Discovery tour: Le tour du lac d'Annecy

The Maison du Salève is a lively, friendly place where you can discover the history and heritage of the Salève massif through exhibitions, workshops, guided tours, discovery trails, conferences and even anniversaries.Located in the countryside at Présilly, Maison du Salève offers unusual activities connected to its exhibitions, including guided tours, workshops, lectures and nature trails. Walks suitable for people of all ages start from the Maison, including the ‘In the footsteps of the Carthusians’ discovery trail, the pilgrim route to Santiago da Compostela, and the Chemin des Convers, which takes you to summit of the Salève. The Maison du Salève’s eco-boutique features local artisans, food producers and writers.

All year round, discover the home of Santa Claus and his elves, Mother Christmas and the Attic with its sandman. A marvellous world offering a variety of activities depending on the season, but always at the heart of the magic of Christmas.It's in the Savoy region of France that Santa Claus has made his home, and opens the doors of his dwelling to you. You'll plunge into his daily life as you visit his workshop, his kitchen, his bedroom... all places that have been kept secret until now, and which will be revealed before your very eyes... A little further on, push open the door of the Maison des Mères Noël to discover their very feminine world. They'll then invite you to come and listen to one of their wonderful stories by the fire in the storytelling house in the garden. Finally, the Marchand de Sable, guardian of the splendid attic, will encourage children who are old enough to give up their pacifier forever by placing it on the giant luminous Christmas tree. To prolong the magic a little longer, the crêperie and souvenir store await you. Open at different times of the year, don't hesitate to check the opening times and seasonal activities. Santa Claus, Mothers Claus and the Sandman will be there every time you visit, to meet you and tell you their many anecdotes.

France's 8th largest theme park, the Grand Parc d'Andilly welcomes you with its four universes that punctuate the year.Discover the different worlds of the Grand Parc d'Andilly, designed and run by the Petit Pays association. - Les Grandes Médiévales d'Andilly, a 5-day festival in the heart of the Middle Ages in spring. - The Grand Parc d'Andilly in summer - Le Hameau du Père Noël open from spring to early winter. -Le Grand Parc in winter

Farm visit and discovery of food produced by Mother Nature. Horticultural and kitchen garden greenhouses. Meet donkeys and other farm animals.La Ferme de Chosal is an educational farm where children can celebrate their birthdays, take part in mini-internships, experience sensory trails, go for walks with a donkey, discover the greenhouses where flowers and vegetable seedlings are produced and sold, and the gardens, and stroll along the Art and Nature trail. Our eco-boutique also offers vegetables from the Ferme de Chosal and from natural, sustainable agriculture (you can also subscribe to our vegetable baskets), as well as local produce. Our natural and unusual cabins await you to unwind and relax in an ideal setting on the banks of the Usses river. We also have rooms available for corporate seminars.

A bridge dating from 1839, representing the industrial engineering know-how of the period. The bridge has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1966. It is also one of the 25 emblematic tourist sites in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.The idea of building a suspension bridge was approved in 1834 by King Charles-Albert, Duke of Savoy, who gave his name to the structure. 180m long and 147m high, the bridge is now entirely pedestrianized. Historically, crossing the gorges of the river Usses was difficult and dangerus. From the 18th century, the introdution of a new era of the appeasement of a dispute between the Calvinist Republic of Geneva and the Catholic Duchy of Savoy revitalised the Annecy - Geneva route, requiring a definite need for a suspention bridge. Savoy was under the authority of the House of Savoy, but it was engineers from the French Ponts et Chaussée establishment of engeneering that were retained, M. Belin and M. Lehaitre. Work began on March 10, 1838 and would last 16 months.

Sur votre route entre Annecy et Genève venez faire une pause gourmande sur le site des Ponts de la Caille est profiter le l'aire de pique-nique avec ses installations : tables et bancs, bains de soleils, sentier de promenades...Pendant les travaux sur le site des Ponts de la Caille, l'accès à l'aire de pique-nique n'est plus autorisés.

The Tourist Office offers the following services: - sale of books for hikes around Lake Annecy (IGN, walks around the lake ...), - sale of books and DVD featuring the history of the city and surrounding sites, - sales of Gourmet Map (1 meal purchased, one free meal in 25 participating restaurants) - sale of books bus network SIBRA, - ticket sales for tours of the old town. Throughout the year, many ticket shows, concerts ...

