Balladins Annecy Superior

Fontaine du puits Saint-Jean

by Klod5

On peut également y découvrir de nombreuses fontaines. Parmi elles celle du puits Saint-Jean au croisement de la rue Carnot et de la rue Royale, cœur de la vie commerçante et politique d'Annecy.


One can also discover there numerous fountains. Among them the one of the well Midsummer's Day to the crossing of the Rue Carnot and the Royal street, cœur of the commercial and political life of Annecy.

Traverse du Lac

by Dabs

My husband enjoys competitive racing, he usually does several triathalons, 5K runs and long distance swim races every summer so this seemed like a perfect way for him to combine a vacation to Europe and participate in a race.

The Traverse du Lac is set on the beautiful Lac d'Annecy every year on August 15th, the cliffs towering over the start, the goal is the castle on the other side of the lake.

We ran across someone who was going to the race and followed them to the start, it was directly across the lake from the castle and we were lucky enough to find a free parking spot just a short distance away. When we asked how do the swimmers get back, they shrugged and said "of course you can walk".

The Grand Traverse is for adults, several hundred of which participate

Palais de l'Ille (Vieilles Prisons)

by firechick

This instantly recognizable city landmark is one of the most photographed buildings in France (or so I was told).

It sits on a small island in the middle of the river. It was built in the 12th century as a home to a lord, and became a City Administrative Hall when the count of Geneva controlled Annecy and in the Middle ages up until the 1865 it was a prison. It became a national monument in 1900 but it was again used as a prison briefly during WWII.

Now it is a museum showing the history of the building as well as history of Annecy.

You can always see the outside of the building. Museum hours (no admission 45 minutes before closing) are as follows:

Winter season (Oct - end May): All days (except tuesday) 10-12 noon and 2-5 p.m.

Summer season (June - end Sept) : All days 10.30 a.m until 6 p.m.

Closed major holidays.

The Prison

by Goner

The Palais de L'Isle is a former prison and an Annecy landmark. It is on an island in the middle of the main canal (Thiou Canal) and seems to float there. During the 12th century this former fortified house was the center of the first domain held by the De L'Isle family. It was acquired by the De Geneve family in the 13th century, then became the residence of the Monthoux family. In 1355 it became a minting workshop; it was later acquired by Janus of Savoy. In the 16th century it became a government building. The Revolutionary Authorities turned it into the City Prison in 1864. The prison is now a museum, although small it makes for an interesting visit, with small rooms and cells to explore. Request a museum guide in English as there is no escorted tour.

Annecy on the Lake

by GUYON

"Le Vieil Annecy"

Annecy is the capital of the department of Haute Savoie, in the Alps, near Switzerland.
The main attraction (excepted the lake) is the Old Town composed of ancient buildings (like the Palais on the picture) and cobblestone streets, with shops and restaurants.

Office de tourisme : Centre Bonlieu 1 rue Jean-Jaures - T : 334.50.45.00.33 - Fax : 334.50.51.87.20 - www.lac-annecy.com

"Lake of Annecy"

A perfect location to go on boat and to bath.

"Swan"