Visit Annecy in Savoie in the French Alps
Lakeside Mountain Resort, Attractions, Hotels & Restaurants
Nov 6, 2009
Ruled in turn by the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Savoie, Annecy has a rich history, only becoming part of France when Chambéry and the rest of Savoie were annexed in 1860. From then onwards, Annecy grew into a fashionable mountain resort, the place to wander along the canals or down by the lake and explore attractions in the Old Town, not to be confused with Annecy le Vieux, the residential district to the north east.
Today, hotels, restaurants and shops cater to large numbers of tourists, drawn by the pleasant climate in summer and the proximity of ski resorts in winter. Annecy is a candidate for the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Annecy Lake and Attractions
Stretching 40 km around, at 448 metres, Annecy lake claims water temperatures up to 25ºC in summer. It’s the cleanest lake in Europe, a great place to swim, sail or cruise, or cycle along the old railway track. Pretty villages nestle on the banks, such as Talloires, famous for its gastronomy, Sévrier for its bell museum or Duingt for its castle on a peninsula. At the far end is a nature reserve twittering with birds.
The Old Town is a picture postcard of flower-draped bridges and pastel colours, ancient archways and canals with lovely reflections. There are swans and water birds, an old prison on the Thiou island, cathedral and churches and a medieval castle com museum on the hilltop.
Mid-range and Luxury Hotels in Annecy, Hotel des Alpes and Les Trésoms
The two star Hotel des Alpes enjoys an ideal location, just minutes from the Old Town and railway station with adjoining car park. The hotel has 32 rooms, simply furnished but relatively spacious and light. Service is friendly and efficient, with continental breakfast including fresh bread and croissants. Cycling and adventure sports packages are available.
Top luxury is on offer at Les Trésoms, a lake and spa resort in Art Deco style set on a hillside above the lake. This stylish boutique hotel has 50 fully equipped rooms with lake or forest views. The panoramic Wellbeing Centre includes a thermal pool, hammam, sauna, fitness equipment and beauty parlour. La Rotonde is the gourmet restaurant while Café la Coupole serves local products in a relaxed ambience.
Popular Restaurants in Annecy, L’Etage and Vingt sur Vins
L’Etage is a highly popular venue serving traditional cuisine and specialities from Savoie. Goat’s cheese salad, fondue, raclette and tartiflette do justice to local cheeses but there are also cheese-free options.The restaurant is on the first floor of a 17th century residence with a pavement terrace under the arcades.
The upmarket Vingt sur Vins boasts outstanding service and a selection of deliciously creative dishes. The restaurant has developed a unique wine tasting concept in Annecy, inviting guests to fill their glass as they wish, 2, 5 or 9cl at a time, choosing from 40 clearly labelled wines from Savoie and beyond, and paying accordingly at the end of the meal.
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