Annecy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Annecy È(n)neci  (Arpitan)
Prefecture and commune
Clockwise from top: Lake Annecy seen from the Pont des Amours, Château d'Annecy, Passage de l'Île, Haute-Savoie prefecture building
Flag Coat of arms
Annecy Location in France Show map of France Annecy Location in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Show map of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Country	France
Region	Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Department	Haute-Savoie
Arrondissement	Annecy
Canton	Annecy-1, 2, Annecy-3 and 4
Intercommunality	CA du Grand Annecy
Area 1	66.94 km2 (25.85 sq mi)
• Urban	227.0 km2 (87.6 sq mi)
Population  (2021)	131,715
• Density	1,967.66/km2 (5,096.2/sq mi)
• Urban  (2018)	177,622
• Urban density	782.48/km2 (2,026.6/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Annécien (masculine) Annécienne (feminine)
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code	74010 /74000
Dialling codes	0450
Elevation	396–1,153 m (1,299–3,783 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Annecy is a beautiful city in Southeastern France. It is the main city of the Haute-Savoie area. Annecy sits at the northern end of Lake Annecy, about 35 kilometers south of Geneva, Switzerland.

People often call Annecy the "Pearl of the French Alps." This is because it is located between a lovely lake and tall mountains. The city also controls the northern entrance to the lake's valley.

For many years, Annecy's population stayed around 50,000 people. This was because there wasn't much space to build new homes. The city is squeezed between the lake and the protected Semnoz mountain. However, in 2017, Annecy joined with several nearby towns. This made the city much larger, with over 128,000 people. The wider urban area now has over 177,000 residents. This makes Annecy the seventh-largest city in its region.

Annecy has a long and interesting history. It was once ruled by the counts of Geneva. Then, in the 14th century, it became part of the County of Savoy. From 1434 to 1659, Annecy was the capital of Savoy. In 1536, it became a safe place for the bishop when the Calvinist Reformation began in Geneva. Saint Francis de Sales helped Annecy become a strong center for the Counter-Reformation. In 1860, Annecy became part of France.

The city is sometimes called "Venice of the Alps." This is because of its three canals and the Thiou river. These waterways flow right through the old part of the city. In the 1800s, Annecy grew as an industrial city, especially known for making silk. Today, some big companies like NTN-SNR bearings, Salomon, Entremont, and Dassault Aviation have their main offices here.

Since the late 1800s, Annecy has become a popular tourist spot. Visitors enjoy the lake in summer and the nearby ski resorts in winter. The city also has cultural attractions like its renovated castle and a fine art museum. The famous Animated Film Festival has been held here since 1963. Annecy is also very green, with over 40% of its area being green spaces. In 2015, it won the "Golden Flower" award for being one of France's most-flowered cities.

History of Annecy

Early Times

Annecy City Hall

A map of Annecy from 1914

"Old Annecy" was a settlement even during the time of the Romans. From the 900s, Annecy was the home of the counts of Geneva. In 1401, it became part of the counts of Savoy. By 1444, Annecy was the main city for the areas of Genevois, Faucigny, and Beaufortain.

A Center for Change

As Calvinism spread, Annecy became an important place for the Counter-Reformation. This was a movement within the Catholic Church. The old Bishopric of Geneva moved to Annecy in 1535. Francis of Sales was born nearby in 1567. He served as the bishop of Annecy from 1602 to 1622. His special items are kept in the cathedral.

During the French Revolution, France took over the Savoy region. Annecy became part of the department of Mont Blanc. Its capital was Chambéry. The Catholic diocese (church area) was closed in 1801.

From 1815 to Today

After the Bourbon Restoration in 1815, Annecy was given back to the King of Sardinia. The Catholic diocese was reopened in 1822. In 1860, Savoy became part of France with the Treaty of Turin. Annecy then became the capital of the new Haute-Savoie department.

Annecy was also where important international trade talks happened in 1949. On January 1, 2017, Annecy merged with five nearby towns. These were Annecy-le-Vieux, Cran-Gevrier, Meythet, Pringy, and Seynod. This made Annecy a much larger city.

A wide view of Annecy from the southern bank of the Thiou river in July 2018

City Government

Annecy is divided into four areas called cantons. These are Annecy-1, Annecy-2, Annecy-3, and Annecy-4. It is also the main city, or prefecture, of Haute-Savoie.

Since 2017, Annecy has six main parts. These are Annecy itself, plus Annecy-le-Vieux, Cran-Gevrier, Meythet, Pringy, and Seynod. The city is run by a city council with 202 members. The number of members from each part depends on how many people live there. The current Mayor is François Astorg.

Annecy also works with 34 other towns in a group called Communauté d'agglomération du Grand Annecy.

Geography of Annecy

A street scene in Annecy city center, 2019

The Fier river forms part of the city's northwestern edge. Annecy is surrounded by beautiful mountains. These include Mont Veyrier, Mont Semnoz, La Tournette, and Parmelan.

Weather in Annecy

Annecy has an oceanic climate. This means it has mild temperatures. Summers are usually moderate, but can sometimes have very hot days. Winters have some freezing temperatures, but often stay above freezing during the day. It rains often, and snow is not unusual.

Culture in Annecy

Annecy is famous for its cultural events. It has hosted the Annecy International Animated Film Festival since 1960. This is one of the oldest film festivals in France. The city also hosts the International Meetings of Cinema & Architecture.

Sports in Annecy

Annecy is a great place for sports.

