Annecy is a unique pond of turquoise color, a natural phenomenon of amazing beauty. Filled with clean drinking water, the lake is located in the department of Haute Savoie, France. Annecy in French - Lac d'Annecy, so this spelling of the name - Annecy is often found. The natural body of water is almost inferior in beauty and popularity to its larger neighbors - Lake Geneva and Lac du Bourget.
Where is the amazing lake located?
The geographic coordinates of the natural reservoir: 45 ° 51 ′ N 6 ° 10 ′ E On its northern shore is the city of Annecy. In France, this settlement with a population of over 50 thousand inhabitants is considered the administrative center of Haute Savoie. Another nearby town is Crans-Gevrier. Annecy Lake is located 145 km from Lyon, the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region. Through this large city passes the road from Paris to the east, to the Alps. A natural body of water is located 80.5 km south of Swiss Geneva. The road is laid through a beautiful area, it is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and sunny valleys.
How to get to the city and the lake of the same name
In Annecy, trains and buses depart from many French and European cities . There is an option to get from Geneva Airport via Aix-les-Bains by rail. From the Swiss city you need to take a train to Upper Savoy, France. Annecy has a modern multifunctional train station combined with a bus station. Another option for traveling from Geneva is to drive your own or rented car. The train from Paris takes 3 hours 30 minutes, from Lyon to Annecy Central Station - 1 hour 50 minutes. The station has parking and buses that go to nearby ski resorts, as well as to major cities in the region. There is a direct bus from Lyon Airport to Annecy.
In this charming area, tourists can stay in comfortable hotels, which number more than 40, rent a chalet, rent apartments. North and west coasts in different eras were built up with villas, castles and cottages.
Annecy Lake, France. Origin
A stunning lake with crystal clear water lies at the foot of the Alps, surrounded by mountains and forests. The calm expanse reflects magnificent landscapes. Annecy Basin owes its origin to ancient glaciation and tectonic movements. During the last cooling of the climate 18–19 thousand years ago and the subsequent melting and retreat of the alpine glaciers, crushing, erosion of stones and sand, filling of meadows with gorges and lowlands took place.
The main characteristics of the lake:
- absolute height - 446.6 m;
- length from north to south - 14.6 km;
- width - 3.3 km;
- the average and greatest depths are 41.5 m and 82 m, respectively.
Natural features, climate
All France, including Annecy, lies in a zone of temperate climate with sufficient moisture. In summer, during the beach season, the average air temperature in the area of the lake is 25 ° C, the water heats up to 22 ° C. In January, the average water temperature reaches 6 ° C. Precipitation is even throughout the year, there are fogs. Snow and frost are rare.
A major role in the water supply of the lake is given to seven main streams and mountain springs. When filling the basin, part of the water goes into the Tiu river, which merges with the river. Fie. That, in turn, carries its waters further to the Rhone, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The eastern and northern shores of the lake are protected by mountains. There is enough heat and moisture in the region so that trees, shrubs and flowers can grow magnificently. More than 20 species of fish live in the lake itself, and wild animals are found in the forests on the coast.
Ecology and tourism
Clean air, beautiful landscapes, vineyards and orchards - all this is provincial France. Annecy is the most environmentally friendly corner of the country. Tales of an unusual turquoise lake is not an advertising ploy. The water is really amazingly blue due to the special composition of phytoplankton.
A strict ban on the discharge of industrial and municipal wastewater into the reservoir was introduced in 1960. Since then, the popularity of the lake as a beach holiday destination has significantly increased. They come to Annecy all year round, but most tourists prefer the summer period. Here they fully enjoy swimming in the purest waters, fishing, horse riding. From the embankment of Napoleon III, tourists go on a boat trip along a beautiful lake. Other leisure options:
- cycling routes along the perimeter of the lake (40 km);
- nearby alpine ski resorts;
- thermal towns and spa;
- mini-golf courses.
City Annecy, France. sights
In the quiet provincial part of eastern France, the spirit of medieval romance still hovers. Annecy is a network of narrow cobbled streets, canals and bridges. Three rivers flow through the old part, some houses stand directly on the water, which served as a reason for comparing the city with Venice. Tourists enjoy walking along the lake and around the city.
Translation guides and detailed tourist maps help solve the problem of what to see in Annecy. France is a country in which they are sensitive to the rich historical and cultural heritage. Its part is the castle of the Palais de Lille. Externally, the main architectural attraction of the city resembles the bow of a ship. Since its appearance in the XII century, the building served as a prison, a mint, and then was transferred to the Cultural Heritage Fund of France. Exhibitions are held in the castle, tours are organized to explore the former casemates. Other popular Annecy attractions:
- the building of the former private hotel de Sal, built at the end of the XVII century;
- well st. Jean
- the bell tower of the XVI century;
- former town hall;
- the cathedral of St. Maurice, the patron saint of Annecy, erected in the 15th century;
- St. Francis Church;
- Statue of the catholic patron of journalists and writers Francis Salsky;
- St. Peter's Basilica, built in 1535;
- The former bishop's palace, which now houses the conservatory;
- bridge of love.
Connoisseurs of antiquity, lovers of beach and outdoor activities, water skiing, admire the city and the lake, which is famous for Haute Savoie, France. Annecy was chosen by the Catholic Bishop Francis of Sale, who had fled from Geneva during the Reformation. This was the first wave of travel to the lake at the beginning of the 16th century. Francis accompanied the retinue from the cultural and religious elite of Europe.
Nowadays, the reservoir has gained fame as a prestigious resort. Colorful festivals and holidays attract the attention of tourists. One of the main ones is the annual lake holiday. During it, a magnificent pyrotechnic show is organized.