Annecy is a French city, county town and prefecture of the department of Haute-Savoie region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. North of the French Alps, after Geneva 40 km to the north, Annecy is part of the axis of the agglomerations of the Alpine furrow in alignment with Chambéry then Valence and Grenoble. Municipality of Annecy, a lake saved from pollution, first an industrial axis and then a tourist asset, a green lung, the Semnoz forest, a spacious plain lending itself to unconstrained urbanization have favored an industrial and tourist development. urban and exceptional and have made the capital of the Haute-Savoie department one of the most famous towns in France.

Its nickname ” Venice of the Alps” refers to the rivers (Vassé canal, Saint Dominique and Thiou canal) which protected the city, then brought hydraulic power to textile crafts, gradually giving way to the industrialization of XIX century that exists today through the presence of the headquarters, as Fusalp, SNR, Salomon, Mavic or Entremont, now the labor pool at 2 rank of France (2015). In the XX century, the tourist sector benefits from the renowned purity of the alpine air and the lake, the surrounding winter sports, the conservation of green spaces and a cultural heritage in the process of renovation. The tourist-cultural turn begins in 1960 with the organization of the International Festival of Annecy Animation Film and the lake festival attracting each one hundred thousand visitors every summer. Its first university establishments opened in 1973 before giving birth to the Savoie Mont Blanc University in 1979 in partnership with the establishments of Savoie Technolac and Jacob-Bellecombette.

The “Pearl of the Alps” from Raoul Blanchard’s urban monograph forms a contact gap between the Plaine des Fins and the Prealps, forcing its population within its building zone from the 1960s to the municipal merger of 2017. Since the extension of its territory on Annecy-le-Vieux, Cran-Gevrier, Meythet, Pringy and Seynod, Annecy moved up to 29 place French cities most populous with 126,924 inhabitants, as well as 6 regional position ofurban areas behind Annemasse and in front of Chambéry.

History
Annecy has a long history from its origin as a Gallo-Roman town (boom vicus of Boutae the I century) in the plain of Fins, followed by its location on the hill of Annecy-le-Vieux the VIII century and at the foot of the Semnoz the XI century (in Annecy-le-Neuf). His role in the Reformation, called Counter-Reformation, the XVI and XVII centuries, making it the “Rome of the Alps”. Residence of the counts of Geneva in the 12th century; capital of the county of Genevois, then of the prerogative of Genevois, Faucigny and Beaufort, then of Genevois-Nemours in the States of Savoy; capital of the province of Genevois, then seat of one of the two intendancies of Savoy in the Sardinian States, the city briefly became French from 1792 to 1815 following a military invasion, then definitively the March 24, 1860, date of the Annexation of Savoy to France.

The first human occupation, around 2500 BC, took place not far from the Isle of Swans with the establishment of a palafitte abandoned around 750 BC following the rise in the level of the waters. It was not until 45-27 BC for an Allobroge village to appear in the Plaine des Fins. Thanks to the opening of communication routes which make it a crossroads, the modest village becomes a vicus asset of around 2,000 inhabitants. Devoid of any protection, the city of Boutae, is not resistant to successive invasions that cause its decline from the III th century to complete its destruction to V th and VI th centuries.

The modest agglomeration established in early 12 th century at the base of the rocky outcrop Semnoz will expand, down to the Thiou and take to organize on its banks and form what we now call the Old City. Became, in 13 th century, the residence of the Count of Geneva, driven from his capital by conflict with the bishops, Annecy experiencing an unexpected boom. The upheavals of history offered him a new promotion when the bishop of Geneva, on the eve of the Protestant Reformation (1535), set up his seat there, dragging in his wake several religious communities transforming Annecy into “Savoyard Rome” according to the phrase. consecrated by historians.

Historical residence of the counts of Geneva to the XIII century, then the counts of Savoy in the XV century, the town became the capital of Savoy with the prerogative of Genevois-Nemours including Geneva, the Faucigny and Beaufortain from 1434 to 1659. Its religious role intensified in 1536, during the Calvinist Reformation; while the bishop of Geneva takes refuge there, François de Salesmakes it an advanced citadel of the Catholic Counter-Reformation, earning it the nickname ” Rome of the Alps”. The Treaty of Turin led to the Annexation of the Duchy of Savoy, attaching the city to France in 1860 during the reign of Napoleon III.

The Revolution kicked off an industrial prosperity which did not weaken until Savoy was joined to France in 1860. The Manufacture was the flagship of this period. After a second half of the 19 th century a little languid, a small team of very enterprising from Annecy will take over the economic destinies of Annecy and communicate an industrial and tourist impetus that no longer slow. The successes attracting men, the population of Annecy continues to grow. The expansion became torrential after the Liberation (between 1946 and 2006 Annecy almost doubled its population). The tide of construction has poured out, for the most part, to the north of the old town in the vast plain of Fins.

Prehistory
The traces of a lakeside village dating from the III millennium BC. AD were found near Annecy-le-Vieux and it also seems that the Port station, located to the east of the Isle of Swans, hosted a village on stilts according to discoveries made in 1884.

Antiquity
Annecy was the court of the counts of Geneva or Genevois from the 10th century. It passed to the counts of Savoy in 1401. In 1444, it became the regional capital of the provinces of Genevois, Faucigny and Beaufortain.

Counter-Reformation
With the advance of Calvinism, Annecy became a centre for the Counter-Reformation, the old Bishopric of Geneva being transferred to it in 1535. Francis of Sales was born in Sales, France in 1567 and served as bishop of Annecy from 1602 to 1622; his relics are preserved in the cathedral. During the French Revolution, the Savoy region was conquered by France. Annecy became attached to the department of Mont Blanc, whose capital was Chambéry. The Catholic diocese was suppressed in 1801.

