Annecy, Francia WALKING TOUR 🇫🇷 | La VENECIA de los Alpes en 4k 🏞️

Annecy, Francia WALKING TOUR 🇫🇷 | La VENECIA de los Alpes en 4k 🏞️

Hello travelers! Welcome to Annecy, the so-called “Venice of the Alps.” Today we’ll walk through these streets full of history, charm, and crystal-clear water. Friends, Annecy welcomes us with an Alpine feel and Mediterranean spirit. This French city seems like something out of a medieval tale with its castle, narrow streets, and charming bridges. Lake Annecy is famous for being the cleanest lake in all of Europe thanks to strict protection measures. It covers approximately 27 km² and is a crystalline giant surrounded by Alpine mountains. Today we won’t just walk; we’ll travel back in time, from the Middle Ages to modern times. The water is so clear you can see the fish swimming. Le Thiou, this very special canal that runs through the heart of Annecy and gives it that “Little Venice” feel. The Thiou was essential in the Middle Ages: it powered mills and powered workshops and forges. The turquoise color of the lake changes depending on the daylight; sometimes it looks like a mirror, other times like liquid sapphire. Annecy is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in southeastern France, very close to the borders with Switzerland and Italy. Tanners, weavers, and blacksmiths once stood along these banks. The canal was Annecy’s industrial engine! Annecy has about 140,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area, yet it maintains the charm of a picture-postcard village. Thanks to its alpine location, Annecy combines the best: fresh air, clean water, and a spectacular natural setting. Despite its size, Annecy welcomes more than 2.5 million tourists each year, almost 20 times its population. In the past, goods arriving via the Thiou River were unloaded here, turning the area into a small commercial port. Today, it’s one of the liveliest places to sit with a coffee and watch life go by in Annecy. This is the Perrière Bridge, which connects two of the most picturesque parts of Annecy’s old town. From here, you have one of the best direct views toward the Palais de l’Isle, the symbol of the city. The Palais de l’Isle looks like a stone boat stranded in the canal and has become the most photographed image of the city. This 12th-century palace was once a prison, courthouse, and military barracks, although today it is a museum open to the public. Gazing out at this landscape is like stepping back eight centuries and entering a living medieval miniature. Here we find the Church of Saint-François de Sales, built between the 17th and 18th centuries. Its name pays tribute to Saint Francis de Sales, who was a bishop of Geneva and a key figure in the religious history of the region. Crossing this bridge is like entering the very heart of Annecy. This Rue Perrière connects directly to the Quai Perrière, forming a perfect route through the old town. This street reflects how Annecy has managed to preserve its history while adapting to modern tourism. And here we have the Glacier des Alpes, famous for its artisanal ice creams made using traditional recipes from the region. This ice cream shop has been around for decades and is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. We’re at the Porte Perrière, one of the old gates that protected the city during the Middle Ages. This entrance was linked to the defense of Annecy, controlling who could enter or leave the old town. This gate is part of a set of walls that surrounded Annecy and protected its inhabitants. Here at the ice cream shop, you can try typical Savoyard flavors like cream, walnut, or mountain honey. Amid ancient stones and centuries of history, these straw hats remind us that fashion never loses its sense of humor. These small arches and windows allow us to imagine how old families lived. Walking through Annecy with a cone in hand is almost a local tradition. The historic flag of Savoy has a red background with a white cross that runs the length of the flag, called the Cross of Savoy. The Château de l’Île was built on a small island to protect the city and control passage through the canal. Savoy is a historic region located in the Alps, in southeastern France, near the borders with Switzerland and Italy. Originally a county and later a duchy, it held great political and military importance in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Annecy Castle stands on the hill overlooking the entire city and Lake Annecy. Originally the residence of the counts and dukes of Savoy, it has a history spanning over eight centuries. For centuries, the counts and dukes of Savoy controlled trade routes and strategic territories between France, Switzerland, and Italy. These shops are so charming they make you want to buy even a cobblestone as a souvenir. Here, even the souvenirs seem to whisper, “Take me with you or I’ll be sad!” The region is known for its mountain cheeses, such as Reblochon, Beaufort, Tomme de Savoie, and Abondance. Dishes like tartiflette and raclette reflect the culinary essence of Savoy, perfect for the Alpine cold. Nougat D’Antan is a shop that transports us to the sweet world of Savoy with its artisanal nougats. And here they are! 