will be together forever.
The bridge links together Vasse Canal on one side and the lake on the other. This iron pedestrian footbridge was built in 1907 and lies on the edge of Jardins de l’Europe.
Because of its proximity to the Swiss border, Annecy is a popular day trip from Geneva, Switzerland, which is less than an hour away.
Annecy hosts multiple festivals throughout the year, including the Venetian Carnival, a nod to the city’s similarity to Venice.
The world’s largest and most prestigious animation event takes place in Annecy every June, coinciding with the Market for International Animation Film.
On the second Saturday of October, there is a folk festival in Annecy called Retour des Alpages.
This includes a parade of hundreds of cattle, including cows, sheep, and goats, descending from the mountains, dressed in flowers and ribbons.
The parade is accompanied by music from traditional folk groups playing instruments like alphorns and market stalls sell popular local dishes.
Later in the year, the Annecy Christmas market, part of the ‘Noël des Alpes’ celebration, typically runs from late November to early January.
The event includes around 80 chalets selling gifts and food, an open-air ice rink and various light shows and festive activities throughout the season.
Later in the year, the Annecy Christmas market, part of the ‘Noël des Alpes’ celebration, typically runs from late November to early January
The market includes around 80 chalets selling gifts and food, an open-air ice rink and various light shows and festive activities throughout the season
It comes as a British man who has visited more than 50 cities in Europe said Annecy was among the most underrated places he has visited.
The social media influencer, ScottVisits, said he loved Annecy’s ‘stunning cobblestone lanes and perfect lakes’.
Also on his list was Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is known for its 16th-century Stari Most bridge.
The bridge connects the predominantly Muslim eastern part of the city with the more Catholic western part, and has long symbolised coexistence and a bridge between different cultures.
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