Recent times
After the Bourbon Restoration in 1815, Annecy was returned to the King of Sardinia and the Catholic diocese restored in 1822. When Savoy was annexed to France in 1860 with the Treaty of Turin, it became the capital of the new department of Haute-Savoie. Annecy was the site of the second round of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) talks in 1949.

The new municipality was established on 1 January 2017 by merger with the former communes of Annecy-le-Vieux, Cran-Gevrier, Meythet, Pringy and Seynod.

Tourism
Annecy, capital of Haute-Savoie, nestled by its lake in a mountain setting, is known for the quality of its environment and its quality of life. Benefiting from a remarkable site downstream from the lake, it has known how to maintain its architectural and historical heritage, rehabilitate its old quarters, restore all their transparency to the waters of the lake through works often cited as examples and flourish its canals to which it owes its name. of “Venice of the Alps”.

The old town
Heart of the commercial and political life of Annecy crossed by numerous canals and pedestrian streets with arcades of which the St. Clair Street which is one of the most beautiful with its romantic arches of the XVII and XVIII centuries. The old town of Annecy is dotted with many fountains including that of the Saint-Jean well transferred to the intersection of rue Carnot and rue Royale.

With its small cobbled streets, its pink, green, yellow or blue buildings, or even its transverse canals, it is quite natural that Old Annecy was awarded the title of “Venice of the Alps”. In the Middle Ages, many artisans settled on the banks of the Thiou river and took advantage of its driving force. On both sides, feudal lords established themselves as well as the count of Geneva in Annecy. Then followed, the integration of the territory of Geneva into the Duchy of Savoy, the creation of the prerogative of the Genevan, the wars of religion, the accession of François de Sales to the episcopal see or even the attachment of Savoy to France which are all events that transformed the city of Annecy. While strolling, you will be able to feel in its architecture this unfolding of the history which delivers to Annecy all its charm. Between historical monuments and canals, around the alleys or under its medieval arcades, the old town invites you to stroll through the corridors of time…

The Island Palace
Built on a natural rocky island, the Palace of the Island is certainly the most emblematic (and the most photographed) monument of Lake Annecy. It seems to be moored like a stone boat in the Thiou river, bordered on each side by houses bathing in water which gives it the appearance of a postcard. In the 12th century, it was in fact a modest fortified house and the residence of the lord of Annecy. At the water level, its robust gates however remind us that it was later a prison. It was also an administrative hotel, prison, court, money house, archives… It was classified as a Historic Monument in 1900 and now offers the most picturesque view of the Old Town.

The Museum-Château D’annecy
The Château d’Annecy sums up the history of its city, which it seems to watch over just like in the Middle Ages. Upon entering the courtyard, the visitor can admire the harmonious development of the facades, fruit and witness of four centuries. You cannot miss the huge Queen’s Tower which is the oldest part, dating from the 13th century. Created by the counts of Geneva who stayed there from 1219, it was bought by Savoy in 1401, to become the residence of the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours in the 16th century, but also Barracks during the Spanish occupation at the end of the 17th century. century, then declared national propertyby sheltering the republican or imperial armies while keeping this function until the Second World War. In 1952, many homeless people invaded the Château, until the town of Annecy bought it and restored it the following year. Today it houses the Museum-Castle and the Regional Observatory of Alpine Lakes (ORLA).

Channels & Thiou
The canals enliven the old quarter by bringing it a freshness and a life that lovers of the picturesque never fail to appreciate. It is not uncommon to see artists plant their easels there. The stream of Thiou with an almost constant flow made it possible to ensure the permanent functioning of fireworks, wheels, mills or swifts, thus giving this city a manufacturing character from the Middle Ages. It was also used as a very convenient transport route and facilitated the transport of agricultural products or materials from the shores of the lake to the very heart of the city. Finally, this channel favored the development of fishponds or fish reserves. It is one of the shortest rivers in France (3.5 km) and also the natural spillway of Lake Annecy.

The Bridge of Love
An ideal setting for lovers and a must-see for visitors to Annecy. Whether you come from Pâquier or the Jardins de l’Europe, after your stroll along the water, stop on this footbridge to admire the landscape. Indeed, a beautiful point of view is offered to you with on one side the Lake Annecy and its mountains in the background and, on the other side the Canal du Vassé which flows peacefully, with its boats waiting quietly, under a marvelous vault of plane trees. This bridge is not lacking in romanticism and bears witness to the iron architecture of the early 20th century (1907). It is the work of Claude Grandchamp and results from several projects to replace the old wooden footbridge. Legend has it that a kiss exchanged on this bridge would unite lovers for eternity.

The Easter
If you visit Annecy, you will surely walk the “Champs de Mars” better known under the name of Pâquier, which means “pasture” as it once was at the gates of the city. In the 17th century, the generous owner donated it to the city after having promised not to build on it. These 7 hectares now make it a large space available to all, it is a bit like the Central Park of those who like to meet there. You can also enjoy a superb panorama with Lake Annecy at its feet and the mountains plunging into the lake all around. An orientation table will reveal the name of each summit. Don’t be surprised to see swans walking around, many have made their home there.

The Gardens of Europe
A stone’s throw from the Old Town and on the edge of the lake is an English-style park with centuries-old plantations and various species, where Annecy people like to stroll… In the Middle Ages, it housed “health huts” nestled on marshy islets where we went during epidemics when we were infected. Acquired by bankers from Lombardy in the 14th century and then by the Nemours family in the 17th century, who made it their first walk, the Gardens of Europe were finally given to the Order of the Visitation. The nuns made a walled garden connected to the convent via a covered bridge and will also be used for local crafts before being declared national property during the Revolution. The town hall then launched a development competition in the 19th century and gave the garden that British style that we know well. Today, you will be able to identify the trees in the Jardin de l’Europe using small plaques. There were already 650 trees and more than 1000 shrubs in 1864. You can also note some sculptures which honor you with their presence along the paths of the garden, like the engineer Berthollet to whom we owe the bleach.