🤪 In addition to nougats, they also offer typical Savoyard chocolates and candies. This is a great place to stop and take photos with the Palais de l’Île in the background. ✨ This bridge has withstood floods, renovations, and centuries of tourist traffic! 😂 During local festivities, this bridge is filled with lights and colors that make it magical. The Vieille Ville literally means “Old Town” in French and is the historic heart of Annecy. Houses with colorful facades, wooden balconies, and medieval arches. The town suffered several fires and conflicts, but was always rebuilt maintaining its medieval charm. Gâteau de Savoie is a light, fluffy cake typical of the region, perfect with tea or coffee. In France, we don’t just eat croissants! 😅 In the 19th century, Annecy began to develop as a tourist destination thanks to its lake and Alpine landscape. And it’s truly a wonderful walk around here! The historic region of Savoy has its own language called Arpitan, also known as Franco-Provençal. It developed during the Middle Ages in the area that today comprises Savoy, parts of Switzerland, and eastern France. It is neither French nor Italian, although it has influences from both. It is an independent language of the Romance language group. Nowadays, it’s spoken by few people, especially older adults, and is occasionally taught in schools or local cultural workshops. We continue with Porte Sainte Claire, one of Annecy’s historic gates that connects us to the Middle Ages. Originally, it was part of the walls that protected the city. Some say crossing it brings good luck… and also a perfect excuse for photos! ✨ And we’d like to take this opportunity to remind you that on our channel you won’t just find Annecy; we have many more trips! 🌍 🌍 We’ve visited charming cities in different countries, all full of history, culture, and magical corners. If you like this tour, we assure you that you’ll have a great time discovering new places with us in other videos. This is the Porte du Sépulcre, another of the medieval gates that protected the old town of Annecy. We’re back to discover the wonders of the old town! If you enjoy this walk, give us a like, it’s not fattening and it’s so much fun 😜. And subscribe, because traveling with us is cheaper than a plane ticket. 😅 Remember to press the bell 🔔, it doesn’t ring like the ones in Annecy, but it lets you know every time we post a new adventure. A comment is worth gold, and if you share this video, you’ll get more people to join us on our walks without leg cramps. 🤣 This is Rue de la République, one of the liveliest and trendiest streets in Annecy. Entering this artisanal soap shop… is like stepping into a fragrant cloud; you come out smelling better than an Alpine flower! I love it because the soaps are so beautiful that it’s almost a shame to use them… we’d end up saving them as works of art! The curious thing is that these little shops continue to make soaps as they did centuries ago, with time-honored recipes… a tradition that smells good! This bridge, Rue de la République, is one of the points that connects the historic center with the more modern area. The street name recalls the influence of the French Revolution on urban toponymy, present in many cities across the country. These floodgates are not decorative, but are part of the city’s old hydraulic system. For centuries, they regulated the flow of water from Lake Annecy to prevent flooding, power mills, and ensure the supply of artisan workshops. Today they are still functional, but they have also become a picturesque symbol. They are dipping their feet in the water! If I don’t swim in the lake, that’s what I’ll do after this walk too… 👣 Looking at the floodgates, one realizes that Annecy was not only beautiful, but also practical engineering for everyday life. The value of this bridge lies not in its monumentality, but in its everyday function. It is a link that articulates the movement of the city. This street shows Annecy’s transition to 19th-century modernity. It is the perfect place for shopping after touring the historic center. Let’s return to the historic center, which is very picturesque! ✨ We are on Quai Madame de Warens, a quiet corner where the canal is reflected like a mirror and life seems to slow down a little. The fresh air coming from the lake and passing through the canals gives this quay a very special charm in summer. We are right next to the Jardin de l’Évêché. 