Annecy

Those who love old edifices and intriguing history will find something to quench their thirst for authenticity in the heart of the city of Annecy, in the narrow streets of the old town. Dominated by the castle and the basilica, this maze of cobbled streets houses the Palais de l'Ile. This iconic monument in Annecy, a small island in the middle of Thiou Canal has been the subject of countless photos trying to capture its atypical charm. The canals gently wind their way through this city built in the 11th century.

A ten-minute walk from the Annecy train station

©Quentin Trillot-Ville d'Annecy

The castle was the residence of the counts of Geneva in the 13th and 14th centuries. Over the next two centuries, new developments gave the castle its unique appearance, a savvy mix of medieval defensive architecture and elegance inspired by the style of the castles in Île-de-France. Abandoned as a residence in the 17th century, it was used as military barracks until 1947.

A historical monument that hosts various temporary exhibitions and collections and events related to regional heritage, lake archaeology, medieval sculpture, landscape paintings, contemporary art, and animated films. It is a 10-minute walk from the railway station.

© Teo Jaffre

Classified as a historical monument in 1900, the Palais de l'Ile is built on a natural rock island and has been used as a prison, courthouse, and administrative centre. Its architecture is original and some of the oldest parts date back to the 12th century. Initially a simple quadrangular building described as a fortified house and occasionally housing a prison and the counts of Geneva’s monetary workshop, today’s Palais de l'Ile is an original monument of the Middle Ages. It is a 10-minute walk from the train station.

© Royer

Initiated by the local artists' collective ‘Art by Friends’, La Virée is a street art trail accessible all year round in Annecy. A pedestrian route with artwork on existing, often old, urban structures and buildings, which extends over five kilometres. On foot, by bike, on a skateboard, guided by an artist, or on your own, the entire route can be covered in two hours to discover a dozen works. A break from the fast track, coupled with an invitation to contemplate and (re)discover Annecy along a green trail!

Art By Friends: Founded in 2008 by Camille Regnaudin and Adrien Fumex, the Art By Friends collective specialises in organising cultural and artistic events and promoting artists, notably through their exhibition gallery. It’s a six-minute walk from the train station.

© Ville d’Annecy