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Explore Annecy from L'Imperial Palace

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Immerse yourself in the radiant beauty of Annecy from L'Imperial Palace. Start your day with a stroll along Lake Annecy, known as the 'Blue Lake' for its clear waters. Enjoy a boat ride or a paddleboarding excursion. Wander through Annecy's old town and explore its charming canals and cobblestone streets. The Palais de l'Île and Château d'Annecy offer a journey through the region's history. Hiking...See more

Walking around L'IMPERIAL PALACE

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Take a walk around L'IMPERIAL PALACE.
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Cycling looping: Les Préalpes Aravis
199 m

Cycling looping: Les Préalpes Aravis

310 km - 6340 m of height gain - 25 cols - 5 days A 310-km circuit that meanders through the unspoilt villages and beautiful meadows of the mountains surrounding Lake Annecy. Day 1 - Annecy/Albertville - Height gain: 1570 m - Distance: 80 km An easy warm up on the leg to Menthon-St-Bernard is followed by the steep climb to the Col de la Forclaz and its magnificent belvedere overlooking Lake Annecy. The descent to Faverges is followed by a second, much easier climb to the Col de Tamié and its abbey, which produces a delicious cheese - called Tamié, of course. Day 2 - Albertville/Flumet - Height gain: 1800 m - Distance: 60 km This strenuous stage begins with the climb to the village of Queige and a succession of superb hairpins to another Col de la Forclaz, this time above Ugine. From Ugine, the route goes up a quiet little road for 16 km, climbing steadily all the way. After the descent to Héry sur Ugine, one final effort is required to get to Flumet. Day 3 - Flumet/Thorens-Glières - Height gain: 1300 m - Distance: 80 km The route through picturesque villages and vast alpine pastures provides wonderful open views of the Mont Blanc Massif. The day begins with the climb to the Col des Aravis and a lovely descent to La Clusaz and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt. Do not underestimate the very sustained climb to the Glières Plateau. Day 4 - Thorens-Glières/Andilly - Height gain: 110 m - Distance: 40 km This traverse of the Bornes Plateau and Mont Salève goes over no fewer than nine passes. Fantastic views of Geneva, its lake and the Jura Mountains provide just reward. Day 5 - Andilly/Annecy - Height gain: 560 m - Distance: 50 km A gentle return leg to Annecy along quiet country roads. A short detour to see the impressive Pont de la Caille suspension bridge over the Usses Gorge is well worth the effort.

310 km
74000 Annecy
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Lake Annecy greenway
387 m

Lake Annecy greenway

One of the oldest greenways in France. It allows you to discover an exceptional environment. Its first part is built alongside the lake and its beaches. An independent path shared with roller-skaters and pedestrians for a return trip away from road traffic. Path: north/south. Landmarks and connections: Saint-Jorioz (crossing the Leschaux Circuit n°8) ; Faverges (separation with the Tamié Circuit n°48) ; possibility in Marlens to go on to the Savoie greenway up to Ugine. Description: this is probably one of the oldest greenways in France, offering an independent 35km-long path. Starting from the Paquier grass area, and after crossing the pont des Amours and cycling along the marina, you can then find the greenway’s start, near the Marquisats. The track is set between the lake and the Semnoz mountain’s foothills: you can reach several beaches from Sevrier and Saint-Jorioz (bathing, water activities). A little bit further, you find yourself in Duingt. At the intersection with the road leading to Entrevernes, there is a rest area, right at the foot of the climbing site. After crossing the small tunnel, the Maladière area is suitable for a break allowing you to discover the surrounding mountains (la Tournette – among others – culminating at 2351m). In Bredannaz, after 14km of cycle path, another rest area is at your disposal with picnic tables, restrooms and water available. A steam locomotive is displayed so as to remind you that the cycle path was built on an old railway. Once you get to Doussard, you can find one last beach before the cycle path leads you further away from the lake, towards Faverges (24km from the start). Take the time for a stroll in the Bout du Lac nature reserve, a large area of wetlands home to more than 650 plant and emblematic animal species, including the beaver. You can follow the reserve’s path, marked with educational boards/signs. In Marlens, you can leave the path by taking right to reach the artificial lake with its small leisure centre (picnic area, petanque ground…) Soon after Marlens, you enter the Savoie department and finally arrive in Ugine which marks the end of the greenway after 35km.

