What is Annecy, France like?

Wednesday, my husband and I decided to take advantage of the gorgeous weather we've been having with a visit to one of our favorite towns in the area – Annecy – in the Haute-Savoie department of France. If you're visiting Geneva, Switzerland, Annecy is the perfect day trip, by car or train.

The Pont des Amours (Love Bridge) is a well known tourist spot.

Annecy is situated on the Lac de Annecy and is known as 'the Venice of the Alps' due to the canals that wind through its Vieille Ville (old town).

The view from the other side of the Pont des Amours.

This was a good week to go as the bulk of summer tourists have returned home (school starts here September 1st).  The Palais de l’Isle is probably Annecy's most photographed point of interest. Built in the 12th century, it's had several incarnations over the years – from aristocratic residence to prison.

The Palais de l'Isle (center) one of Annecy's most photographed points of interest.

Pastel buildings and cobbled streets invite you to wander through the Vieille Ville.

Pastel building fronts in the old town.

If all that walking works up your appetite, you'll have no problem finding something to eat; temptation abounds. This boulangerie always has a line out the door.

The window display in this boulangerie makes your mouth water.

Annecy hotels are plentiful. Our favorite restaurant in Annecy, the Auberge du Lyonnais (blue awning to the left in the photo below), is an excellent seafood restaurant and very nice small hotel.

Make sure your batteries are charged – photo ops abound.

If you happen to be in Annecy around the holidays, the Christmas Market is a must visit.