Travel Itinerary: A Day in Annecy
For me, a day in Annecy is once in a lifetime experience. Its darting canals through the village, meandering along some of the historical buildings in Europe, its food, and scenery, and most importantly, its settlement on the cleanest lake in Europe.
The lake itself is surrounded by hills and mountains and it almost seemed to me as if they were peeking at their reflection in the tenuous hazed lake beneath.
Travel Itinerary: A Day in Annecy
1. Annecy Canals
It was around noon when I thought of treading the cobblestoned walkways lining the Annecy canals. Indeed, this is the reason they call it the “Venice of the Alps”. All those plaster houses with their baskets full of fresh flowers was a spectacle to remember.
2. European Gardens
You’d never go wrong chilling at the European Gardens in Annecy. Sit on one of the benches and admire the mountains, the lake, the flowers and trees and the bees. Breath in the fresh air and enjoy the sounds of the tweeting birds.
3. Palais de I’Isle
Built in around 1100s, the Palais de I’sle is a fortified palace, housing the traditional history of the Annecy and Geneva. But before that, throughout its history, it had been a residency of the nobles of Geneva, a prison, dungeon, barracks, warehouse and possibly everything. It’s too bad that it was closed for renovation when I visited.
4. Pont Des Amours
If you’re a couple traveling here, make sure to kiss on this bridge. They said that once a couple smooches here, they will live together forever. Since I’m a solo traveler, I guess I will be alone forever. 😀 This bridge is very picturesque, facing the lake and the mountains.
5. Lake d’Annecy
Well, there would not have been any fun if I started the article with the most obvious location. But no matter how obvious, Lake d’Annecy just cannot be beaten by any other lakes that I’ve seen in Europe. The Alpine backdrop acts like a magnet to the soul of a person.
6. Cathedral St. Pierre Annecy
I felt as if the inspiration for the church tower of Puss in the Boots movie was taken from the tower of Cathedral St Pierre Annecy. Like everything else in the lake town, this cathedral is linked to the canal and is partially built on it.
7. Chateau d’Annecy
An old castle of the 12th century, the Chateau d’Annecy literally dominates Annecy because of its location. Like most of the tourists, I, too, hiked atop the hill. Today, it is a museum with displays from the past and exhibitions of contemporary arts.
8. Local Food
The food here is as traditional as the city itself. Since I was in a French city, I couldn’t resist but take a bite or two of the traditional cheese that was sold in Fromagerie du Cruet shop. The local cafes are a delight with their French delights – if you know what I mean. 😉 If you don’t know, just look at the photo below. 😀
Looking back at the time I spent in Annecy, I must say that all that cheese-eating, strolling, and inhaling fresh air – the visit was well worth it.
Hotel in Annecy
If you are visiting Lyon, it would be worth it to go on a trip to Annecy for a day. There are a couple of trains that stop here. If you want to stay here for a night, and got some money to spare, staying at fabulous boutique hotels in the city and around the lake would be great! You can book thru Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Expedia.
Related: 15 Photos of Annecy – A Charming Town in France
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