35 km
Very easy
Annecy 74000 Annecy
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What to do in L'IMPERIAL PALACE

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Enjoy unforgettable moments in L'IMPERIAL PALACE by booking activities for everyone.
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Mobilboard Segway, electric bikes and scooters
172 m

Mobilboard Segway, electric bikes and scooters

Let Mobilboard Annecy add a new dimension to your Segway experience, with alternative guided tours in and around the city, and nature excursions in the surrounding mountains... We offer authentic tours, made up of original, surprising and fun experiences. Whether on Segway gyro-pods, city bikes, electric bikes or electric scooters, our activities are specially designed for those who want to share real encounters, immerse themselves in Annecy, (re)discover the city and its surroundings, while being surprised by fun and accessible activities. Segway gyropods: The gyropod is a gentle, electric, single-seater, self-stabilized vehicle with two parallel wheels. Your guide will show you how it works, in a simple yet entertaining way. Our 1 to 2-hour rides will be punctuated by anecdotes about Annecy, and you'll be able to stroll along the lake, in the old town and along the Thiou River with a feast for the eyes. City bikes: Our muscle bikes are specially designed to provide optimum comfort with every pedal stroke. Enjoy a pleasant ride as a couple or with friends, with ergonomic saddles and an ideal riding posture to preserve your well-being throughout the journey. The opportunity to cycle the entire length of Lake Annecy is an unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking panoramas along 42 kilometers of sparkling shores. Admire the turquoise-blue waters, bordered by the majestic mountains of the French Alps.

8 place aux Bois 74000 Annecy
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IGN cards

3431OTR - LAC D'ANNECY RESISTANTE
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 25 RÉSISTANTE
Scale : 1:25 000
17.20€
3431OT - LAC D'ANNECY
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 25 ET SÉRIE BLEUE
Scale : 1:25 000
13.90€
TOP75032 - CHAINE DES ARAVIS - MASSIF DES BAUGES
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 75
Scale : 1:75 000
9.80€
VEL11 - LAC D'ANNECY ET LAC DU BOURGET A VELO
Editor : IGN
Collection : DECOUVERTE A VELO
Scale : 1:35 000
9.10€
TOP100D73 - SAVOIE CHAMBÉRY ALBERTVILLE PARC NATIONAL DE LA VANOISE PNR DU MASSIF DES BAUGES
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 100
Scale : 1:100 000
8.40€
TOP100D74 - HAUTE-SAVOIE ANNECY THONON-LES-BAINS MASSIF DU MONT BLANC CHAÎNE DES ARAVIS
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 100
Scale : 1:100 000
8.40€
TOP100D01 - AIN BOURG-EN-BRESSE AMBÉRIEU-EN-BUGEY PAYS DE GEX
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 100
Scale : 1:100 000
8.40€
202 JURA ALPES DU NORD
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 200
Scale : 1:200 000
6.80€
89026 - GRANDES TRAVERSÉES DU JURA - GTJ
Editor : IGN
Collection : DECOUVERTE DES CHEMINS
Scale : 1:105 000
9.10€
D01-69 AIN RHÔNE
Editor : IGN
Collection : CARTES DÉPARTEMENTALES IGN
Scale : 1:150 000
5.90€
D38 ISÈRE
Editor : IGN
Collection : CARTES DÉPARTEMENTALES IGN
Scale : 1:150 000
5.90€
NR15 AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES RECTO/VERSO MASSIF ALPIN
Editor : IGN
Collection : CARTES RÉGIONALES IGN
Scale : 1:250 000
6.80€
NR14 AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES RECTO/VERSO MASSIF CENTRAL
Editor : IGN
Collection : CARTES RÉGIONALES IGN
Scale : 1:250 000
6.80€
EUROPE
Editor : IGN
Collection : DÉCOUVERTE DES PAYS DU MONDE IGN
Scale : 1:2 500 000
7.00€
SUISSE
Editor : IGN
Collection : DÉCOUVERTE DES PAYS DU MONDE IGN
Scale : 1:303 000
7.00€

