This Delightful City In France Is A Charming Destination Dubbed The 'Venice Of The Alps'

France is a country that seemingly has it all. From sunny Mediterranean beaches to the intoxicating cuisine and rich history of Provence, this European nation delivers where it really counts, with world-famous food and wine, museums, amazing architecture, and fascinating culture. France is also a place of jaw-dropping scenery, and nowhere is this on display more than in the Alps. The rugged and iconic range rises starkly through the heart of Europe, and while people flock there for the forests, alpine lakes, glaciers, and craggy peaks, the Alps are also home to a host of magical mountain towns, including Annecy.

Situated just a stone's throw south from Geneva, Switzerland (it's just 40 to 50 minutes by car or bus from the airport), Annecy is an idyllic mountain town nestled on the shores of a mountain lake that shares its name. Its medieval historic center is made up of classic colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Best of all is its series of waterways and footbridges, earning Annecy the moniker "Venice of the Alps."

While certainly a gorgeous place to explore, Annecy is more than a fairy tale town set before a dramatic mountain backdrop. It's also a remarkably delicious place, with Michelin-starred restaurants and a local cuisine that rivals anything else in the country. It's also home to a number of top-notch hotels, and its unspoiled surroundings are ideal for a host of outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, kayaking, mountain biking, and more.

While people have inhabited the Lake Annecy area for thousands of years, the town began as a Roman outpost. In the seventh century, the Church of Saint Maurice and Annecy Castle were constructed, and the Old Town we see today grew out from there. Modern Annecy relies primarily on tourism, though other industries include precision instruments, electronics, and confections — as seen in the town's bakeries and chocolatiers.

With eye-pleasing medieval buildings and turquoise canals, Annecy's historic center looks like it jumped straight out of a postcard, and its most iconic structure is surely the Palais de l'île. Standing proudly on a rock in the middle of the Thiou River, over time this oft-photographed building has served as the official residence for the Lord of Annecy, as well as a mint, a courthouse, and a prison. Next up is the Château d'Annecy, a 12th-century castle that watches over the town and the shimmering waters of the lake beyond. Abandoned after WWII (where it served as a barracks), the city of Annecy purchased the property for a mere €1.52 in 1952, and now it serves as a museum.

Other highlights in Annecy include the Pont des Amours — a romantic footbridge featuring the lake on one side and canal on the other — the Jardins de l'Europe park, and Place Sainte-Claire. This picturesque square (complete with a fountain) is home to cafes and boutiques and where you can also find the historic Gallo House, a beautiful 18th-century structure with an ornate facade. Also, no visit to Annecy is complete without jumping on a cruise, where you can take in the splendor of the town and its natural surroundings from the surface of the lake it calls home.

Aside from its obvious natural and man-made charms, Annecy is one of France's most esteemed gastronomical centers, with scores of Michelin stars awarded to restaurants around the lake. If you wish to aim high, sit down at the three-starred Le Clos des Sens, whose chefs boast ingredients that come from within a strictly 62-mile radius (much is sourced from the lake itself), or find out how Maison Benoît Vidal earned two stars for its contemporary stylings and sophisticated presentation. 

While a Michelin star is surely a mark of distinction, there are plenty of restaurants worth checking out that have never gotten the tire company's all-important nod. Tête de Cochon (Pig's Head) is a down-to-earth eatery offering hearty, simple fare. Le Bistro du Rhone features refined French classics in a simple, friendly setting, while L'Artisan is known for its excellent course menu served in an open-kitchen setting.

There is no shortage of top-tier accommodations in Annecy, including the Impérial Palace, whose stately rooms and on-site spa look out onto the sparkling waters of Lake Annecy. La Maison Bleue is a 19th-century chalet on the lakeshore that may be the area's most luxurious property; Hôtel les Terrasses offers cozy, three-star comfort close to town; and Hotel Le Pélican embraces a sleek, modern style complete with a pool and an in-house bakery. If you're considering hiking in the French Alps during your stay, check out the trek that has been called the Pacific Crest Trail's "Hotter French Cousin."