The splendours of Savoie
The castles or châteaux
Lands packed with history, regions each with their own character - Haute-Savoie has a rich heritage that is closely tied to the adventure of humanity. Explore the Château d’Annecy, which is listed as a historic monument. Built on a flank of Mount Semnoz, it dominates the old town. The château of Menthon-Saint-Bernard has stood sentinel over the lake for more than a thousand years, and is listed as a historic monument. The story goes that this was Walt Disney’s inspiration for the animated film Sleeping Beauty. Explore the château of Montrottier, built above the Fier gorge.
Churches
Because of its geographical environment, Annecy had a great historical blossoming, including the creation of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary by François de Sales and Jeanne de Chantal. Explore the Basilica of the Visitation on the edge of the forest of the Crêt de Maure. Visit the church of Notre-Dame-de-Liesse, in neo-classical style. You will love the church of Saint-François-de-Sales beside the river Thiou, which has over time become the church of the Italian community. Discover the "flamboyant" or late Gothic style of the church of Saint-Maurice, and don’t miss the 15th century trompe-l’œil painting on the left of the choir. As you walk beside the canals of the old town, the cathedral of Saint-Pierre, built in a square, presents itself to your gaze.
The Paccard bell foundry
In the next village of Sévrier you can learn about the magic of molten metal, and be amazed by the Fonderie Paccard, which proudly bears the colours of France internationally.
If you visit the foundry museum, on a Thursday, you can watch a bell being cast!