What to visit in L'IMPERIAL PALACE

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Palais de l'Île
50 m

Palais de l'Île

Listed as a historic monument in 1900, the Palais de l'Ile, often described as a "house in the shape of a ship" has been a prison, a courthouse and an administrative centre. It is an original structure, the oldest parts of which date from the 12th century. Firstly a simple quadrangular building described as a stronghold, which occasionally housed the prison and the minting workshop of the Counts of Geneva, today, the building referred to as the Palais de l'Ile is an original medieval monument: It is built on a natural rocky island. The stronghold was referred to for the first time in 1325 as a prison when the lord of Annecy paid Jean de Monthoux, the lord of Isle, for food for two prisoners. In 1355, Count Amadeus III of Geneva was awarded "the right to mint gold and silver on his land" by the Emperor Charles IV of the Holy Empire. A construction campaign led to the creation of a minting workshop which ceased activity at the end of the 14th century. The Geneva family died out. Annecy and the Geneva region were attached to the Duchy of Savoie and Duke Amadeus VIII gave the residence to the Monthoux family. At the end of the 16th century, the house which sheltered the courthouse, became known as the Palais de Justice de l'Ile. After the 18th century, the building was used for administrative functions, but also continued to be used as a prison up until 1864 when a new prison was built. This has since been destroyed. The Palais de l'Ile became a home for the elderly between 1865 and 1880. At the time, Annecy Municipal Council made plans to demolish the Palais de l'Ile in order to make room for baths, but the project was abandoned. The building was used temporarily as a school for stone carvers and carpenters, a gymnasium and accommodation. The novelist Andre Theuriet and Charles Suisse, the Inspector for Historic Monuments, spoke out against the planned demolition. On 16 February 1900, the Palais de l'Ile was listed as a historic monument and a first phase of renovation work was launched. The final phase of restoration dates from 1983-1985.

3 passage de l'Île 74000 Annecy
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Where to eat in L'IMPERIAL PALACE

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Chefs in L'IMPERIAL PALACE will delight you.
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La Rotonde des Trésoms
1.2 km

La Rotonde des Trésoms

Beautiful gastronomy, balance of flavours, heritage and know-how in this panoramic restaurant La Rotonde overlooking the lake. Eric Prowalski offers a fine cuisine with authentic and local flavours without forgetting his south-western roots. Eric Prowalski takes you on a journey of taste, respecting the seasons and quality produce. Take a gustatory stroll from Arcachon to Annecy in his fine cuisine. Share and enjoy the dishes of our region in our gastronomic restaurant, La Rotonde, with its warm, modern décor overlooking the lake and offering a wide-angle view of the lake and mountains. From the "Around a dish" menu served in an hour at lunchtime and during the week to the tasting menu, we have a great menu to suit all tastes. Welcome to a world of sharing, delicate flavours and emotions. A subtle, gourmet cuisine is born. The dishes are colourful, feminine and elegant. Through his creations, Éric interprets the two regions that have shaped his life. A dialogue between the Arcachon Basin and Lake Annecy. "I'm lucky enough to have two cultures. The first is my family history in the South-West and the second is my adopted region (Annecy in Haute-Savoie), which has welcomed me with open arms. Every day, I create a real culinary identity from these dual roots". The theme of water is the link between these 2 natural territories. Each of his creations brings together these 2 worlds, 2 ecosystems, which complement, harmonise or oppose each other. Lake Annecy, calm and radiant, leads him to interpret freshwater fish and the vegetables of our market gardeners. A subtle repertoire!

15 boulevard de la Corniche 74000 Annecy
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Where to sleep in L'IMPERIAL PALACE

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Book your stay at one of L'IMPERIAL PALACE's accommodations.
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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