District With 5 Bell Towers
Annecy’s religious heritage does not fail to interest those who are keen on history. Indeed, the Old Town is home to emblematic bell towers such as the Basilica of the Order of the Visitation, the Notre-Dame-de-Liesse church, the Saint-Maurice church, the Saint-François de Sales church or the Saint-Pierre cathedral. 5 bell towers, 5 eras, 1 history. The Basilica of the Visitation is a Mecca of Salesian worship and receives thousands of pilgrims from all over the world every year. The Saint-Pierre cathedral was intended to serve as a chapel for the Franciscan convent established in Annecy at the beginning of the 16th century before being the provisional cathedral of the bishops of Geneva. In the church of Saint-François de Sales, the visitandines sheltered the remains of their founders. As for the Saint-Maurice church, it was built in the 15th century serving as the old Dominican church. Enter these religious buildings to discover more about their stories and their secrets.

The Fortified Gates
Very little remains of the old surrounding wall which surrounded the city and which will remain almost intact until the beginning of the 19th century. However, Old Annecy has been able to retain the most typical elements of the fortified city, which are the gates. At the time, to cross them and enter the Alpine city, you had to pay a tax. To the south is the Porte Perrière. Pierced through the thick wall directly connected to the castle, it was for centuries the main entrance to the city. Oriented towards Faverges, Albertville and Italy, the Faubourg Perrière was placed under the close surveillance of the high tower bearing the same name. The Porte Sainte-Claire was oriented towards Chambéry. It was itself reinforced by a door further west, the so-called sepulcher in memory of the former convent of this order located nearby. Note its large arched opening providing access to the old quarters, with its machicolations, its steeple and its hinges worn by time.

Dirty Hotel
Rue du Pâquier is the old mansion of Sales. It has an elegant facade adorned with 4 busts representing the seasons. You will be able to notice a beautiful porte-cochere and the ironwork of the balcony with intertwined laurel leaves, a symbol of eternity and the letters BMS for Benoît Maurice de Sales. Built by the de Sales family, more particularly by a grand-nephew of François de Sales, in the 17th century, this house was used as the residence of the princes of the House of Savoy in Annecy, during their stays in the city. In the 19th century, it became the headquarters of the Banque de Savoie. This establishment had the privilege of issuing banknotes so that after the Annexation of 1860 it entered into direct competition with the Bank of France. It took several years of clashes and negotiations to obtain the redemption of this fund by the latter.

The Saint-Jean Well
The crossroads formed by the intersection of Carnot, Royale, Notre-Dame and Pâquier streets, has always been called the “Saint-Jean well”, due to the establishment of a well located, following an ancient custom, in front of the main entrance to the Church of the Convent of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. If the establishment disappeared at the time of the French Revolution, the well remained until 1805, when it was filled, both for reasons of health and ease of movement. It was at this time that the rue Royale was opened, which was to become the main traffic axis in the city of Annecy. On its coping we read the names of the Trustees of Annecy who had it repaired in 1689. Tradition always invites the most dreamy to close their eyes, think of their dearest wish and end this ritual by throwing a coin into the well.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Opposite Saint-Pierre Cathedral, a statue of Saint Peter adorns the master’s house where Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a teenager, learned music. Adjoining the cathedral was the Episcopal Palace (late 18th century) which became the Conservatory of Music and Dance (CRR) in Annecy. If you cross the porch, you will access its old courtyard. Before its construction at the end of the 18th century, there was a small house there where lived Mme de Warens whom Rousseau met in 1728. She was 28 years old, he was 16. A small monument in which a niche decorated with a basin houses the bust of the famous writer keeps the memory of their meeting on Easter Day in 1728. “Le Balustre d’Or” is also embellished by crossed hearts, adorned with periwinkle flowers. You can find the memories of Jean-Jacques Rousseau in Annecy which are faithfully preserved in his “Confessions”.

Place Sainte-Claire
On the Place Sainte-Claire, the recent building complex recalls its cotton factory founded in 1804. Indeed, there existed here until 1973, the buildings of a textile industry whose importance had been considerable in the XIXth century since at its peak it employed 2000 workers. Such was this enterprise which had set up in the premises of a former convent of Poor Clares after the expulsion of these nuns at the time of the Revolution. Near the Porte Sainte-Claire and inside the Old Town, you can admire the pretty ornate facade of a small 18th century building. It is the Gallo house, named after the architect who built it to live there. At the foot of the buttress of an arcade is the Quiberet fountain. The existence of this fountain is very old (1635). Fed by a well, it operated thanks to the curious device of a noria which drew water from a certain depth to empty into an interior basin flowing outside through a spout. Note the keystone adorned with the coat of arms of Annecy – the silver trout.

The Old Town Hall
Located on the edge of the current Place Notre-Dame, this small building stands out for its 18th century facade with a flight of steps which can be accessed by a double staircase. One can notice the beautiful work of wrought iron that constitutes the gate bordering these baroque steps. The central part of this work, located at the edge of the balcony, presents in its central motif the coat of arms of Annecy. Since their creation, it is in this building that the meetings of the town council have been held with which Annecy was endowed from the 13th century. With the development of the town in 1770, the syndics decided to reconstitute the facade to give their town a hotel commensurate with the town. But a little after the revolutionary turmoil, the latter became insufficient and the city councilors then undertook to build the current town hall in which they were able to settle more comfortably from 1855.

