Vacations - France, Annecy

If you find yourself traveling in the region of Savoy (the high Alps) in France, you should make time to visit the city of Annecy. Sitting on the edge of the clear blue waters of the Lac d' Annecy (Annecy Lake), near the Swiss and Italian borders, Annecy is a study in contrasts. It blends all the conveniences of the modern world with old-world style charm, culture and architecture. One of the main attractions in Annecy is the "Vieux Village", where the beautiful Thiou Canal runs through the center of old Annecy, and a walk along the cobblestone pathways next to the canal brings to mind pictures of Venice. You be amazed at the clearness of the water, the many beautiful flowers, the quaint shops and numerous sidewalk cafes. During the summer months, you can enjoy many different types of music by local street musicians. There are a variety of festivals, exhibits and cultural events throughout the year for your pleasure. Because of its geographical location, Annecy has had a somewhat turbulent past, and was invaded many times over the centuries. It became the property of the County of Geneva and then the County of Savoy because of marriage, inheritance and then being sold. Annecy and the Savoy region were invaded or ruled by the Sicilians, Sardinians, Spanish and Austrians. In 1860, to free itself from Austrian Domination, the King of Sardinia asked Napoleon III for military assistance, and offered the Savoy region (which included the city of Nice) in return. The Savoyards, who were impressed with the order and strength of the French regime, voted to join the French Empire in April of the same year. The Savoy region was divided into two "departements" - the Haute-Savoie and the Savoie, with Annecy and Chambery becoming the two capitals. During the Middle Ages, the river played a key economic role in the development of Annecy. In 1870, the Building Engineer for the city, Sadi Carnot, completed a system of gates to regularize the flow of the Thiou, raise the level of the lake making it easier for merchants and bringing trade to the city. Sadi Carnot became President of the French Republic in 1887. The spring-fed lake of Annecy appeared 18,000 years ago and is about 27.2 km. Today, it is proudly listed as one of the cleanest lakes in the world, and there are beautiful parks and boardwalks surrounding it where you can enjoy a stroll at sunset. There are so many sites to see in Annecy, it's hard to know where to begin. When you're in the old part of the city, there are few cars - in fact, most of the extremely narrow, winding streets are for pedestrians only. You could start your tour of Annecy with the Chateau d'Annecy, which is located on a limestone spur of the Semnoz Mountain. The chateau sits on top of a hill that looks down onto the rooftops of the town and Lake Annecy. The Musee d'Annecy (the Museum of Annecy) is also located in the chateau, and provides information about the history of the town. The oldest part of this former stronghold is the Queens Tower, which dates all the way back to the 12th Century. In 1394, the chateau became the official residence of the Counts of Geneva, and remained until the death of the last family member, when the Dukes of Savoy took possession of it. It was abandoned in the 18th Century, and then used as a barracks from 1742 until 1947. The Palais de l'Isle is another monument in Annecy - in fact, it is said to be the most photographed building in France. Its unique, triangular shape makes it look like the bow of a ship, and from certain angles it appears to be floating in the canal. In the 12th Century it became the first residence of the Governor of Annecy, and then was used for administrative purposes when the Counts of Geneva settled in Annecy. It was also the court building, the Mint and a prison during the French Revolution. It now houses a museum and a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. Enjoy the walk to the Sainte-Claire gate that was named for the old Clarisses convent built near Annecy. The gate has remained intact, and when you see its old hinges, machicolations, and its bell turret, you can understand the importance of this location in Annecy as a tactical point facing towards Aix-les Bains and Chambery. This gate was part of the city's pre-defense. The Notre-Dame-de-Liesse church is characterized by its Roman bell tower (that leans slightly), the Jean-Jaques Rousseau square and the old town hall are other sites worth seeing. Friday is market day in the old section of town, and everywhere you look there are vendors selling fresh fish, flowers and fruits and vegetables, as well as a wide variety of other wares. The rest of Annecy is a large, thriving city that boasts the finest of cultural entertainment and all of the conveniences of modern life. You can find plenty of supermarkets, fashion boutiques and industry of every kind in this lakeside paradise. And there is no shortage of physical activities - everything from boating, water skiing, paragliding and swimming to golf, skiing and jogging. You'll find something for everyone in Annecy, so make a point of stopping to smell the roses (and all the other beautiful flowers) in this beautiful city by the lake.