Experience
France

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : ANNECY

The Venice of the Alps

With its canals, old town and narrow cobbled streets, Annecy is a city steeped in history. Surrounded by mountains and clear waters, its castles offer a dream setting for exceptional walks and outdoor activities.

FIRST FLIGHT AT COL DE LA DE LA FORCLAZ

Soar amongst the clouds with a spectacular landscape in front of you, mountains and lake below. Not a sound can be heard, only nature coming to life. Ready? 3, 2, 1 – away you go! Several clubs in Annecy and the surrounding areas offer paragliding experiences open to all ages. You’ll set off from Col de la Forclaz with an experienced instructor, jumping to an altitude of more than 1,000 metres. In a few steps, the ground pulls away and you’re flying! After a smooth takeoff, flights last 10 to 30 minutes. It’s easy to see why this is one of the places in Europe most visited by paragliding enthusiasts. Breathtaking scenery and adrenaline make this an experience that lasts a lifetime. Each flight is different, so you can choose one that suits you. The most daring paragliders might choose the ‘Sensations’ flight. Your professional instructor can carry out acrobatics on request during your flight. If you don’t want to take the plunge, several walking paths lead down from Col de la Forclaz. The views of the crystal clear waters of the ‘blue lake’ are all also incredible. The sun sets behind the mountains as night falls, radiating a rainbow of colours. The moon lights up the lake and sky, creating a beautiful atmosphere you’ll never forget.

Must-sees in Annecy

LAKE ANNECY

Touring the lake by bike or car is a must for taking in nature, the mountains and the surrounding forests. Boats, water sports, scuba diving, swimming in the turquoise waters… there are countless activities to help you relax and unwind in this exceptional setting.

PONT DES AMOURS (THE BRIDE OF LOVE)

One side is the lake set against the backdrop of the mountains, and on the other is the Vassé canal with its peaceful waters and boats lined up under a row of trees on each side. The setting is picture-perfect. It’s said lovers who kiss on the bridge will be together forever.

THE OLD TOWN

Annecy is a medieval city that has retained all of its charms. The narrow cobbled streets, historical monuments and colourful buildings are set around a quaint canal network, transporting visitors back in time.

The former home of the Counts of Geneva, now the Annecy castle museum

CHÂTEAU D’ANNECY MUSEUM

The castle has watched over the city for four centuries, a former residence of the Genevan counts. Its oldest section is the impressive Tower of the Queen, which is around 30 metres high, and the foot of its walls are more than four metres thick. It’s a rare testimony to military architecture at the end of the Middle Ages.

PALAIS DE L’ÎLE

Annecy’s most iconic monument resembles a stone ship, carving out the Thiou canal in the middle of the city. This 12th-century landmark was originally home to a lord, then a courthouse, before becoming a prison, which its solid bars bear witness to.