Annecy, France

 

Annecy, population 130,000, is always crawling with tourists. This is probably the most photographed

scene in Annecy. You've got the 12th century castle Palais de I'lsle in the middle of the slow-moving Thiou river along with colorful flowers lining the riverbanks. Over the centuries the castle had been a courthouse and prison--even housing prisoners during World War II--it now houses a museum.  

The beautiful old town is worth wandering around. 

Along with the Thiou river, three canals pass through Annecy--giving it the nickname "Venice of the Alps". 

I've been to Annecy multiple times with the last being in 2010. Scroll back on my blog to 2010 to see pictures. Anyway, it seems I always show up on a Sunday and of course, most of the patisseries would be closed. It's not Sunday but, don't find a single pastry shop worth trying. 

I do however find a butcher/deli worth grabbing some edibles. 

   

Window display of the butcher/deli shop

Another canal view.

More scenes from old town. 

That's Annecy Castle in the background. I better go up for a closer look.  

This is the entrance to Annecy Castle, which was built between the 12th and 16th centuries. There's a complex of buildings inside however, it's 9:30 AM and it doesn't open until 10:30 AM and I don't want to hang around.

Like most parts of the world, there's a homeless problem here as this guy is catching a few winks. 

Part of Annecy Castle fortifications. 

Another canal view.

It's 9:30 AM and the old town is coming alive.

Another canal view.

Bridge over canal.

Lake Annecy is a beautiful lake. I've cycled around--roughly 20 miles.