Discover a historical monument, the museum and its temporary exhibitions, displayed in the exceptional setting of the former residence of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours.Listed as a Historical Monument in 1902, Annecy Castle became the residence of the Counts of Geneva in the 13th and 14th centuries. Over the following two centuries, successive modifications transformed the castle, giving it the unique appearance we can admire today.  The resulting structure is a combination of medieval defensive architecture and renaissance elegance, inspired by castles in Ile de France. Abandoned as a residence in the 17th century, the Annecy Castle was later used as military barracks until 1947. The Castle-Museum In 1953, the city of Annecy bought the castle from the Ministry of Defense. The museum's first exhibition was inaugurated three years later. Since then, the museum has presented various temporary exhibitions for visitors, as well as collections related to regional heritage, underwater archeology, medieval sculpture, landscape painting, contemporary art and animation films. Architecture In its current state, the castle is a good illustration of how castle architecture changed between the 13th and 16th centuries. The Tour de la Reine is the oldest part of the castle, dating back to the 13th century.  Built on elevated ground, it most likely replaced a primitive keep.  Measuring over 30 meters high and with walls up to 3.3 meters thick, the tower was used for defensive and military purposes.   The residential quarters of the castle are more recent.  Both the Logis Nemours and the Logis Neuf (new lodging house) can be dated to the 16th century and are typical examples of Renaissance architecture.  These later constructions clearly attest to the growing importance of elegance and comfort to be found in princely residences.  Large windows adorn the facades and allow for natural light to enter the rooms, some of which are decorated with wall paintings and equipped with latrines. 

Once the Grand Seminary for the diocese of Annecy, it now houses a collection of art works that form part of the area’s artistic heritage: the Paul Payot collection; history of mountaineering, the Chastel collection; 16th/17th/19th C paintings.

On the shores of Lake Annecy, the garden of Europe is a popular place to stroll. It is also a historic site used since the Middle Ages for many uses. Religious property until the Revolution, it is now a privileged space.

Lay your beach towel out on the grass at this recently revamped sandy beach and enjoy the peace and quiet as you gaze at Les Dents de Lanfon and Tournette Mountain.From 06/26 to 08.29, beach monitored by Lifeguards. Children's games. Showers and toilets. Snack bar and restaurant on-site. A ramp and floating loungers are available free of charge for people with reduced mobility for easier access into the water. Just a stone's throw away are the sailing and canoe and kayak clubs. Direct access from the promenade cycle path.

Opposite the Dents de Lanfon and the Tournette mountain, a large grassy sandy beach. Ideal for families and children. "Blue Flag" label since 2010.In July/August (9.30 am - 5.30 pm), admission charge for beach which is monitored by Lifeguards. Relax in the shade of the tall trees, enjoy a game of volleyball or pétanque, or the diving board, pontoons, and children's paddling pool and games. Showers and toilets. Snack bar and restaurant on-site. A ramp and floating loungers are available free of charge for people with reduced mobility for easier access into the water. Just a stone's throw away is the Les Roselières path for exploring the lakeside.

Need some down-time? Come and relax on the grass at this beach opposite the Château de Duingt. A truly beautiful place where the deep blue waters of the lake contrast with the lush green of the park.This is the largest beach in Talloires. Located close to the heart of the village, it is always very busy and lively. It offers a breathtaking panorama of the small lake and its azure waters win all the votes! Beach supervised by lifeguards Diving board and slide Pool for the little ones Swimming lessons Large sunny lawn but also a lot of shade. Benches. Beach towel sales, deckchair rental. Beach volleyball and pétanque. Lending of volleyballs and table tennis rackets. Bar and restaurant on site. The nautical center is located within the perimeter of the beach (sailing, paddle, kayak, catamaran lessons and rental). 440 parking spaces nearby. Please note, dogs are not accepted on the beach.

Inhabited by the same family since the 11th century and built between the 12th and 20th centuries, it still contains its rich variety of furniture and period decoration. Nestled on a rocky outcrop, it offers a sublime view of the lake and the landscape.In the 12th century, the castle had only three high square towers linked by sentry walks and a large courtyard where the villagers found refuge in times of trouble. During the Renaissance, the austere castle was transformed into a place of residence. Then, at the end of the 18th century, a facade was built, opening up a view of the lake. Then, at the end of the 19th century, under the impetus of the great-grandfather of the current owners, René de Menthon, the castle began its great metamorphosis towards that romantic subtlety which makes up its charm and even its mystery...

Not too keen on the sunshine? Settle down in the shade of the trees and relax on the grass at this beach.In July/August (10 am - 7 pm), admission charge for beach which is monitored by Lifeguards. Paddling-pool and games for the children. Showers and toilets. Snack bar on-site. Just a stone's throw away is the sailing club and a lovely walk by the lakeside.

The Marina is situated on the Philibert d'Orlye promenade, a pedestrian promenade perfect for a stroll.10 annual berths. Part of the harbour is occupied by pedal boat and small motor boat hire companies, the remainder is reserved for the commune's Fishing Association.

The Pays Rochois Tourist Office is located in the Maison du Pays Rochois, right in the town centre and next to the Andrevetan car park. It is open all year round from Monday to Saturday.You'll find information on sights to see and things to do throughout the Haute-Savoie department. An information point is also open at the Tour des Comtes de Genève on Sunday afternoons from May to September. The Tourist Office organizes guided tours of the medieval town for individuals from May to September, and for groups all year round. It also organizes several events, including the free summer festival Zik'en Ville, as well as the giant Braderie Vide-grenier in early June, the European Heritage Days in September and Rondes et Lumières with its ice rink and children's shows in December. Our reception service offers you the following services: - Printing and photocopying. - Local documentation available. - Sale of fishing permits. - Tennis court reservations.