Strolling through Annecy's historic centre

The Romans first settled in Haute-Savoie in the 2nd century BC. After pacifying the area, the Gallo-Roman conflicts caught up with them. Annecy was repeatedly burnt down and then deserted until the 11th century. Finally, at the end of the 12th century, the Counts of Geneva took refuge in the village with its many stables. Thanks to them and later to the House of Savoy, a powerful dynasty, Annecy flourished and became a prosperous town. During the Catholic Reformation, François de Sales, a native of the region, left his mark on the town with his prestige and enlightenment. He made Annecy the "Romes of the Alps". After numerous wars, Annecy became part of France in 1860, under the reign of Napoleon III.

Annecy is renowned for the historic beauty of its old buildings, and a stroll along the canals and ramparts is like stepping back in time. Between a museum and a fountain decorated in gold, you can imagine what Haute-Savoie looked like in the Middle Ages.

The Château Museum is housed in one of the town's oldest buildings. What began as a large tower on a rock on the banks of the Thiou has become the town's largest museum. The museum's mission is to bring together scientific and encyclopaedic exhibits from all over the world, and its corridors are home to fine art, natural history and animated films.

In the courtyard of the episcopal palace, now the city's music and dance conservatory, stands a fountain and its pool. As mysterious as it is disconcerting, this watering hole is surrounded by a gold balustrade made up of intertwined hearts. The delicate barrier protects the bust of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the great writer and philosopher from Genoa. The statue stands proudly on the spot where Rousseau met Madame de Warens, who welcomed him on his arrival from Geneva. The sweet memory of the author was replicated in 1928 thanks to his book Confessions. You'll find the pool at the corner of rue Filaterie, rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau and quai Madame de Warens.

This square, surrounded by vaults and restaurants, is one of Annecy's most pleasant squares. From here, you can admire the pretty façade of the Maison Gallo, which dates back to the 17th century. Under one of the square's imposing arcades, the Quiberet fountain provides a cool spot on hot Savoy afternoons. Walled in for many years and then restored, this fountain uses the noria system, an Arab irrigation system.

The architecture of the Town Hall

The Town Hall was built in 1855, in the neo-classical style so common in the Sardinian period. It houses the town's municipal services. By day, it is an imposing building, with monumental columns and a triangular pediment. When the sun goes down, the city's festivals dress it up with colour and projections.

Shopping on the pedestrian cross

Most of Annecy's major retailers and artisans can be found between rue Carnot and rue Royale. These two streets are teeming with delicatessens, luxury brands and small local designers. Adjacent to the old town, this lively pedestrian zone is pleasant and full of temptations!

The city's canals are major contributors to its reputation. Here and there, these waterways run beneath historic buildings and vaults.

Until the 19th century, three main canals were in use:

• The Grand Thiou for drinking water and fish ;
• the Notre-Dame canal for the gardens of the religious communities;
• the Canal du Vassé for the town's sewers.

Although nicknamed the Venice of the Alps, there are no gondolas here. However, boat tours are available on Lake Annecy.

Where to eat in Annecy's old town?

Le Chalet Ready for a real Savoyard experience? Raclettes, fondues and tartiflettes are on the menu at this traditional and authentic restaurant.

Looking for something green? The Gardens of Europe

The Jardins de l'Europe is a gigantic park close to the water. The Pont des Amours is part of this area of serenity and rest.