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Top 10 Things to do in Annecy

Annecy town is near the French Alps southeast of France. It is commonly referred to as 鈥淰enice of the Alps鈥� because of the river and canal that pass through its old town.

It is the 4th largest city in the Haute-Savoie department and is famed for its pastel-coloured houses, winding canals and its stone-paved streets that are quite enchanting. It is quite easy to lose yourself at the moment while visiting Annecy.

The town has amazing mountainous views and a prehistoric Ch芒teau d鈥橝nnecy that was once home to the Counts of Geneva. The Ch芒teau contains a museum with artifacts such as Alpine furniture and religious art; there is also a natural history exhibit.

There are plenty of activities that one can do whether you visit during summer or winter. Here are things you can do in Annecy.

1. Lake Annecy – Swim, water sport or just relax at the beach

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Lake Annecy is considered the cleanest lake in Europe, it has crystal clear water and picturesque with snow-peaked mountains surrounding it as well as the old town by its shores.

Water sports lovers, this is your paradise. While visiting Annecy, you can take part in a water sport on the lake such as sailing, fishing, water skiing, boat rides, paragliding, swimming, and diving.

The beach around the lake is also perfect for strolling, cycling, running or just laying down soaking in the beauty of this dreamy scenery.

2. Explore the Ch芒teau d鈥橝nnecy

Kemper Boyd -Wikimedia

This used to be the residence of the count of Geneva back in the 13^th and 14^th Century. Presently, this historical monument is a museum and a host to several exhibitions.

It has undergone several transformations but never lost its original style.聽 The architecture is a display of elegance and fortification of medieval times.

A visit to the ch芒teau will give a sense of the royalty life and the fine details taken to ensure that both comfort and elegance intertwine seamlessly; as you walk in the ch芒teau, you will notice the large windows of the ch芒teau that lets in a flood of natural light into the rooms, admire the wall paintings on the wall and even get to see the latrines in the castle.

3. Cheese anyone? Fondue, tartiflette

Reblochon cheese, sourced from Wikimedia Commons

A trip anywhere is never complete without a taste of the local delicacy. You鈥檇 consider it as the 鈥榗herry on top鈥� and a fine way to appreciate the culture and the history of the people.

If you love cheese, Annecy has got you. It is home to some absolutely delicious French cheeses, and however you want it, be it a crunchy freshly baked loaf, tartiflette in cheese and lardons, there is no stopping the alps’ cuisine from showing off.

4. More Cheese at

While still on the cheeses, drop by Pierre Gay. This fromagerie bagged the “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” award in 2011. It was founded in 1935 and has gained popularity with cheese-lovers both natives and visitors in Annecy.

The shop has a transparent glass floor in the backroom, allowing you to see the wheels and wheels of ageing cheese. There is wine at the shop too, so you are able to pair your cheese with the best wine.

If you are not sure of what to have, the friendly staff will give their expert advice and recommendations so you can discover new favorites.

5. Seal your love with a kiss on Pont des Amours (Lovers’ Bridge)

Semnoz- Wikimedia

While visiting Annecy, this is one of the top things to do. A trip to this bridge with a loved one will be memorable.

Legend has it that couples who kiss in the middle of the bridge will experience eternal love. If you are still single, you could always make a wish to find your love.

The bridge also is the best setting for photos of its beautiful background of the lake, the mountains, and the old town, such as endless romantic views.

6. Have a picnic at the Jardins de l鈥橢urope

This beautiful garden is peaceful and perfect for a leisurely stroll or just to sit and enjoy the open clean air.

Designed in the 19th century, this beautiful, English-style garden has perfect views of Lake Annecy, and is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty that is Annecy while reading, or picnicking on the treats you got from the cheese shop and market.

The gardens offer a large wooded park to appreciate centuries-old plantations, the perfect balance of light and shade provided by these trees appeal to passers-by, painters and nature lovers.

7. Tour the Palais de l鈥橧sle at Annecy

is a castle-like structure shaped like a ship that’s on a tiny island in the middle of the Thiou River.

Through time, this building that was constructed in the 12th century has been a prison, a courthouse and an administrative center. It also housed the elderly between 1865 & 1880.

The building is now a hub of local history, from medieval coins to the industrial 19th century, and has occasional temporary art exhibits.

8. Annecy farmer鈥檚 market

Annecy farmer’s market spreads out throughout the week. Stop by and shop for organic farm produce. Sample the cheeses and fruits on sale.

As you make your way through the market, smell the aromatic coffee from vendors at the market, let your eyes take in the colorful veggie stands, and sugar-dusted pastries.

Your nose will lead you to the food stalls selling mouthwatering French delicacies at the market. The array of fresh produce, jams, cheeses, meats, baked goods, nuts, herbs, olives, eggs, and macaroons will come in handy when you plan your picnic or just food to take with you.

9. The historic churches

Annecy has its fair share of historic churches too. The historic buildings have beautiful stained-glass windows, monumental grand organs and medieval paintings. Some churches that you can visit in Annecy are:

The St. Fran莽ois de Sales Church was founded by St Fran莽ois de Sales and Jeanne de Chantal in 1610. It later became a pilgrimage site when it housed the remains of its founders.

脡glise Saint-Maurice is the other historic church; it has Gothic style architecture. The church has a 15th-century “” painting to the left of the聽choir.

Notre-Dame de Liesse Church was rebuilt between 1846 and 1851 after it was destroyed during the French Revolution. The architecture is a typical Sardinian neoclassical style with semicircular arches and semicircular window openings.

10. A tour of the Old Town

The beautiful old town is painted with pastel-colored houses with cobbled narrow streets. It is a pleasant sight for a walk. The brightly colored buildings are home to restaurants, bistros, and caf茅s with outdoor seating and gorgeous views.

During the summer, blooming flowers on balconies and many buildings at the arcades provide welcoming shade on sunny days and shelter during rain or snow.

The very narrow streets and alleys at the old town are open to pedestrians only making it even more pleasant to walk through. You will have the best experience exploring this fairly-tale town on foot as you admire and shop from the stalls and souvenir shops.