Annecy Walking Tour with Audioguide on your Smartphone

The Thiou River, known locally in French as Rivière du Thiou or simply Le Thiou, flows through the historic centre of Annecy. It carries the waters of Lake Annecy toward the Fier River, shaping the canals, bridges, and waterside streets of the old town. Its clear stream reflects Annecy’s close connection with water, alpine landscape, and urban charm.

Built into the medieval fortifications, it marked an important entrance from the southern side of the city. Its stone arch, defensive form, and connection with the surrounding streets reflect Annecy’s past as a fortified town shaped by trade, protection, and alpine routes.

Once the residence of the Counts of Geneva and later the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours, it combines medieval defensive elements with later residential architecture. Its towers, courtyards, and hillside position reflect Annecy’s noble past and strategic place in the Alpine region.

Marché d’Annecy is one of the traditional markets of the old town. Set among canals, arcades, and historic streets, it brings together local produce, cheeses, charcuterie, flowers, and regional specialities. The market reflects Annecy’s Savoyard food culture and the lively everyday rhythm of the historic centre.

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre is the main cathedral of Annecy. Built in the 16th century as a Franciscan church, it later became the cathedral of the Diocese of Annecy. Its Renaissance façade, calm interior, and historic organ reflect the city’s religious heritage and its role as an important centre of Savoyard spiritual life.

Built in stone, it forms part of the old town’s network of canals, passages, and waterside streets. The bridge reflects Annecy’s medieval urban structure and the close relationship between the town, its river, and everyday movement through the historic centre.

Set on a small island in the Thiou River, it has served over the centuries as a noble residence, courthouse, prison, and administrative building. Its stone walls, pointed shape, and waterside setting make it a symbol of Annecy’s medieval history and canal-lined old town.

Built in the 17th century, it is closely linked with Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, major figures of Savoyard Catholic history. Its Baroque character reflects Annecy’s role as a centre of Counter-Reformation spirituality.

Jardins de l’Europe is a landscaped park on the shore of Lake Annecy. Created in the 19th century, it reflects the elegant public garden style of the period, with lawns, old trees, waterside paths, and views toward the mountains. The park connects Annecy’s old town with the lake and its refined Alpine setting.

Lake Annecy is one of the clearest and most scenic lakes in France. Surrounded by Alpine mountains, historic villages, and waterfront parks, it has shaped the identity of Annecy as a lakeside town. Its blue water, mountain reflections, and long history of leisure and navigation make it a central symbol of the region.

The Monument to Claude Louis Berthollet stands in Annecy’s Jardins de l’Europe near the lake. Created by sculptor Carlo Marochetti in the 19th century, it honours the chemist born in nearby Talloires. The monument connects Annecy’s Alpine setting with the scientific legacy of the Enlightenment and Napoleonic era.

L’Unique, is an unusual solar monument in Annecy’s Jardins de l’Europe. Designed in 1874 by Capuchin monk Jean-Marie Dumurgier, known as Brother Arsène, it combines multiple sundials on a star-shaped structure. The monument reflects 19th-century curiosity about science, time, astronomy, and public space by the lake.

Pont des Amours is an elegant footbridge in Annecy linking the Jardins de l’Europe with the Pâquier lakeside lawns. Built in the early 20th century, it crosses the Canal du Vassé near Lake Annecy. Its romantic name, lake views, and tree-lined setting make it one of the city’s most beloved symbols.