Title: The Secret Canals of Annecy: France’s Little Venice

Nestled between the mountains of the French Alps is a town which seems like a dream so pretty that its pastel-colored houses are reflected in gleaming canals, and the cobblestone streets are paved with delightful bridges and the alpine air floods your lungs with freshness. Your welcome to Annecy, which finds itself dubbed as the Little Venice of France, a place that best fuses the beauty of the nature, the medieval charm and the romantic peace. Arrange your trip to this fairy-tale town by first Applying to France visa in Dubai before planning your trip.

An Omnichannel Tour of the Beauty of Annecy.

Annecy, the town in the southeastern part of France, which is close to the Swiss border, is among the most scenic towns of Europe. Annecy is a maze of narrow streets that is called its old town Vieille Ville and is surrounded by buildings painted in pastel, with flower boxes. The canals that pass across the town bring a hint of Venetian to it, thus the title, the Little Venice of the Alps.

A stroll in Annecy is like going back in time. Each bridge, each street and each stream narrates a tale of a town which has not lost its charm during centuries. Annecy is further enhanced by the addition of magic by the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy which is said to be the cleanest lake in Europe.

The Canals That Characterize the Town.

It is not merely pretty to see its canals, and the canals of Annecy are a part of the soul of the town. They were initially constructed to act as a water management system and also to drive mills in the medieval times. Nowadays they are the most recognizable element of Annecy and the paradise of a photographer.

The French river, the shortest, yet one of the prettiest, is the Thiou River which issues out of the old town of Annecy, a river flowing out of Lake Annecy. Surrounded by cafes, flowers on the balconies and markets, it makes postcard-perfect visions around every turn. All you have to do is spend a leisurely stroll either along the Rue Sainte-Claire or the Rue Royale, which have views of both scenic canals and local life.

The old town seems like the masterpiece of the artist, as the canals are covered with colorful flowers during spring and summer. The sunlight reflections on the water, the sound of soft waves and smell of freshly baked croissants in the local cafes make the atmosphere that belongs directly to a romantic movie.

Palais de l’Isle: The Annecy Seal.

The Palais de l’Isle, a triangular structure made of stone, directly in the center of a canal, perhaps no image can be more descriptive of Annecy. It was once a medieval prison and a courthouse but nowadays, it is a museum of Annecy history and architecture. The site of the building, which is encircled by water everywhere, has made it to be among the most photographed buildings in France.

When you cross the Pont Perriere, you will be looking right into the Palais, which is flawlessly framed by pastel houses and the gleaming canal. Go there at night, when the golden glow of the sunset is bouncing off the water--it is a sight that takes you right to the heart of Annecy.

Exploring Beyond the Canals

Although the canals are the major attraction to Annecy, it has a lot more to offer besides the canals.

• Lake Annecy: Lake Annecy is the crown of the region, and it is perfect to swim, kayak, and paddleboard in the summer, and this lake is crystal-clear. It is also possible to go on a boat adventure to have a panoramic view of the Alps.

• Chate de Annecy: This medieval castle has a panoramic view of the old town and a museum that is exhibited with the art and culture of the region as well as the alps.

• Jardins de l’Europe: A green garden that is adjacent to the lake and ideal to walk around or have a picnic in the shade of trees.

Local Markets: You can go and enjoy the local markets that happen a number of times throughout the week and there you can get French cheeses cured meats and handcrafted good the real feel of the Savoyard.

The Gastronomic Walk around Annecy.

The cuisine in Annecy is a tasty mixture of the alpine and the French. Gourmets will not be short of options as warmly-lit bistros and lakeside restaurants will offer the local fare.

Another dish that can be missed is tartiflette, a baked dish that contains potatoes, reblochon cheese, and onions, a dish that is a comfort food in the area. Raclette is another dish that should not be left out as it is a tasty dish that should be shared with friends. To top it all, finish with crêpes or tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry tart), to be served in the canal with a cup of thick French coffee.

When you are dining along Thiou river have a restaurant terrace that looks into the water - it is a sure way to fall in love with Annecy.

Best Time to Visit Annecy

Annecy is gorgeous all year round, and the various seasons depict the town with a new color.

• Spring: It is best to take walks in the canals and watch the flowers bloom.

• Summer: Ideal lake activities and festivals such as the Fete du Lac which is an amazing fireworks event.

• Autumn: It is not so full of people and the fall colors mirroring the canals are just astounding.

• Winter Winter: Annecy is an attractive winter base to people who visit the local ski resorts. The canals are shining with a covering of snow, and it is a fantastic experience.

  
  

Sights and Soundings of Culture.

Scenic beauty is not the only thing that Annecy has to offer, not to mention that it is also the center of cultural and artistic activities.

Annecy international animated film festival: It is one of the major animation festivals across the world taking place every June.

Venetian Carnival: This is based on the carnival of Venice and people wear fancy masks and costumes moving through the canals.

Christmas Market: In the month of December, the ancient town turns into a winter wonderland with lights, stalls and attire.

How to Reach Annecy

Annecy is conveniently located. Geneva, the closest large city, is only 45 kilometers and is therefore a day trip to the travelers. Annecy can be accessed by train, bus or car in other cities such as Lyon, Geneva, or Paris.

To those travelling out of the UAE you are able to fly to Geneva or Lyon and then make a short flight to Annecy. Prepare all the travel documents and check your France visa in Dubai with Go Kite Travel just to make sure that you are going on a stress free trip.

Conclusion

The canals of Annecy are not waterways, they are more like the veins of history, culture and romance of the town. It could be that you are strolling through its cobblestone streets, enjoying French delicacies along the water or that you are looking at the mountains in the reflection on Lake Annecy; this town will always be in your heart.

To those who are dreaming about taking a journey in Little Venice in France, the Go Kite Travel will make it come true. Begin your adventure by booking your visa to France at Dubai through Go Kite Travel and walk into the fairy tale of Annecy, a place which would leave you with pictures you would remember all your life.