Annecy Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Annecy

A Roman column in the Place des Romains in Annecy commemorates the founding of the Roman settlement of Boutae in 50 BC. When the Roman empire collapsed, Boutae was deserted. A new settlement formed in the 8th century called "Anniciaca". The name "Annecy" is derived from the name of the top man of the city, "Aniciacus".

In the middle ages Annecy and Savoy belonged to the Germanic version of the Holy Roman Empire. By the end of the 12th century the Bishops and the Counts of Geneva were at odds with each other. The counts left Geneva and set up shop in Annecy. Population doubled in Annecy and mills and workshops flourished along the River Thiou.

The Protestant Reformation arrived in Geneva in 1523. Protestant refugees from France had come seeking asylum. In 1533 riots in Geneva forced the Catholic hierarchy to flee to Annecy. The diocese of Geneva still existed but now it would be managed from Annecy.

Francis de Sales was the leader of the Counter-Reformation in Annecy. He was Bishop of Geneva from 1602 until his death in 1622. His residence in Annecy precipitated growth. Thirteen religious orders were founded in this little city of 5,000. The different orders created churches, buildings, workshops, farms, schools and hospitals.

In 1720 the house of Savoy acquired the Kingdom of Sardinia. Annecy now had become a part of the new Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia. Savoy was finally annexed by France in 1860 and Annecy became permanently French.

By the 13th century the city had been fortified with walls, towers, water gates with harrows and chains. The walls are pierced by gates Perriere, Sepulchre, Boutz and Paquier. Among sights to see are Annecy Castle, the Isle Palace, and Saint Maurice Church. There is the Bridge of Love, The Gardens of Europe and the Lake itself.

Geographer Raoul Blanchard once called Annecy the "Pearl of the Alps". It is all this, and much more.