The Town Hall
The neoclassical architecture of the town hall building is typical of the Sardinian era referred to as “Buon Governo”. There is a rigor that a recent restoration wanted to correct by choosing an ocher color for the renovation of the upper part of the facade. This renovation has highlighted the decorative elements that were once drowned in a uniform gray. The construction of this building was designed by the Geneva architect Samuel Vaucher-Crémieux and executed by the Sardinian engineer François Justin. It lasted nearly 10 years and the municipal services settled there in 1855. Other administrations also found shelter easily in this vast building. First the Sardinian stewardship, prefiguration of our current prefecture, the court, the telegraph, finally the museum and the library which occupied the top floor in its entirety. Nowadays, the building only accommodates municipal services.

The Imperial Palace
A 20min walk from the historic center, along the Pâquier and avenue d’Albigny, stands the Imperial Palace. It all started in the Belle Époque in 1912 when René Leyraz wanted to build a luxury establishment by the lake, taking inspiration from the 17th century French castle. The opening took place the following year and high society was already beginning to invade the hotel, its Empire lounges and its Louis XVI style restaurant. Crowned heads and other personalities parade like George VI, Winston Churchill, Edith Piaf and Charlie Chaplin until the First World War breaks out. Forced to close its doors in 1965, the city bought it to save this exceptional site. In 1991, the emblematic hotel was reborn from its ashes and hosted the Casino d’Annecy. Wishing to develop its commercial service and the tourist sector, the city decided to set up its Congress Center there. Today there is also a wellness area and a beauty center. While strolling in the 5 hectares of the Imperial Park, you will be able to admire its grandiose aviary and its magnificent rose garden.

Urban morphology
The agglomeration of Annecy is divided into two crowns: the inner ring which includes the delegated municipalities of Annecy (Annecy-le-Vieux, Meythet, Cran-Gevrier and Seynod) and the outer ring which includes the peri-urban municipalities (Argonay, Pringy, Épagny-Metz-Tessy, Poisy, Chavanod, Montagny-les-Lanches and Quintal).

The municipal territory of the delegated city of Annecy went from 9 to 6 intramural neighborhoods in 2008:
The Town Center – Old Town – Marquisats to the south-east houses the town hall, the prefecture, the administrative city, the Bonlieu cultural center. The 3 shopping streets made pedestrianized in 1973 are rue Sainte-Claire, rue Carnot (former rue de Bœuf) and rue Royale. The Courier shopping center, the multimodal hub of Annecy train station, the Old Town and the castle make up the historic center. The Marquisats are occupied by the open swimming pool, the nautical center and the beach of the Marquisats, the cultural center of Brise-Glace as well as the eastern slope of Semnoz, including the forest of Crêt du Maure.
La Mandallaz – Prairie – Vovray to the southwest, includes the residential sectors of Balmettes with the Gabriel-Fauré and Saint-Michel high schools, Mandallaz, Prairie and Vovray, an industrial zone which extends to Seynod.
Parmelan – Albigny is located to the east of and hosts the national stud farm, the Berthollet high school as well as the peninsula with the Charles Bosson park, the Imperial Palace whose walls belong to the City.
The Romains is characterized from other districts by its Place des Romains, the largest municipal tarmac used in particular by the funfair of the Saint-André fair. The western part of the district is occupied by the SNR bearings factory.
Novel – Teppes in the far north of, includes a ZUP built in the early 1970s and sports complexes and the rue Louis-Armand, made pedestrian.
Parcs des Sports – Fiers, is made up of the municipal stadium where the football club Évian Thonon Gaillard Football Club trains, a residential area, and the Annecy exhibition hall, the Arcadium.

Historically, the city was born the first time on the hill of Annecy-le-Vieux (villa Aniciaca) to VIII century, and then again at the foot of a defense tower built on the last foothills of Semnoz (Annecy- Nuovo) the XI century and then developed along natural emissaries and channeled the lake: the Thiou, the main and also the Vasse. Natural bulwark, means of transport, food resource and labor power thanks to hydraulic devices (grindstones, beaters, lathes, swifts, pestles, bellows, saws…), the lake and the rivers have imposed a form of town planning that will make the reputation of the city. The old town, which stretches at the foot of the castle and on either side of the Thiou, is crossed by medieval arteries (formerly called “charrières” or “ruales”), often bordered by arcades, the layout of which is very simple: two east-west axes parallel to Thiou and a perpendicular north-south axis.

The first way, the most important (formerly called magna carreria or “grande charrière”), connects the Perrière gate to the Sepulcher gate along the rock. The second way, parallel, on the right bank of the Thiou, was called charrière de la Halle(rue Grenette), extended by the ruale du Four (current rue Jean-Jacques-Rousseau). The third channel, perpendicular, from the bridge to the Isle and, by Charrières Filaterie and Notre Dame, joined the old doors Beef north (porta nova Boutz or Bouz, designating the former Vicus Gallo-Roman Boutae founded in -50 at the level of the Plaine des Fins and not the ox, the animal) and Pâquier to the east (porta pascuorum or “pasture gate”), thus forming the charrièresof the same name.

The internal grid is completed by quays, squares, side streets and many covered passages similar to the traboules in Lyon, which were originally the interior accesses to mansions allowing access to the various outbuildings (stables, kitchens, hangars …). These passages are real architectural mazes crossing entire blocks of old buildings, some opening onto interior courtyards sometimes decorated with shops. If a large part of the canals is now covered, some still remain open to the sky.

This is the case for the Thiou over its entire length, as well as the Vassé canal up to the Albert-Lebrun bridge., then from rue Vaugelas (passage Gruffaz) to the Notre-Dame canal and this one from Thiou to Thiou, emerging behind the Saint-Maurice church (formerly Saint-Dominique, hence the name of the canal at this place) and again near the Notre-Dame-de-Liesse collegiate church. The traffic has led to the creation of many major roads. From now on, the city offers two faces: on the one hand, an ancient city located on the banks of the Thiou; on the other hand, a modern city with its large avenues and its boulevards common to all the major cities.