📍 Notre-Dame-de-Liesse Church. The main ways to visit Annecy, combining comfort, practicality, and experiences to enjoy the city and its surroundings is… The nearest airport is Geneva (Switzerland), just 40 km away, with frequent international flights. From there, you can get there by car, train, or bus. Lyon Airport is also about two hours away. Annecy is well connected to France and Switzerland. The train station receives lines from Paris, Lyon, Geneva, and Grenoble, among others. It’s ideal for those who prefer not to drive. It’s easily accessible by car from Lyon, Geneva, or Grenoble via motorways and scenic roads. Having a car is practical for exploring the surrounding area, such as Lake Annecy and the nearby Alpine villages. The Vieille Ville, the canals, and the bridges are best enjoyed on foot. Every street and square has its own charm, and the architectural details are much better appreciated. There are bike paths and routes around the lake and the city. Renting a bike allows you to cover more space while remaining comfortable. From Lake Annecy, you can take boat trips, some with audio guides, to admire the city from the water. This is one of the few wells we saw in the canal that has water! 💦 To visit the old town and the lake, a full day is fine, but to explore the surrounding area and hike in the Alps, it takes 2–3 days. Spring and summer are ideal for the weather and festivals, but winter is also charming, with fewer tourists and snowy views. 📍Notre-Dame Square. 📍Notre-Dame-de-Liesse Church. This fountain was erected by the municipality under Aimé Louvet in 1859. Municipal architect Ignace Monnet, who designed this fountain, was likely inspired by the 16th-century work of Giambologna, which stands in Piazza Santa Maria Novella in Florence. Incredible! 😅 Sounds just right to us! ✨ Its construction dates back to the 19th century, although it stands on a much older place of worship. The church stands out for its neoclassical style. Architectural details designed to impress the faithful are noticeable. This is where Annecy’s former Town Hall is located. It served as the town hall until 1855. Today it is occupied by the parish of Notre-Dame Church. And here we have the Porte Notre-Dame, one of the most important historical entrances to the Old Town of Annecy. As you pass through it, you can feel the transition between the urban exterior and the historic heart of Annecy. Meat. 🥩 Poultry for all tastes! Very medieval all around! 🤣 All that’s missing is the bonfire. These old facades reflect the typical architecture of Annecy, with stone and wood details. This is Rue Grenette. Its name comes from the old granaries where the city’s grain was stored. 📍 Passage de l’Île. The Thiou is the shortest river in France, only 3.5 km long, which runs through the Old Town of Annecy. The sound of the water brings freshness and serenity to the Old Town. Originally the Palais de l’Île, it was the residence of the Counts of Geneva and an administrative center, demonstrating how authority was expressed through architecture. For several centuries, the Palais also functioned as a court and prison, where minor offenses were tried and order was maintained in the city. The thick stone walls and narrow windows were typical of medieval defensive constructions, protecting the city from invaders. Today the palace houses a museum offering exhibitions on the urban history of Annecy. Daily life in the Middle Ages and regional art. At night, this illuminated bridge looks like a jewel floating on the canal. This place connects history, daily life, and beauty in just a few meters. Now we continue towards the Church of Saint-Maurice, a very special Gothic building here in the heart of Annecy. This Church of Saint-Maurice is the oldest in Annecy, built in the 15th century by the Dominicans. It is in a sober Gothic style. Inside, it houses the tombs of the Apanagist Count Janus of Savoy and his wife, Hélène of Luxembourg. The tombs are here. I don’t know who you are, but… Can you hold my weight? 👀 How scary! 😱 1556 The Savoys were one of the most influential dynastic families in Europe, with almost a thousand years of history. The House of Savoy was born in the 11th century in the Alps, in a territory that covered parts of present-day France, Italy, and Switzerland. They began as Counts of Savoy, but over time they became Dukes, Kings of Sardinia, and finally Kings of Italy in the 19th century. Thanks to their strategic position in the Alps, they controlled very important trade passes, which gave them power and wealth. Annecy, Chambéry, and Turin were some of the main cities where the Savoy family resided. Victor Emmanuel II (1820–1878) was a direct descendant of the Savoy dynasty, almost 400 years later. 📍Canal du Vassé. Victor Emmanuel II inherited the title of King of Sardinia and Piedmont, and led the process of Italian unification alongside Cavour and Garibaldi. Thanks to this process, in 1861 he proclaimed himself the first King of a unified Italy, bringing the House of Savoy to its greatest political splendor. So what began here in the Alps ended with his heirs reigning over all of Italy. In just a few steps, the landscape changed completely! 💚 The bridges and colorful facades remind us once again why Annecy is called the Venice of the Alps. Guarded by rows of centuries-old plane trees, this canal is a symbol of Annecy and the perfect gateway to the famous Pont des Amours. The Pont des Amours is a wrought-iron pedestrian bridge built at the end of the 19th century. Its name evokes the stories of couples who sealed their love here. This spot is a perfect blend of nature and urban planning, typical of Annecy. Just beyond the bridge, the Promenade Jacquet opens up like a charming walkway along the water. This is the ideal place to discover the lake from the inside, with water activities for all tastes. This lake was formed more than 18,000 years ago, during the retreat of glaciers. A gift from the Ice Age! Annecy boasts a lake that looks like a natural pool. ✨ You can be sure we won’t leave without taking a dip! 