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Talloires and the surrounding area

Set on the shores of Lake Annecy, considered one of the purest lakes in Europe, Abbaye de Talloires enjoys a natural environment of rare beauty. 

Just a few minutes from Annecy, nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps”, the property lies at the heart of an exceptional region where lake and mountains create a spectacular backdrop in every season. Water sports, hiking, skiing, walks, cultural discoveries or simple moments of contemplation… each stay is an invitation to make the most of the natural riches and unique setting surrounding the Abbaye.

A privileged place, where nature elevates every moment.

Annecy, the Venice of the Alps

With its blue-green lake and canals winding through the old town, Annecy has naturally earned the nickname “Venice of the Alps”. Renowned well beyond its borders for its tourist appeal, quality of life and the majestic mountain setting that surrounds it, the city charms visitors with its rare balance of nature and art de vivre.


Over time, Annecy has preserved its charm and authenticity, offering visitors a destination that is lively, elegant and deeply endearing—much to the delight of travellers seeking emotion and beauty.

The Col de la Forclaz

Overlooking Lake Annecy at an altitude of 1,527 metres, the Col de la Forclaz offers one of the most spectacular panoramas in the region. Renowned as one of Europe’s finest sites for paragliding and hang gliding, it attracts free-flight enthusiasts each summer who come to take advantage of its thermal updrafts and the breathtaking views over the lake and surrounding mountains. The road leading up to the pass is just as iconic. Popular with both amateur and professional cyclists, it is one of the area’s most notable climbs and was famously featured in the Tour de France in 1997. A place both majestic and vibrant, where nature, sport, and a sense of freedom come together.

The Gorges du Fier

A spirited mountain torrent, the Fier rises at Mont Charvin before winding its way through Thônes and Annecy, eventually joining the Rhône near Seyssel. About ten kilometres from Annecy, in Lovagny, it has carved one of the region’s most spectacular natural sites: the Gorges du Fier.
Formed by thousands of years of erosion, the torrent rushes here through a narrow passage, confined between two steep rock walls rising up to 27 metres high. Unique in the Northern Alps, this canyon – often compared to a smaller-scale version of the Verdon Gorge – can be explored on an accessible, family-friendly walk, partly laid out along secure footbridges suspended 25 metres above the riverbed. Halfway along, a ladder carved into the rock bears witness to the power of past floods.
Created in 1869 and lasting less than an hour, this walk offers a striking spectacle: rocks sculpted by water, giant’s kettles, and subtle plays of light and shadow on the stone. The trail ends at the “Sea of Rocks,” a vast mineral maze where the water weaves its way before returning to its natural course.
An impressive and memorable visit, recommended for those comfortable with heights.

Opening dates: from March 15 to October 15 
Open daily, no reservation required Visit the website

Annecy, between water, history and heritage

Annecy, the « Venise of the alps »

Nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps” because of its close relationship with water, Annecy developed around the Thiou, the main outflow of Lake Annecy. Long used to power mills, workshops and forges, this river shaped the city before becoming one of its greatest tourist assets.
 Today, the canals, cobbled streets and the maze of passageways in the old town fully embody Annecy’s identity and contribute to its unique charm.


Annecy, the « Rome of the Alps »

Annecy is also known as the “Rome of the Alps”, in reference to the richness of its religious life since the Middle Ages. Its proximity to Geneva, its strategic role during the Calvinist Reformation, the establishment of the bishopric and the arrival of Saint Francis de Sales in 1602 deeply shaped the city’s spiritual history.


A city shaped by Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy, a true natural rampart, essential resource and driver of development, has long influenced the city’s urban planning. Its shores now feature a marina, several beaches, as well as large green spaces and emblematic parks such as Le Pâquier, the Jardins de l’Europe, Albigny and Les Marquisats—offering beautiful lakeside strolls.
 Annecy’s old town, with its traboules, hidden passageways and tightly woven houses, still bears witness to this medieval layout. Historic routes such as Porte Sainte-Claire or Côte Perrière still define the heart of the old town.


Unmissable heritage for visitors

Highly popular with visitors, the old town and its pedestrian streets—Rue Sainte-Claire, Rue Carnot, Rue Royale—are among Annecy’s must-sees, along with the Palais de l’Isle (former prison) and Annecy Castle overlooking the city.


Annecy, a thousand-year history

Located at the end of the lake and surrounded by Annecy-le-Vieux, Sevrier, Cran-Gevrier, Seynod and the Semnoz mountain, the Annecy lake plain has been inhabited since Prehistory. After the Allobroges, the Romans founded the town of Boutae in AD 35, nicknamed the “city of oxen”.
 From 1107 onwards, the castle of the Counts of Savoy rose above the city. After becoming the capital of the County of Geneva in the 14th century, Annecy was later attached to the County of Savoy, before becoming definitively French in 1860.