This post is about a day in Annecy, exploring the Old Town (“Venice of the French Alps”), strolling along Lake Annecy and Christmas Market, and climbing to the beautiful Basilica of the Visitation.
Day in Annecy
We started and finished the day by walking along the lake. It was picturesque, with the waters being crystal clear, and mountains all around us.
Although it was the winter holidays, the city wasn’t very crowded, especially if you get away from the Christmas Market.
1. Park Jardins de l’Europe
Pictured below: Île des Cygnes and the Jardins de l’Europe park, the most precious place in town (for us):
Catamaran boats operating during the warm time of the year:
Below: 2 nice playgrounds located at the park:
2. Canal du Vassé gondolas and boats
Annecy is nicknamed the ‘Venice of the Alps’ for its tranquil canals and the scenic River Thiou. (Venice, of course, has much more water and canals in the city, than Annecy).
Located at the same Jardins de l’Europe park, the small Canal du Vassé has gondolas and boats, but they are hibernating in winter:
3. Old Town and the most photographed place in Annecy
Pictured below: at the Old Town of Annecy:
Prison and picturesque medieval castle on the Thiou River, today a Museum of Art and History, the most photographed spot in town:
Something we didn’t expect at the old town:
4. Walking to the “Basilica of the Visitation”
Annecy is a hilly city, the further we went, the more interesting was a landscape:
The architecture was completely different one what we used to in our home, Alsace:
At the local bakery:
If you fall in love with the city, you might consider buying some property there:
5. Lunch: Viet street food
We enjoyed the city and forgot about the time for… lunch. At 2 pm almost everything was closed until dinner (French custom), and the only spot available was Viet street food, it was good:
In the picture below: soft drink, Orangina, the most popular one in France, and a tasty one:
6. Basilica of the Visitation
We walked for around 30 minutes to Basilica from the Lake, and it was worth it:
View from inside, we loved the stained glass and quietness:
On the way back home, strolling along the lake and already willing to come back in summer:
Annecy was worth visiting, due to the mountains and amazing lake, we were fascinated by it.
As for the “Venice” part, I can propose you visit another city, that resembles it more – Colmar, in Alsace. It seems even older, with more medieval architecture and water.
Thank you for your company, we are glad you are here!
Make sure to check out fees, hours, and conditions before you go
Read next:
Jura Region: French and Swiss Mountains: if you ever heard about the JURASSIC period, you heard about the Jura Region!
Living on different coasts of the USA, what is it like:
Movies that will inspire you to visit Berlin, a place like no other:
Visiting Yellowstone National Park with little ones:
