Have you ever dreamed of exploring a fairy-tale town in the French Alps? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, titled "Discover Annecy: The Little Venice of the Alps," host Annie Sargent and her guest Elyse Rivin take you on a journey to one of the most picturesque places in France.

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Annecy is famous for its turquoise lake, charming canals, and Alpine backdrop. But there’s more to it than pretty views. Annie and Elyse dive into the town’s rich history, its role in the Duchy of Savoy, and the impressive transformation of its old prison — the Palais de l’Isle — into a cultural landmark.

They also talk about the best things to do in Annecy: walk along the Thiou River, visit the Château d’Annecy, enjoy water sports on Lake Annecy, and ride or walk the bike path around the lake. This episode is packed with tips on Savoyard food specialties like tartiflette, raclette, and local cheeses.

Whether you're planning a trip or just curious about French destinations beyond Paris, this episode will help you discover Annecy like a local.

💬 Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app so you never miss an episode. If you enjoy in-depth travel conversations and off-the-beaten-path ideas, Join Us in France is your perfect companion.

🎧 Hit play and let’s explore Annecy together!

Table of Contents for this Episode

• [00:00:30] Today’s Episode
• [00:00:58] Podcast Supporters
• [00:01:28] Magazine Segment
• [00:02:22] Annie and Elyse about Annecy
• [00:03:05] The Scenic Beauty of Annecy
• [00:04:43] Traveling to Annecy
• [00:06:09] Exploring Annecy’s Old City
• [00:12:20] Activities Around Lake Annecy
• [00:13:22] Rent Your Bike in Advance
• [00:16:37] Historical Significance of Annecy
• [00:18:59] Annecy’s Religious and Political History
• [00:24:57] Visiting Annecy’s Landmarks
• [00:26:40] Le Jardin de l’Europe and Outdoor Activities
• [00:27:15] Paragliding and Water Sports
• [00:28:49] Michelin-Starred Restaurants and Local Cuisine
• [00:30:23] Cheese Delicacies: Fondue, Raclette, and Tartiflette
• [00:33:26] Traditional Alpine Foods and Drinks
• [00:39:40] Festivals and Celebrations in Annecy
• [00:40:34] Transhumance
• [00:42:12] Annecy International Animated Film Festival
• [00:43:27] Cassandre: A French Police Series
• [00:44:58] Final Thoughts on Visiting Annecy
• [00:45:19] Thank you Patrons
• [00:46:20] Zoom Meetings
• [00:46:42] Review of the Montmartre VoiceMap Tour
• [00:47:37] Discounts for Podcast Listeners
• [00:48:26] Differences between the US and France
• [00:49:06] No Giant Billboards on the Freeway
• [00:49:30] Consumerism is toned down
• [00:49:53] Work-Life Balance
• [00:50:18] No tipping Pressure
• [00:50:48] Shops and Restaurants
• [00:51:20] Credit
• [00:51:44] Holidays
• [00:52:24] Paris Baloon
• [00:55:30] Copyright

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