• On July 23, 2009, Annecy hosted a stage of the Tour de France cycling race. It was the start and finish point for a time trial around Lake Annecy. It also hosted a stage of the 2018 Tour de France in 2018.
• Annecy tried to host the 2018 Winter Olympics. However, the games were given to Pyeongchang. If Annecy had been chosen, it would have been the fourth French city to host the Winter Olympics.
• The former Ligue 1 soccer team Évian Thonon Gaillard F.C. played their home games in Annecy.
• The Annecy area is one of the best places in the world for paragliding. This sport is very important to the local economy. Major competitions are often held here, like a leg of the Paragliding World Cup in 2012.
• Because it's near the lake and mountains, Annecy is popular for many activities. These include water sports like sailing and wakeboarding. Winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are also popular. There are smaller ski resorts nearby, and bigger ones like La Clusaz are only 40 minutes away.
• Annecy is also a favorite spot for trail runners. Many races are held throughout the year, including the World Trail Running Championships in 2015.

Main Sights to See

The Palais de l'Isle and the Thiou river

• The Palais de l'Isle is a castle from the 12th century. It sits on an island in the Thiou river. It was used as a prison and courthouse for a long time. It was also a prison during World War II. Today, it is a Historical Monument and a local history museum.
• The Château d'Annecy (Annecy Castle) was once the home of the Counts of Geneva.
• The Église Saint-Maurice is a church built in the 15th century.

Education

• Université Savoie Mont Blanc
• Polytech'Savoie

Population of Annecy

Here is how the population of Annecy has changed over the years:

Research and Economy

Research Organizations

Annecy is home to several research groups. These include:

• LAPP Laboratoire d'Annecy-le-Vieux de Physique des Particules, which studies physics.
• LISTIC, a lab focused on computer science and information.
• The Mecatronics department of CETIM.
• Different research and development (R&D) activities at the Université de Savoie.

Economy

The logo of the City of Annecy

In the 1800s, Annecy was known for making linen and cotton goods. It also produced glass, cutlery, and leather. There were also iron mines nearby. By the time of the First World War, Annecy had factories making felt hats and paper. It also had a famous bell foundry in Annecy-le-Vieux.

Today, several companies have offices in and around Annecy:

• Salomon Group
• adixen Vacuum Products
• Sopra Group
• Ubisoft Annecy

Transportation

The Gare d'Annecy railway station connects Annecy to many cities. You can travel to Lyon, Geneva, Paris, and Grenoble from here.

Annecy – Haute-Savoie – Mont Blanc Airport is currently used for private flights.

Twin Towns

Annecy is twinned with these cities:

• Bayreuth, Germany
• Cheltenham, England, United Kingdom
• Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia
• Sainte-Thérèse, Canada
• Vicenza, Italy

Associations

Annecy is part of the Alpine Town of the Year Association. This group works with other Alpine towns to help the region grow in a sustainable way. Annecy was named the Alpine Town of the Year in 2012.

Notable People from Annecy

Francis de Sales in Annecy

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Many interesting people have come from Annecy or have a connection to the city:

• Bernard Accoyer (born 1945), a politician who was the President of the National Assembly.
• Bernard Bosson (1948–2017), a politician and former Mayor of Annecy.
• Jules Bouyer (born 2002), a diver.
• Eustace Chapuys (around 1490–1556), an ambassador to the English King Henry VIII.
• Francis de Sales (1567–1622), a bishop and Catholic Saint.
• André Dussollier (born 1946), an actor.
• Emmanuel Leducq-Barôme (born 1971), a conductor.
• Bernard Miège (born 1941), a media expert.
• Guillaume Perret (born 1980), a jazz musician.
• Emmanuel Tarpin (born 1992), a jewelry designer.
• Cécile Vogt-Mugnier (1875–1962), a brain researcher.

Sports Figures

• Louis Lachenal (1921–1955), an alpinist who was one of the first to climb a mountain over 8,000 meters.
• Bernard Collomb (1930-2011), a racing driver.
• Vincent Vittoz (born 1975), a cross-country skier.
• Johan Clarey (born 1981), an alpine skier who won a silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
• Thomas Fanara (born 1981), an alpine skier who competed in three Winter Olympics.
• David Poisson (born 1982), an alpine skier.
• Steve Missillier (born 1984), an alpine skier who won a silver medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
• Jonathan Midol (born 1988), a freestyle skier who won a bronze medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
• Christophe Lemaitre (born 1990), a sprinter who won a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
• Côme Ledogar (born 1991), a racing driver.
• Axelle Mollaret (born 1992), a ski mountaineer.
• Hugo Lapalus (born 1998), a cross-country skier who won a team bronze medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
• Sacha Fenestraz (born 1999), a racing driver.

People Connected to Annecy

• Jane Frances de Chantal (1572–1641), a Catholic Saint who founded a religious order in Annecy.
• Jean Coppier, a notary in Annecy in 1396.
• Claude Favre de Vaugelas (1585–1650), a writer and grammarian.
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778), a famous writer and philosopher who spent time in Annecy.
• Claude Louis Berthollet (1748–1822), a doctor and chemist who studied medicine here.
• Eugène Sue (1804–1857), a writer who lived his last years in Annecy.

Gallery

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  Annecy, often called the "Venice of the Alps"

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  The Palais de l'Isle building

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  Houses along the Thiou river

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  Restaurants along the Thiou river

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  The Thiou river

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  Another view of the Thiou river

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  The Palais de l'Isle at night

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  Annecy Château

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  A view of the Canal

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  Lake Annecy from the south dock of Annecy

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  The Church of St. Francis

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  The Imperial Hotel

See also

In Spanish: Annecy para niños