With urban expansion and demographic growth, Annecy is constantly expanding a little more just like the neighboring municipalities. Little by little, we no longer speak of the city of Annecy as such, but of the Annecy basin encompassing, on the urban level, all of the neighboring municipalities. The urban morphology of this basin of life is constantly expanding a little more; in order to reconcile the economic and urban development which accompanies it, all the municipal councils of the Annecy basin as well as the inter-municipal unions such as the community of municipalities of the Pays de Cruseilles, the Grand Annecy and the mixed union of the lake of ‘Annecy, (SCOT) of the Annecy basin.

Historical heritage
Annecy is classified with the official label “City of art” in 1978. In 2004, it co-signed a ” Land of art and history” convention with the community of the Annecy agglomeration. The city has a rich cultural and architectural heritage. Guides-lecturers organize tours to discover Old Annecy, its heritage and its history. The nine buildings Annecy agglomeration distinguished by the award of the label “Heritage XX century”.

The town has twenty-one monuments listed in the inventory of historical monuments and five places listed in the general inventory of cultural heritage. In addition, it has seventy-seven objects in the inventory of historical monuments and eighteen are listed in the general inventory of cultural heritage.

Overlooking the city, it is the former residence of the counts of Geneva and dukes of Genevois-Nemours, branch youngest of the House of Savoy, and was built in the XII to the XVI century. The castle has several times been the victim of fires, and was abandoned in the XVII century. It was then recovered to serve as a barracks until 1947 then was acquired in 1953 by the city of Annecy, which restored it with the help of the Historic Monuments. It now houses the Museum of Contemporary and Regional Art of Annecy and, since 1993, the Tower and the Logis Perrière also house the Regional Observatory of Alpine Lakes.

The Palace of Isle
Built in the XII century in the middle of the Thiou canal. It is currently the Center for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage in the Annecy agglomeration, but in the past it has had very diverse functions. Palace Annecy squire to XII century it became Administrative hotel when the Count of Geneva moved into the city. Since the reign of Amédée III of Geneva (around 1356), it has also been, in turn, the seat of the judiciary, the Hôtel des Monnaies, and a prison before being classified as a historic monument.

Novel’s mansion
The manor house is built in the new district of Novel, at the foot of the Annecy-le-Vieux hill. Quadrangular in plan, with a round tower in its southwest corner, it was surrounded by a perimeter wall with a moat, which was crossed by a drawbridge. In the XII century, it belongs to the counts of Geneva until 1219, when they moved to the castle of Annecy. In the XIV century, the family who has the allegiance, takes the name of it. In the 15th century, it is in the hands of the Renguins family, then passes to that of Chenex. By marriage, he passed in 1512 to the de Sales family. In 1556, “Novel” was owned by Amédée Viollon. This family dowry, early XVII century, the Visitation, who keep up to the French Revolution and make it the heart of a farm. Confiscated and sold, it will keep this last function until the 1960s. In 1972, it was bought from the Gay family by the town of Annecy, which restored it. In 2008 the manor garden was registered as a Refuge of the League for the protection of birds.

Haras
Purchased by the city in 2013, this landmark of Annecy heritage, witness to the architecture of the XIX th century, is open to guests since 2015. This beautiful set was built between 1880 and 1885. The first horses arrived in 1882.

Other ancient monuments
The Perrière bridge is a major photo spot in Annecy, in front of the old prisons and the first bridge at the mouth of the Thiou until the construction of the new Halle bridge. The original bridge is called “Bridge Rollier,” when it was built in XIV century, because as open taxiing. It then took the name of “pont Boringe” from the name of a family in the area, then “pont de la Halle” because of its proximity to the place aux bois then located near the church of Saint-François-de-Sales.. When the hall is moved, it takes the name of “Pont Perrière” from the name of the district to which it leads.

The Regional Conservatory, housed since 1970 in the former Episcopal palace, 10 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau built in the XVIII century in place of the convent of the Cordeliers. Some parts were included in the inventory of historical monuments in 1983, in particular the piers, the main staircase, the East staircase, fireplaces, the entrance vestibule, the facades and the roof which made the subject to rehabilitation from 1995.

The Halle bridge dates from 1822. It is erected at the place where the old enclosure wall spanned the Thiou when the new road was built along the lake to Albertville. It gives direct access to the new timber market moved closer to the mouth of the river to allow better access to boats. First built in wood, it was rebuilt in stone around 1859 then enlarged in 1929 and again in 1972.

The Morens bridge dates from the beginning of the XIII century and is the only stone bridge to allow the passage of vehicles; it is then called the “stone bridge”, a chapel rising at one of its ends. It takes the name of “bridge Morens” at the end of the XIV century word for “fixed”. It was restored in 1854 by the architect Auguste Désarnod. In 1886, the chapel was removed, threatening ruin.

The Pont de la République spans the Thiou canal near the factory. Giving access to the new rue des Boucheries, now rue de la République, it was initially called the “Butcher’s Bridge”. Built in oak wood and bronze, it was restored in 1846 by the architect Camille Ruphy, in 1872 by the architect of the city of Annecy Auguste Mangé and again in 1910 when it was renamed “Pont de la République”.

Former Sainte-Catherine du Mont abbey (Semnoz), in the Sainte-Catherine valley.

Contemporary monuments

The castle of Trésum
Attached to the Semnoz mountain, the Château de Trésum overlooks Lake Annecy. It is built by M Charles-Auguste de Sales between 1653 and 1656 on land purchased in Mermillod family. When he died in 1660, the castle passed to his brother Jean-François de Sales. He remained in this family until the French Revolution. Confiscated, it is rented to citizen Jean-Claude Burnod. Ransacked during the riots of August 1793, it was bought shortly after by Citizen Recordon. At the Restoration, it is in the hands of the prefect Félix de Roussy then, by marriage, it passes to the Pontgibaud family. In the XX century, it is the residence of Baron Bardet de Thieux. It was completed at that time, bequeathed to the Visitandines and became the residence of the Jesuits. Since 1993, it has been the seat of the bishopric of Annecy.

