Campsite near Annecy, ‘Venice of the Alps"
Close to water, which is one of its natural resources, Annecy has been shaped by it, and its architecture bears witness to this. The old town is dotted with traboules, a sort of secret passageway, and a tangle of houses. The medieval arteries (Porte Sainte Claire, Côte Perrière) that separate the old town from the rest of the urban area are still there today.
A historic town close to our campsite near Annecy
Camping Lac de Carouge in Savoie is located at the foot of the French Alps. There are plenty of sporting and cultural activities on offer. But if you prefer to stroll through the shopping streets or visit one of the most beautiful towns in the area, we can recommend Annecy.
Annecy is the capital of the Haute-Savoie department. It lies to the north of the lake of the same name, 45 minutes from the campsite. The town has just over 50,000 inhabitants and numerous sites and monuments. It is also known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’ or the ‘Pearl of the Alps’ thanks to its town centre and canals. It is also one of the most beautiful towns, if not the most beautiful town in the Alps, thanks to its lake, its historic centre and its many places to visit.
The town has a rich history that began at the beginning of our era, when a Gallic tribe lived here. The Romans then built their first settlement here, complete with forum, basilica, temples and theatre. Situated on a strategic trade route between France and Italy, the settlement grew in importance over the centuries.
In the medieval town centre, you can imagine yourself stepping back in time. Here you’ll find beautiful old buildings and streets. Its location on the water makes it very special. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll automatically come across the various landmarks. The Baroque Cathedral of St Peter, dating from the XVIᵉ century, is a rather austere but imposing building. The dome and parts of the ceiling are richly painted and well worth a visit.
In the church, you’ll also find a variety of 19th century objets d’art. Another church worth visiting is the Roman Catholic church of Saint-Maurice, the oldest church in the town. The Gothic church has several chapels and a beautiful trompe-l’oeil from the 15ᵉ century. The castle of the Count of Savoy, whose construction was completed in 1107, is located on the heights of Annecy. It became the capital of the county of Geneva in the 14ᵉ century, then returned to the authority of the family of the counts of Savoy. The town finally became French in 1860.
A relaxing day in Annecy: stroll past the shops or enjoy the lake.
In the old town, the Palais de l’Isle is not to be missed. It has long been considered the symbol of the town and one of the most photographed buildings in France. This 12ᵉ century building used to be a prison, but today you’ll find a museum on the history of the city.
Nearby, you’ll find Rue Sainte-Claire with its colourful houses and beautiful galleries. Many restaurants, cafés and shops can be found on this street. There are also some fine specialist shops where you can buy regional specialities. The narrow, winding streets of Rue Sainte-Claire lead you to the 12ᵉ century castle overlooking the town. The views of the city from here are breathtaking. You will find several museums and temporary exhibitions in the castle itself.
Between the old town and the lake, you will find a number of large city parks where you can stroll in the greenery and by the water. The Jardins d’Europe were laid out at the end of the 19th century and are full of beautiful century-old trees. Together with the ponds and fountains, they provide a cool spot in summer. From the Jardins de l’Europe, cross the magnificent Pont des Amours to the Pâquier. From here, you can continue along the boulevard to the Jardins de l’Impérial palace. The imposing Imperial Palace hotel-casino dates back to the XXᵉ century and offers a magnificent view of the lake.
Lake Annecy, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Alps.
Located less than 40 minutes from the campsite, the lake is at an altitude of 477 m and is surrounded by the surrounding mountain massifs such as the Bauges (the best route to Annecy). You arrive at the lake from high up, which gives you one of the most exceptional views of the area) or Le Grand Bornand. Come and discover the jewel that is Lake Annecy, with its turquoise blue waters. With its 32 kilometres of shoreline, you can enjoy water temperatures of almost 24°C in summer.
If you’re feeling sporty, you can cycle, rollerblade or even walk around the lake on the cycle path.
The lake is particularly popular for its pure, crystal-clear water, which comes directly from a glacier and an underwater spring. It covers an area of around 27 square kilometres and is 80 metres deep. There are numerous beaches along the 38 km of coastline. A large part of the lake is surrounded by cycle paths where you can walk or cycle in complete safety. Although the lake is surrounded by impressive mountains, it can be explored by bike or on foot.
