Annecy, Haute-Savoie, France

© Sabine Klein/Alam

Annecy, Haute-Savoie, France

Annecy, an alpine town in southeastern France, is one of the country’s most picturesque locations. With its Vieille Ville (old town), snowy mountain backdrop and the turquoise-blue Lake Annecy which feeds into the Thiou River, Annecy is picture-perfect and has earned its nickname the Pearl of France. In the heart of the enchanting medieval town visitors can witness the splendour of pastel-coloured houses lining the cobbled streets, as well as winding canals intersecting the town. The medieval Château d’Annecy is located just outside Annecy, overlooking the city, and was once home to the Counts of Geneva. Nowadays the castle houses a museum of regional artifacts, such as Alpine furniture and religious art, plus a natural history exhibit.