La Vieille Ville
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About
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Why go
- The Château d’Annecy, once the residence of the dukes of Genevois-Nemours
- Saint-Pierre Cathedral, Saint-Maurice Church and Saint-François Church
Don't miss
- Palais de l’ÎleThis historic building stands on a natural rocky island in the Thiou River.On a rocky island in the Thiou River
- Porte Sainte-ClaireIts ogival arch, machicolations and small bell tower face toward Chambéry.
- Château d’AnnecyIt houses the Musée-Château and the Regional Observatory of Alpine Lakes.
- Pont des AmoursThe iron footbridge offers views of Lake Annecy, the mountains and Canal du Vassé.
Tips for your visit
- La Vieille Ville can experience overtourism during some periods of the year.
Interesting facts3
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The many canals have earned the old town the nickname “Venice of the Alps.”
Vieille ville d'Annecy - Wikipedia -
The old town’s architecture is mainly influenced by Piedmont.
Vieille ville d'Annecy - Wikipedia -
Its five notable church towers represent five periods of history; examples include those of Basilique de la Visitation and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.
Le Vieil Annecy : vieille ville et monuments - OT du Lac d'Annecy
Shorts
History
The fortified town was first called Boutae, then Annecy-le-Neuf, before becoming le Vieil Annecy. Porte Perrière served as its main entrance for centuries, connecting the town toward Faverges, Albertville and Italy, and linking it to the château. Visitors once paid to pass through the fortified town’s gates. The Thiou carried farm goods and materials from the lakeshore into town. The Palais de l’Île later served as a prison, administrative hotel, court, mint and archive.
- NeolithicRemains of lakeside settlements in the area date to around 4000 BC.
- 12th c.The Palais de l’Île was a modest fortified house and the castellan’s residence.
- 1401Savoy bought the château; it became a ducal residence in the 16th century.
- 19th c.The old town wall remained almost intact until the early 19th century; only a few remains survive.
- 1900The Palais de l’Île became a Historic Monument.
Show all
- 1907Claude Grandchamp built the iron Pont des Amours footbridge.
- 1953The town bought and restored the château after it housed military forces until the Second World War.
Sources: Vieille ville d'Annecy - Wikipedia · Le Vieil Annecy : vieille ville et monuments - … · checked 7 Oct 2026
Questions and answers
Does La Vieille Ville get crowded?
It can experience overtourism during some periods of the year.
Which historic churches are in La Vieille Ville?
Saint-Pierre Cathedral, Saint-Maurice Church and Saint-François Church are in the old town.
What was La Vieille Ville called before?
It was called Boutae, then Annecy-le-Neuf, before becoming le Vieil Annecy.
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