Annecy Things to Do Tips by balhannah Top 5 Page for this destination

LAKE CRUISE The Lake Review

I didn't do this, wanted to, but ran out of time!
Just to let you know there are Lake cruise's, and the one I took the photo of is this one.
Grand Lac Lake Cruise, that is a cruise around the lake with out stops for 1 hour.
Then there is another cruise for 1 hour, that stops at various ports.
Also 2 hour cruise's and more!

It is best to check the website below for running times, departure times and price's.

Address: Edge of the old town by the Lake

Other Contact: http://www.rivepleinsoleil.com/c

Website: http://www.annecy-croisieres.com/

SHOP'S!

SHOP'S! Plenty of them!

I really wondered if there were more outdoor Cafe's [rather busy!] than shop's.
The old town has plenty of shop's selling souvenir's and postcard's. I found this one with the Cat's for sale, I thought a rather different souvenir!

If you want a yummy Ice-cream in a Cone, then there is a shop here with umpteen flavour's to suit anyone's taste bud. Stop, and try one!

Address: Annecy old town

CHURCH OF ST. MAURICE

The former church of the Dominicans built in the 15th century, is located in the heart of the "old" town, and is always open.
There are nice stained glass window's behind Christ on the Wooden Cross, and some old Mural's and a lovely Pieta.

Something you must see, to the left of the choir, is the "trompe l'oeil" painting of the 15th century.

Address: old town of Annecy

Website: http://The former church of the Dominicans built in the 15th century, very representative of the "flamboyant" gothic style.

SIGHTSEEING IN ANNECY

Annecy is one of those pretty old Town's that has canal's running through the city and old town, perhap's making it a little like Venice!
Just wander, get lost, well, you really couldn't, and enjoy the finds you have!
I saw many Archway's, Town Gates, old building's covered in Ivy, the Lake, plenty of shop's, and lastly plenty of People!!
This is one city, that I think you will find a lot of people at any time so be prepared!

We found a car-park at the Chateau on the hill, and from here, it was a short walk down the path and into the main part of the Old Town.

Website: http://en.annecy.eu/index.php?idtf=510

RIVER THIOU

Have you ever known a River to be only 3.5kms in length?
I hadn't, that is, until I came to Annecy!

The River Thiou which runs through Annecy via canal's, is only 3.5kms long, and is one of the shortest rivers in Europe.
Not only is that historical, but so is the old city centre where it runs through, and it is such a pretty turquoise Blue!

Address: Runs through the old town

Website: http://www.francethisway.com/places/annecy.php

CASTLE PALACE OF THE ISLAND [PALAIS de l'Ile] Palais de L'Isle Review

This would probably be the most recognzed sight in Annecy. I know it was one I was very interested in seeing.

It is an original monument from the Middle Age's, that is built on a rocky Island. The quadrangular shape of the building is interesting! Home to a Prison and a Mint of the Count's of Geneva, it was first mentioned in 1325.
From the 18th century, the building was used for Administration, while still being used as a Prison until 1864. When a new Prison was built, it was used as a home for the elderly.
What a mixture this building has been used for!
In 1900, the Palais de l'Ile became a historical monument.

OPEN.... October 1 to May 31: Every day except Tuesday from 10am to 12pm & 2 - 5PM
June 1 to September 30: Every day from 10:30 - 6PM

ADMISSION IN 2011.....Adult's...3.50 euro
FREE 1st Sunday of the month from October 1 to May 31
You can buy a combined ticket to the Chateau and Palais de l I'le for 6.50 euro

Address: In the old town

Website: http://musees.agglo-annecy.fr

CHATEAU D'ANNECY Chateau d'Annecy Review

The Chateau is a restored castle in the old French town of Annecy. A listed Historic Monument, we happened to come across it when looking for a car park!

The Castle, built between the 12th & 16th centuries, was actually bought by the town in 1953, restored and transformed into a museum.
It was used as the residence of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours. Ravaged by fires, the castle was abandoned in the 17th century and later repaired to serve as a barracks until 1947.

The castle consists of several towers, the Queen's Tower, the Treasure Tower, the Tower of St. Peter, the Tower of St. Paul, and the Perriere's Tower, plus the are several other building's and a courtyard with a well. From the castle terrace there is a view over the old town with its narrow streets and decorated roofs.

OPEN.....
October 1 to May 31st...Every day except Tuesday from 10am to 12pm and from 14h to 5pm
June 1 to September 30... Every day from 10:30 to 6pm

ADMISSION IN 2011.....

CASTLE-MUSEUM....Adult's 5 euros
FREE 1st Sunday of the month from October 1 to May 31

Address: Place du Chateau

Website: http://musees.agglo-annecy.fr

PLAGE DES MARQUISATS

This is a public beach on Lake Annecy, and is close to the City of Annecy.

The lake is a temperature of 22-25 ° C, and has several beaches for swimming. People were swimming and having fun in this area, there was a bikeway, seating and lawn's.
Out on the Lake, looked to be a Yacht race taking place.
It was a nice area to take a break and enjoy the Lake and Mountain view's.

Address: Rue des Marquisats

Directions: D1508

Website: http://www.lac-annecy.com/gb/activities/beaches/search.html

CHATEAU DE MONTROTTIER

When we were leaving Gorges du Fier, we noticed a signpost pointing to Chateau De Montottier.
We drove there, but you could easily walk, as it is less than 1km.
The Castle was built between the 13th & 15th centuries, and is a pentagonal fortress with a cylindrical Tower and Battlement's.

We just viewed from the outside, but you are able to visit the inside.

ADMISSION FOR ADULT'S.....8 euro

Guided tours take 1.15 hours

Website: http://www.chateaudemontrottier.com/

GORGES DU FIER CAFE & SHOP Gorges du Fier Review

After our walk, we were back at the entrance where the Souvenir Shop and Cafe is located.
Toilet's are located here.
After a look at the shop, and buying some postcard's, it was time to buy something from the Cafe. We decided on an Ice-cream and drink each, and had it here under the awning, in this beautiful location in France.

Website: http://www.gorgesdufier.com/