Annecy Medieval Town, France

After a refreshing walk by the Annecy lake, we strolled upstream along the banks of the waterway towards the medieval town.  There was a change of scene; the peaceful view of the lake gave way to that of a picturesque town. The multi-colored old buildings on both sides of the waterway captured our eyes.

On one side of the bank, there is a narrow walkway of about 15 ft wide with endless cafes, restaurants and bistros along it,  on the other side, the face of the buildings stood vertically on the edge of the water. This indeed  is one of the most beautiful small cities in France.

Annecy’s medieval town is  a joy to stroll through. The lovely old town with its endless flower-filled  balconies is the main sight.  While the buildings are of different colors,  shapes and heights, when put together they are like a delightful jig-jaw which is picturesque. The colors on the building walls are in harmony with each other and many buildings have  arcades that provide welcome shade on sunny days and shelter during rain or  snow. It was an interesting sight and we were enticed to walk further and further upstream.

Along the waterway were some swans. We were excited in seeing the swans as they are not common at all in our part of the world.

It was also interesting to watch people feeding the swans.

No visit to Annecy is complete without some shopping at the Sunday Market in Annecy’s vielle ville (old town). The Michelin Green Guide calls it the best market in France.

We have always liked visiting the markets on our tours. It gives us a chance of seeing how people live, what people eat and buy in the place. It also gives you a feeling that you are among the people which is completely different from the feeling that your are just passing by, gazing through the windows of a tour bus.

We were amazed to find even footbridge crossings were used as markets. The place was so full of people that very often we have to squeeze through.

It was a Sunday when we were there. While visiting the markets, we were excited by the colors of the market, the goods and vegetable they sold. We found the cheese we bought in the market very yummy and soft; something which we have never tasted before.

Much of the old town of Annecy has only very narrow streets and alleys that  are open to pedestrians only. It is a great town to explore on foot with many  interesting small shops selling all things imaginable.

We have been to many towns which are built by the river, but Annecy is one which is so unique and full of life and colors which we will remember for a long time to come. The town walk is certainly something not to be missed by  architects and artists.