The conservatory of art and history
Former Major Seminary of Annecy, built between 1684 and 1688 by M Jean Arenthon Alex, Bishop of Geneva and Annecy Conservatory of Art and History was enlarged and transformed during the XVIII and XIX centuries. His own convent architecture in XVII century was based on the notion of order and counting. Acquired in 1973 by the General Council of, it now houses a museum at 1 floor in connection with the animation, the CITIA (City of Moving Image) and a half-buried in the garden annex, theGobelins school. The departmental archives which occupied this place when it was created are now at the other end of the city at the end of Avenue de Brogny.

Non-exhaustive list of buildings contemporary present in the city
The Genevois monetary workshop which now houses the Annecy History Museum.
The hotel of the prefecture, large building in the composite style of the buildings of the French administration of the XIX century, built in 1864 near the lake by architect Charvet.
The town hall built between 1847 and 1855. On November 14, 2019, a fire broke out on the third floor and destroyed the roof of the building. There are no injuries.
The Napoleonic Berthollet high school, founded in 1888.
The Imperial Palace hotel, inaugurated in 1913, with its public gardens, beach and casino.
The Annecy courthouse opened in 1978, restored following a bomb attack on January 22, 2001, reopened to the public on September 8, 2008.
The Bonlieu cultural center, inaugurated in 1981, which houses a national theater, a library, the tourist office, shops and offices.

Non exhaustive list of contemporary infrastructure in Annecy
The canals through which the lake flows and the locks that regulate the flows constitute a water diversion and control system designed by the engineer Sadi Carnot before he became President of the Republic.
The Bridge of Love over the Vassé canal and connecting the gardens of Europe at the Pâquier, a fine example of architecture typical iron from the early XX century.
The monument to the Haut-Savoyards who died in the war, located on Place du Souvenir, was inaugurated in September 1926. The sculpture, weighing about 2.5 tonnes, represents victory with trumpet and peace; it measures 3.60 meters and its pedestal measures 2.30 meters. Designed by the architect Decoux, it was cast by Eugène Rudier.

Religious monuments
Non-exhaustive list of religious monuments present in the city:
The Saint-Maurice church of Gothic style of the XV century and his paintings of the XV and XVI centuries. Former church of the Saint-Dominique convent, it became a parish in 1803. It was in this church that Saint Francis de Sales made his first communion and began to preach. It was also the church of Saint Joan of Chantal.
The Cathedral of St. Peter the XVI century was the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales and home to many works of art baroque and organ of the XIX century.
The Notre-Dame-de-Liesse church, in neoclassical style, was built between 1846 and 1851, on the site of an old Notre-Dame church largely deconstructed during the French Revolution to create in the city center a place suitable for hosting popular gatherings. The initial church had been built, between 1360 and 1394, on a large medieval square, next to a medieval hospital, by counts Amédée III and Robert of Geneva to house the graves of their lineage.
The Basilica of the Visitation of the XX century houses the tombs of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal and offers its esplanade a view over the city and the metropolitan area.
The Basilica of Saint-Joseph-des-Fins was built during the Second World War by the architect Dom Bellot.
We can also cite the church of Sainte-Bernadette, the church of Saint-François-de-Sales also known as the church of the Italians, the church of Saint-Laurent, the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Pitié, the church of Saint-Maurice de Pringy and finally the Saint-Louis-de-Novel church.

Fountains
Many fountains can be seen in the streets, squares and squares of the city. Among them:
fountain in the Martyrs-de-la-Deportation square;
fountain in the square of Lattre-de-Tassigny;
Diane-de-Gabies fountain, square de la Victoire-de-Stalingrad since 1943, it was previously located in front of the town hall;
basin of the gardens of Europe;
Novel waterfall;
fountains on rue Sainte-Claire;
fountain in Place Notre-Dame, with its obelisk and four lions and turtles. Lions symbolize power and turtles symbolize longevity. In the XIX century, the place Notre Dame was a real agora policy. The fountain was installed in 1859 to mark the beginning of the installation of water in the city center;
square of water in front of the town hall;
Saint-Jean well at the intersection of rue Carnot and rue Royale.

Statues
Some statues can be seen in the streets, squares and squares of the city. Among them:
statue of Berthollet in the Gardens of Europe;
statue of Germain Sommeiller;
statue of Saint François de Sales, in front of Saint Joseph church;
statue of Joan of Arc, 6 tons, built in 1942 and placed in front of the town hall in May 1943 under the Vichy regime. In October 1946, it was moved to the Place du Paradis, road to the Basilica of the Visitation;
monument to the Fighters of Haute-Savoie 1926, Winged Victory sounding the trumpet, 1914-1918 war, Place du Souvenir, by sculptor Philippe Besnard.

