One of my favorite small towns. Annecy is a beautiful town in the Haute-Savoie region of southeastern France, often referred to as the “Venice of the Alps” due to its charming canals and picturesque setting on the shores of Lake Annecy.
- Lake Annecy: Known as one of the cleanest lakes in Europe, Lake Annecy is surrounded by mountains and offers stunning views, clear turquoise waters, and opportunities for swimming, boating, and paddleboarding. We took a boat out on the lake and enjoyed the mountains and beautiful scenery.
- The Thiou Canal: This canal runs through the heart of Annecy, adding to the town’s charm with its flower-lined banks and quaint bridges.
Palais de l’Isle: Located in the middle of the Thiou Canal, this iconic building dates back to the 12th century and is one of Annecy’s most photographed landmarks. It was once a prison and is now a museum.
We stayed in The Abbaye de Talloires (Old Abbey Hotel) is a historic and luxurious hotel located near Annecy, in the village of Talloires on the shores of Lake Annecy, which dates back to the 11th century.
We rented a paddle boat on the lake.