History Of Annecy

Known best as the ‘Venice of Savoy’, Annecy is a medieval town nestled north of the French Alps and only 56kms southeast of Geneva in Switzerland. This charming destination, a popular weekend getaway for the Swiss, is built around a 14th century chateau and zigzagged by tiny canals and streams that flow into pristine Lake Annecy. Annecy is the capital of the Haute-Savoie and is the best base from which to explore the region. The city offers breathtaking views of the lakes and mountains of the French Alps.

Coastal village

Annecy has one of the most ancient human settlements in the Northern Alps, with its history as a coastal village dating back to 3,100 BC. Traces of the Gallo-Roman Boutae have been found nearby Annecy. The approximately 2,000 inhabitants of this period are credited with forming a triangular settlement, which emphasised the importance of the roads entering the junction of town. Points led to Faverges (Casuaria), Aix-les-Bains (Aquae) and Geneva.

Middle Ages

Some time after the dispersion of the Boutae population, a medieval town developed on the banks of the Thiou. The fortifications of the town later became a castle, Annecy-le-Neuf, in 1107.

Counts of Genevois

The small medieval town saw a rapid expansion in the 10th century, when it became the residence of the Count of Geneva, who was driven out of his capital following conflicts with his bishops.

Savoyard

The town castle was the royal residence until the Geneva family line came to an end in 1394, following the death Robert of Geneva, who was known as Clément VII. It was during this period that Annecy became Savoyard, with the integration of the county of Geneva into the Savoyard state under the authority of Amadeus VII, the first Duke of Savoie. The former Genevan capital endured a series of severe fires that destroyed the greatest part of the city in 1412 and again in 1448. Amadeus VII is credited with reconstructing the city.

Episcopal seat

The Reformation drove out the Bishop of Geneva in 1535 and Annecy soon became known as the ‘Rome of Savoie’. It was during this time that some of the city’s most appealing monuments were constructed such Saint Peter’s Cathedral and the Notre-Dame de Liesse church tower. In 1728, 16-year-old Jean-Jacques Rousseau took refuge in the city.

Industrial redevelopment

In 1792, Savoie was occupied by the French revolutionary army, which opened the region to industrial redevelopment and stimulated economic growth. Factories were set up, powered by the hydraulic force of the Thiou River. Annecy, along with the remainder of Savoie, became part of France in 1860.

Modern times

Annecy’s proximity to Geneva impacted the history of this medieval town and continues to do so today with its influx of Swiss weekenders. Reliant on tourism, Annecy is a popular destination for those in search of relaxation in beautiful surroundings. Beautiful Lake Annecy, numerous medieval sights and a low-key nightlife ensure there is an attraction for everyone.