Venice of the Alps: this city in France amazes tourists with its beauty

The city of Annecy, located in the heart of the French Alps, is one of the most charming parts of France. It is often called the "Venice of the Alps" due to its narrow canals and old buildings surrounding picturesque reservoirs.

Annecy is located on the northern shore of the lake of the same name, less than an hour's drive from the Swiss border. The Express told us why it is worth visiting the city.

Travel expert Jamie Hughes advises choosing one of the airports:

• Genève, which is less than an hour's drive from Annecy;
• Chambéry - Annecy can be reached in an hour and twenty minutes;
• Lyon, located an hour and a half drive from Annecy.

Surrounded by the majestic Alps, Annecy is not only an ideal place for lovers of mountain scenery, but also attracts water sports enthusiasts thanks to the lake, which is one of the cleanest in Europe. Islands, green shores and crystal clear water give this lake a special magical flair.

In addition to the lake, there are numerous hiking and cycling routes in the vicinity of Annecy that allow you to explore the nature of the Alps. Walking along mountain trails will offer incredible panoramas of the surrounding valleys and mountains, and for extreme sports enthusiasts, there is an opportunity to go paragliding.

Walking through the center, you can see many ancient buildings that have survived since the Middle Ages, such as former city walls, churches and palaces.

One of the most striking architectural objects is the Château d'Annecy, located on the shore of the lake. This castle, built in the 11th century, is not only a monument of medieval architecture, but also a great museum where you can learn more about the history of the city and the region. It often opens its doors for exhibitions, cultural events, and festivals, which adds to its appeal.

Another interesting architectural landmark is the Lovers' Bridge connecting both banks of the canal, where you can see magnificent buildings with balconies decorated with flowers.

The Old Town is also known as the "district of the five bells" as it is home to five church cathedrals: the Basilica of the Visitation Order, the church of Notre-Dame-de-Liesse, the church of Saint-Maurice, the church of Saint-François de Sales and the cathedral of Saint-Pierre.

Another attraction of the old town is the Palais de l'Ile, a picturesque medieval castle and prison in the middle of the Thiou Canal. Now the former prison serves as a museum of art and history.

The Pont des Amours Bridge is one of the most famous and romantic symbols of the city. It is located in the heart of the old town, over the Thiou Canal, and is an integral part of its charming atmosphere. The bridge offers a magnificent view of the city, canals and mountains on the horizon.

And for those who want to enjoy walking or cycling while traveling in Annecy, Jamie recommends the Promenade du Thiou, a route that has been classified as "easy" on AllTrails.

Another of Jamie's recommendations is Annecy-le-Vieux, a former commune in the French Alps that merged with the city of Annecy in 2017. Here you can get acquainted with the history of the region by booking a guided boat tour, or just take a quiet stroll in this picturesque place on the lake.

Annecy is located just a few hours drive from Chamonix and Mont Blanc, so tourists who plan to visit the alpine ski resorts often come here.

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