‘’ Now I have been happy . Now I have lived .’’
18th century French philosopher and writer Jean Jacques Rousseau on seeing Lake Annecy .
If there was a contest for France ’ s most beautiful city , I ’ m pretty sure Annecy would be at the top of the list . Its charms are , quite simply , irresistible .
At the heart of it is a crystal clear lake , and , surrounded by majestic mountains , you ’ re never far from nature here .
Winding canals cross its historic cobbled streets and flow under picturesque bridges , past ancient churches and ancient buildings . There are beautiful beaches French riviera style , activities galore , fabulous restaurants and great museums .
Annecy ’ s old town
Annecy is used to having superlatives thrown at it “ one of the most beautiful towns in France ” – tick . “ One of most floral cities in France ” – tick . European capital of outdoor sports – tick .
The light in Annecy is like nowhere else , it has a purity that I ’ ve never seen anywhere before .
The city is quite ridiculously photogenic and there are sites galore to make you sigh .
Canals , bridges and little cobbled streets . Terraced cafes , beautiful old buildings and a medieval castle . Les Jardins de l ’ Europe , an elegant park on the edge of the lake .
And of course the famous Palais d ’ Île , a former prison and probably the most iconic site in the city .
And all this with a backdrop of snow peaked mountains .