Annecy is a picturesque town in the Haute-Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeast France. It is situated on the shores of Lake Annecy, the third largest lake in France, and surrounded by the Alps mountains. Annecy is known for its historical and cultural heritage, its natural beauty, and its outdoor activities.
Some of the main attractions of Annecy are:
The Old Town, also called the Venice of the Alps, where you can admire the colorful houses, the canals, the bridges, and the medieval monuments such as the Palais de l’Île, the Château d’Annecy, and the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre.
The Lake Annecy, where you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, or cycling along the 42-km bike path that circles the lake.
The Semnoz and La Tournette mountains, where you can hike, ski, or paraglide and enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the town.
The Imperial Palace, a former residence of the French royal family, now a luxury hotel and a casino, located on the edge of the lake.
The Annecy International Animation Film Festival, a prestigious event that showcases the best of animated films from around the world, held every June since 1960.
Annecy is also a great base to explore other nearby destinations, such as Geneva, Chamonix, Lyon, or the Mont Blanc massif.