🤣💦 The turquoise color of the lake is incredible! 💙✨ The average temperature of the lake in July is around 22°C. Just enough to make you jump in without hesitation! The lake is fed by more than 20 streams and rivers that flow down from the Alps, ensuring its constant purity. The lake has a maximum depth of 82 meters. A hidden world beneath our feet! Did you know that the water in this lake is used for human consumption? It’s so pure that it supplies the entire region. We leave this large esplanade of Le Pâquier behind and approach the Jardins de l’Europe, where tree-lined paths, flowers, and benches invite you to a relaxing stroll. The Jardins de l’Europe were created in the 19th century on the grounds of a former convent. It is a park designed in the English style, with winding paths and quiet corners. Here we find cedars, sequoias, and linden trees, brought from different parts of the world. Hey! If you’ve made it this far, you deserve a reward… and that reward is a subscription 😎. Hit the button, it doesn’t bite. And while you’re at it, give the video a like, so you can help us continue showing magical places like this one. Don’t forget to share this walk with your friends… so they can also feel the lake breeze without getting their feet wet 💦. Comment below your favorite part . The gardens, the bridges, or that hot chocolate we craved in some alley? 🍫 And the little bell 🔔… yes, the one that sounds like Annecy is calling you directly for a coffee on the lakeshore. We promise more videos of beautiful cities, curiosities, and anecdotes so that your feed is a constant journey. Subscribing is like getting a front-row seat on all our trips… and it’s free, not even in Savoy can you find an offer like this! Even the swans of Annecy would join the canal if they could… so do it for them 🦢. Since 1960, Annecy has hosted the International Animation Film Festival, one of the most important in the world. And this week is the festival week! ✨ Short films, feature films, and animated series from the most renowned studios are screened. Many festival winners go on to receive international awards, such as the Oscars for animation. It’s a meeting point for directors, animators, and students, a true creative hub. From here, we can see Lake Annecy. During the festival, Annecy is filled with parallel activities: exhibitions, workshops, and conferences. The Palais de l’Île and other historic buildings are lit up to host part of the program. The festival has boosted Annecy’s reputation as a creative and cultural city worldwide. What a scare! 😅 Dude, don’t scare me, I’ll see you back! 👀 The views of the Alps and the nearby canals are simply breathtaking. Tour boats, sailboats, and small local craft are moored on these shores. We approach the Water Taxi & Annecy Lounge Boat, where the city blends with innovation in water transportation. The Lounge Boats offer comfort, with spacious seating and panoramic views. It’s a perfect plan for families, couples, and photographers looking for new perspectives. The lake is approximately 14 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide, surrounded by these mountains and hills. The shores of the lake are lined with pedestrian walkways and cycle paths. Circling the entire lake by bike must be very beautiful too! ✨ Dear friends, we have reached the end of our tour of Annecy, this Savoyard gem that combines history, nature, and charm in every corner. From the canals that run through the old town to the imposing Annecy Castle, and without forgetting this majestic lake that reflects the city and the Alps, every step told a unique story. We hope you enjoyed every street, every bridge, every square, and every detail that makes Annecy an unforgettable place as much as we did. Thank you for joining us on this walk, for sharing smiles, curiosities, and for letting us show you the best of this city. Remember that every trip is also an invitation to discover, to marvel, and to connect with the magic of the places we visit. See you soon, because new adventures and enchanting cities await us, and we’ll love walking through them together again. Thank you for being with us, and see you on the next walking tour! 🌟

✨ Bienvenidos a Annecy, la joya de los Alpes franceses y conocida como la “Venecia de los Alpes”. En este walking tour recorreremos sus calles llenas de historia, los canales románticos, el Palacio de la Isla, el Castillo de Annecy, plazas medievales, mercados tradicionales y el impresionante lago más limpio de Europa. 🌊
🏰 Descubre con nosotros la magia de la región de Saboya, un rincón único de Francia y Europa que combina cultura, arquitectura, paisajes alpinos y curiosidades inolvidables.
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