Passages, alleys, alleys and traboules
The old town has many passages, alleys, alleys and traboules allowing easy access from one street to another. They are part of the history of Annecy, well maintained, their charm is the delight of Annecy residents and tourists. However, in recent decades some of these passages and courtyards have been privatized, but a large number remain public and a few others have been created. Among them:
two passages between rue Filaterie and rue du Collège-Chapuisien
a passage between rue Filaterie and rue Joseph-Blanc
the passage of the Cathedral from rue Filaterie
three passages between rue Jean-Jacques-Rousseau and quai de l’Évêché
a passage between rue Jean-Jacques-Rousseau and square de l’Évêché
passage de l’Ile between the quai des Vieilles-Prisons, the quai de l’Île and rue Grenette
the Golliardi passage between the Quai Perrière and the Annonciades suburb
the ramp of the Château from rue Perrière
Impasse du Tripoz between Côte Perrière and rue de Charmoisy
lower street of the Castle
Castle stairs
passage between the Saint-Maurice coast and the Place du Château
Chemin des Remparts between Côte Saint-Maurice and Place du Château
Quai des Clarisses
Cordeliers quay
Quai des Vieilles Prisons
Sorbiers shopping mall between rue Royale and place des Cordeliers
passage des Clercs
Saint-Maurice street
passage Gruffaz between rue Vaugelas and rue Royale
“grand passage” between rue Vaugelas and rue Sommeiller
Passage du Pré carré
passage Vaugelas
passage Notre-Dame between rue Notre-Dame and square de l’Évêché
rue de la Providence
Emeraude gallery at the intersection of rue Sommeiller and rue Jean-Jaurès

Cultural facilities
The city of Annecy has event and cultural venues:
Le Bonlieu Scène nationale which totaled 67,228 admissions in 2007 for the performing arts, knowing that its general attendance rises to 185,048 admissions
The Auditorium of the Conservatory with regional influence of Annecy and the Pays de Savoie which has nearly 2,200 students offering the study of more than 80 disciplines, a season of concerts and a music festival today at the end of November
Le Brise-Glace, houses two concert halls and rehearsal studios for groups and promotes regional artists of contemporary music
The Arcadium is a concert hall located to the north of the town, next to the Chatenoud Hall
The seminar center within the Imperial Palace
The Exchange theater
The Museum-Castle and its Regional Observatory of Alpine Lakes
The Palace of the Island
The arteppes-space of contemporary art (cultural sector of the MJC Center Social Maison de l’Enfance) which, for the latter, specializes in contemporary art and plastic and visual arts.
The Manor of Novel

Gastronomy
A few professional fishermen are still based in Annecy and anchor in the Vassé canal. Their fishing is made up of fish from the lake (arctic char, trout, féra, pike, perch, the smallest specimens of which, called perchettes, are used to make fries, etc.) which feed the menu of restaurants around the lake. Les Roseaux du lac, chocolate-based confectionery imitating the inflorescence of cattails, is a specialty invented in 1924 by the confectioner-artisan Pierre Laurent, based in the city. The town is located in the production area of Emmental de Savoie, French east-central Emmental, Gruyère and Tomme de Savoie, four cheeses with a protected geographical indication (PGI). Apples and pears from Savoie are also entitled, in Annecy, to an IGP.

The Annecy gastronomy is also inseparable from the name of Marc Veyrat, born in the town and who, until 2010, successively opened several restaurants there.

Natural heritage

The forest of Crêt du Maure
During the Revolution, the city of Annecy became the owner of the vast lands of Crêt du Maure owned until then by the Cistercian nuns of Sainte-Catherine whose convent was established in the valley which has retained their name. This vast property is added to the forest which the City has owned since the Middle Ages. In the 19 thcentury, this wooded area is severely degraded by the goats that graze there and by the clearing for cultivation. In 1861, the municipal council, sensitized by the Water and Forestry services, voted for reforestation which lasted from 1861 to 1877. This restoration work was completed by Inspector Ernest Guinier who worked to create the trails that crisscross the river. forest. From the 1950s, the City carried out an active policy of land acquisition. Thus, the communal forest area tripled between 1950 and 2000, going from 149 to 382 hectares.

Green spaces
Annecy has 94 hectares of green spaces, or 18 m per inhabitant, to which are added some 500 hectares of communal forest. Annecy benefits from the “ville fleurie” label with four flowers awarded by the National Council of Flowered Towns and Villages of France to the competition of towns and villages in bloom, since the first time in 1967 and the distinction of the Grand Prix National Flower Cities in 2005, for the fifth time. 90 people are employed by the green spaces department.

The parks and green spaces most popular with Annecy residents are those located by the lake, which attract many walkers in all seasons:

The Pâquier
This large green space which opens onto the perspective of the lake and the mountains arouses the admiration of our visitors. Most of the Pâquier comes to us from a donation from Count Bernard IV de Menthon (1562-1627) made in 1613. The rest was purchased by the City between 1710 and 1852. In 1863, after ten years of backfill work and enlargement, the Pâquier finally resembles what it is today.

The gardens of Europe
Originally, they were two marshy islands located outside the ramparts. The City acquired them between 1835 and 1843, transformed them into a peninsula and established the school (1843), the town hall (1855) and landscaped the garden during the winter of 1863-1864. The Jardin des Plantes became Gardens of Europe by deliberation of the municipal council of October 26, 1987, the mayor of Annecy, Bernard Bosson, then being Minister in charge of European Affairs.

Other smaller green spaces dot the city: the Stalingrad square in front of the station, the Martyrs-de-la-Deportation square, the Galbert square (0.5 hectare), the Manoir-de-Novel park (0.3 hectare), the square des Romains, the square des Salomons…

The Grande-Jeanne animal park is located in Semnoz, on the road leading to the summit. About 10,500 m, it hosts nineteen deer, nine red deer and twenty Corsican sheep parole.

The edges of the lake and the quays of the old town offer many possibilities for walks such as the avenue d’Albigny, the quays of the Marquisats, the quays bordering the canals of the old town as well as the promenade Sainte-Thérèse-du- Quebec…

Activities
Lake Annecy is a dream. Turquoise water, mountainous terrain, a true earthly paradise. “Lake Annecy, enchanting lake, whose varied aspects are arranged, grouped, proportioned by nature, with a happiness that defies the ideal of art”… Eugène Sue’s novel describes this place wonderfully enchanting, borrowed from rest and perfect for a romantic weekend…

Annecy and its surroundings are full of activities to do, whether with friends or family. Discover the magnificent landscapes of Annecy by bike, have fun at minigolf or even navigate the lake by boat while enjoying the view of the mountains. Water sports, cycling and even flights over the mountains, Lake Annecy is an idyllic place where tranquility and sensations mingle for a most unforgettable stay.

