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An historic Savoyard town of over 50,000 citizens, Annecy is an important commercial and industrial centre as well as an all-year tourist resort whose lakeside position and waterways have earned it the nickname the "Venice of the Alps". At around 1 mile long and ½ mile wide, the central old town and shopping area is compact and easy to explore and the partly pedestrianised streets in the delightfully restored old quarter have a good selection of cafes and restaurants. |
| Suitability |
Middle- to upmarket couples and families desiring an active holiday, or simply wanting to soak up the atmosphere. |
| Accommodation |
Hotels ranging from family-run 1-stars to luxurious 4-star properties in resort and nearby villages. Most accommodation is located in the centre, with the remainder along the lake shore. Self-catering accommodation, caravan and campsites also available. |
| Beach |
Public lake-shore beaches at Marquisats, Promenade Cheltenham, Annecy-le-Vieux and Veyrier are free. Pay beaches located at the public swimming complex at Marquisats and at Annecy-Albigny. |
| Shopping |
Specialist shops to be found in the old town; more general shopping available in newer areas. Main market every Tuesday in the old town with stalls set up along canal. Various other markets at other times of the week in and around town. |
| Entertainment |
Daytime: exploring the town and its churches, museums and art galleries; guided tours available. Jardins de l'Europe, a large lakeside public garden flanked by Canal du Vasse and River Thiou. Many activities on the lake and in nearby mountains including swimming, water-skiing, sailing, cycling, walking and canyoning. Golf. Tennis.
Nightlife: various discos and piano bars; casino. |
| Eating |
Best selection of restaurants is in the old town, some specialising in fish from the lake. Other restaurants in the many hotels. |
| Public
Transport |
Regular urban bus services in and around the town; long-distance coach services to towns and cities in the region. Main-line train services include high-speed TGV link to Paris. Small airports at Annecy/Haute Savoie and Chambery/Aix-les-Bains. |
| Excursions |
Boat trips around the lake. Abbaye d'Hautecombe. Les Gorges du Fier. Nearby towns of interest including Chamonix, Chambery, Aix-les-Bains and Albertville. Geneva (Switzerland) for shopping and sightseeing. In winter, access to numerous nearby ski-resorts. |
| Location |
In E France, 65 mls from Italian border. 25 mls S of Geneva (Switzerland) and its airport. 85 mls NE of Lyon and its airport. |
| Position |
On N edge of lake, in broad basin backed by hills forming the "Pre Alps". |
| Contact
Information |
Post Code: 74000
Website: www.lac-annecy.com
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| Serving
Airports |
Airport : Geneva
Airport Code: GVA
Flight time from ther U.K.: 1 hr. 30 mins
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