Photo Essay: Annecy – A Day in France’s Lovely Little “Venice of the North”

Last Updated on 10/29/20 by Rose Palmer

Don’t visit Annecy (pronounced Ansi) if you are looking for big cathedrals or museums filled with important art.  But if you are looking for a quiet, lovely, romantic spot to just relax and amble along cobbled streets past canals and pastel colored houses, all with lake and mountain views, then Annecy, France’s little “Venice of the North” is the place to go.

Palais de I’lle was once a prison among other tings; now it is a local history museum. This is one of the most photographed points in Annecy.

Annecy is an alpine town in southeastern France, on the northern tip of Lake Annecy, and is about a half hour south of Geneva, Switzerland.  With mountain views reflected in the cleanest lake in Europe, outdoor cafe’s along the canals and Thiou river and one of the best markets in France Annecy is a joy to explore and experience. Amble the narrow cobbled streets of the old town, shop at the market stalls, stroll along the lake or take a boat ride for a different view of the town and mountains.  Here, it’s about people watching, feeding the swans, and taking in the views.  if you want a little more exercise,  you can rent rowboats for an on the water experience, or rent bicycles and ride along the lake shore.  Try to be here on a market day (Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays), to explore the stalls and marvel at the colorful and artistic displays of fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and everything else you need to pack a perfect picnic.  Relax and enjoy.

Have lunch at a cafe along one of the canals and take in the views of the surrounding mountains along with the quaint old buildings.
Lake and mountain views from the Pont de Amours or Lover’s Bridge.

 

A beautifully displayed and colorful election of dried fruits and vegetables
Wish I could take these tomatoes home

Thanks for visiting.

Rose