Annecy Madness
Look no further, Delta Evasion has thought of everything to make you live a real daydream in an exceptional environment. For several years now, our dynamic and professional team, made up of qualified and experienced pilots, has met all your desires. Whatever your level, we take you in complete safety for a first flight over the majestic Lake Annecy. In paragliding or hang-gliding, you will fly like a bird. On board a microlight or helicopter, opt for tailor-made. Soar in the air in a hot air balloon and gain maximum altitude. In winter, Annecy Folie guides you by snowmobile on the snowy slopes of the Grand Massif des Alpes.

Bikes
Vélonecy, bicycles that bend to all your desires. For hire, over 1,200 bikes: classic, folding and electrically assisted (900 VAE).

Roul ‘ma Poule Annecy: Rental – Sale – Repair. Rental of bikes, hybrid bikes, sports, fitness, VAE, E-Bikes, children’s mountain bikes, tandems and rollerblades. More than 250 Bikes, and 50 Pairs of Rollers, Open 7 days a week non-stop from February to December. Rental comfort bikes, sport VTC, fitness bikes, electrically assisted bicycles (VAE), children’s mountain bikes, tandems, roller blades, child trailers, child seats, accessories…

YAKA bicycle rental store, electric bicycle, child bicycle, baby seat and trailer. For a day or a week, we have what you need. Located just behind the tourist office, at 4 rue Jean-Jaures, in the emerald gallery, Matthieu and Denis will be happy to welcome you and advise you so that you have a good time in our beautiful city of Annecy by offering you a sporty and fun mobility solution. We offer classic, electric, children’s, baby seats and trailers, to make your day or your stay enjoyable.

Mobilboard Annecy Segway Tour
Your Mobilboard Annecy agency is there to give a new dimension to all your desires on a Segway: unique tours of the city and its surroundings through guided tours, nature outings in the surrounding mountains… Mobilboard offers you authentic stories, made of original, surprising and fun experiences. Segway gyropod tours are trips designed especially for those who want to share real encounters, immerse themselves in Annecy, on the shores of the lake and in the Alps, discover the city or nature and be surprised. by the intuitive and fun driving of the Segway.

From the shores of the lake to the castle, experience the plural city of Annecy and its region, where the urban landscape and nature offer what is most majestic, unusual and where the rich heritage of its past rubs shoulders with extraordinary nature. Excitement is the first sensation that will make you vibrate. Once on the Segway, let your mind wander, you are at the beginning of an unforgettable experience. Because everyone has different tastes, our tours offer various neighborhoods and themes: some are more focused on driving the Segway, others focus more on town planning or the nature side in Savoie. Explore all horizons. Our guides-explorers accompany you throughout the ride and will give you confidence on the Segway gyropod. They know the city inside out to show you the most unusual places and tell you the most unusual anecdotes.

Mcf Annecy Mtb School
We offer bike rides, piloting, initiation and progression courses in the mountains or quite simply by the lake, as well as personalized supervision during itinerant stays. Le Semnoz, our favorite playground. Come and discover this beautiful mountain by bike, or by VAE. The MCF MTB school in Annecy has acquired electric mountain bikes. Only one thing is true, until you try it, you won’t know what pleasure it can bring you. Thanks to the motorization, the pilot’s capacities are multiplied. The climbs become fun and playful. Whether you want, quietly, to discover new horizons, or you are an accomplished athlete, this equipment can meet all requests, having fun and being sure to have fun even on days of little form.

Guides Tour
The Annecy Guides Office brings together qualified mountain professionals from the Annecy basin. Over the seasons, you can live your dreams of mountaineering, climbing, hiking, via ferrata, canyoning, ski touring and off-piste, snowshoes, ice climbing, perfectly supervised. These enthusiasts will make you discover their playground between lake and mountain, nearby destinations, Aravis, Chamonix for the descent of the Vallée Blanche or the ascent of Mont Blanc, and further afield, trekking and expeditions. Individuals, groups, families or seminars, take advantage of the unique knowledge of the field of our professionals to escape in this preserved natural space.

Wakeboard
Wake Arena is a wakeboard and wakesurf school located on the boat rental pontoon, V-Boat pedal boat in Annecy-le-Vieux, next to the Petit Port. We invite you to initiate or improve in these two sliding disciplines with Alex Mollier, State certified instructor in water skiing / wakeboarding and alpine skiing, all in a relaxed atmosphere and with quality equipment. Several options available: single session or child / teenager course…

Rafting
White water activities: rafting, hydrospeed, canoraft, and sea kayaking excursion. Specialized in white water activities and sea kayaking, We offers you to explore our region in an original way: it is with a paddle in hand that we suggest you embark to discover lakes and surrounding rivers filling up with memories and sensations. Groups or individuals, you will find with us a team of professionals who will meet your expectations and share their passion with you. From initiation to advanced training, we organize half-day, full-day or multi-day outings.

Ice Rink
The Jean Régis ice rink (58 x 28 m) offers public sessions, individual and group skating lessons (initiation and improvement), themed evenings during school holidays.

Annecy Diving Boating
Diving in the lake; Baptisms / Internships to pass FFESSM and SDI levels allowing you to dive anywhere in the world / Lake exploration dives / Tek dives (different techniques) / Dives on the wreck of France / Paddles rental.

Accessible activities
Accessible activities with implementation of health rules: kayak, pedal boat, sailing, paddle, privatized cruise, city games, segway, all-terrain electric scooter, airplane flight, gyrocopter flight, tree climbing and bmx. We offer a wide choice of sports and leisure activities throughout the year; from the most popular to the most original.