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Historic neighborhood · Annecy, Auvérnia-Ródano-Alpes
Vieille ville d'Annecy
Annecy's historic centre, with arcaded streets, colourful houses and the canals of the Thiou and the Vassé. It's the starting point for the castle, the Palais de l'Isle and the lakeside.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Vieille ville d'Annecy
The vieille ville (old town) of Annecy is the historic centre, between the lake and the castle hill. The houses show Piedmontese influence, with facades in ochre and pink tones, and many streets are covered by arcades that shelter from sun and rain.
The Thiou River, which carries water from the lake to the Fier River, cuts through the neighbourhood and forms canals lined with flower boxes and bridges. That's why Annecy earned the nickname 'Venice of the Alps'. The Vassé canal, further north, links the lake to the centre near the Pont des Amours.
The neighbourhood is home to the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, Église Saint-Maurice and Église Saint-François, as well as the Palais de l'Isle. The main streets are Rue Sainte-Claire and Rue Perrière, full of restaurants and shops selling cheeses and cured meats from Savoy.
On market days, the marché (street market) fills part of the old town with cheeses like reblochon, tomme and beaufort. Check market days before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1h30 to 3 hours on foot, not counting museums and meals.
Best time
Early in the morning, before the groups arrive, the streets and canals are quiet. In the European summer, from July to August, the old town gets very crowded in the afternoon. Late afternoon is a good time to dine in the streets by the Thiou; dinner service starts from 19:30.
How to get there
On foot: the old town is about a 10-minute walk from Gare d'Annecy. If you come by car, leave it in paid parking, because the historic centre is almost entirely pedestrian.
Tip
Try the tartiflette, a Savoy dish with potato, onion, bacon and reblochon cheese, more common in the cold months. Many restaurants close the kitchen between lunch (around 12:00–14:00) and dinner. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vieille ville d'Annecy
Why is Annecy called the Venice of the Alps?
Because of the Thiou and Vassé canals, which cross the old town with bridges and waterside houses.
Is the old town flat?
Almost entirely. Only the climb up to the Château d'Annecy involves a ramp and steps.
How long does it take to see the old town?
About 1½ to 3 hours on foot, not including a visit to the castle or meals.
Is there a street market?
Yes, the old town hosts street markets on certain days of the week. Check the days before you go.