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Lake Annecy in France. Traveling around France. Around Lake Annecy. Hotel for a budget holiday with standard rooms

One glance is enough to imagine that this picturesque French resort town has stepped out of the medieval paintings of an unknown artist. called “Savoy Venice”, since it is completely permeated with many canals and streams that originate in the lake of the same name. Many travelers rush here to visit the so-called “most beautiful village in France.”

  1. Kiss on the Lovers' Bridge to be together forever

It is also a city of artists and colorful festivals. What is there to do in Annecy? Of course, walk along its medieval streets and paved sidewalks, admire the skillful masterpieces of artisans and artists, cute old houses, and get to know the history of the country better. Well, try delicious Italian ice cream. And young people do not miss the chance to kiss on the famous Lovers' Bridge.

City of Flowers

Many artists and directors capture the city in their works and films. And how can you not see the beauty of this city if the local residents themselves do everything to make it truly beautiful. The main decorative element is flowers. They are in vases and pots, in flower beds and in decorative crafts. The city has an incredible aroma of flowers!

It seems as if there is a carnival going on here all the time - everything is decorated and everything is festive. Annecy has an atmosphere of romance, comfort and antiquity. And to this beauty, created by human hands, was added a picturesque landscape: the alpine fragrance of nature with green hills and a clear lake.

Sights worth admiring

Everyone who comes to Annecy for the first time rushes to see Island Palace. In the middle of the Tew channel, on a small island there is a small but very interesting building, built in the 12th century. It seems that the palace simply “rose” out of the water. In the Middle Ages, it belonged to the vassals of the Genevan counts, then became the residence of Helen of Luxembourg. Later within its walls there was a prison and a city court. Today in the Island Palace there is Annecy History Museum.

One of the impressive medieval buildings is Castle of the Dukes of Savoy, which towers over the old town. The castle burned several times in a row. Then in the 17th century the counts abandoned it and it served as a military barracks. After the war, the Castle was bought and restored. Now located in the chateau Museum of Alpine Art, which presents an exhibition of sculptures and paintings by local authors, as well as Museum of Local Lore with furniture and household items, an interesting city photo archive. The Queen's Tower houses an observatory, and the Perrier Tower houses a popular science collection and an aquarium with live fish that live in the local lake. The observation deck offers stunning views of Old Annecy.

In the center of Annecy, right next to the Canal Saint-Dominique, you can see a beautiful Gothic Church of Saint Maurice. It was built as a classical Dominican church and is the oldest in the city. The famous local nobleman and adviser to the Dukes of Burgundy and Savoy, Philibert de Montoux, is buried there. Above the tombstone is a magnificent fresco. Inside the church there is a very interesting painting that creates a certain illusion of three-dimensionality. It is worth paying attention to the carved church chairs and the throne held by the colossus. Saint Maurice is the patron saint of all Savoy, and of course Annecy.

In general, there are quite a lot of churches in Annecy. And if you walk along Russo Street, you can see another famous temple - Saint Paul's Cathedral, where Jean-Jacques Rousseau once sang in the choirs. Later, in his manuscript “Confession,” he described in detail the life of this lovely town.

Incredibly beautiful Visitacion Church, which houses the relics of Bishop Francis de Sales. At one time, he led the Counter-Reformation movement and did a lot for the spiritual development of Annecy. Thanks to this man, the city became a true citadel of Catholicism. After the bishop's death, the Vatican canonized him as a saint. This basilica is young, built in the 30s of the last century. Inside the cathedral, you can admire elaborate stained glass windows depicting scenes from the lives of Francis de Sales and Jeanne de Chantal, founder of the Order of Visitantes and fellow bishop, who was also beatified.

Kiss on the Lovers' Bridge to be together forever

There is such a sign in the city that if you kiss on Lovers' Bridge, then you will never part with a young man (or girl). Therefore, here you can see couples in love, of different ages, just standing and kissing. Romance! The bridge looks much nicer from the side when boats float underneath it on the quiet surface of the canal, and artists sit next to it on the alley, setting up easels and painting city landscapes or commissioned portraits. After all, the bridge offers stunning views of the mountains and lake

Garden of Europe

A few steps from the Lovers' Bridge there is a small peninsula. Today there is a recreation park on it, which is called Garden of Europe. It was built as an English park. The park has a small lake with Swan Island in the middle.

Local residents and travelers come here to sit on a bench in the shade of the alleys and relax, admire the unique statues and beautiful decorative fountains, and take a boat ride on the lake.

The quiet surface of Lake Annecy

The city's lake of the same name attracts tourists as well as the sights of Annecy. It is considered the cleanest body of water in the world. Formed Lake Annecy due to the melting of alpine glaciers many millennia ago. And the water level is maintained by the mountain rivers that flow into it. Several resort centers have been built around the lake where tourists relax.

Very often you can see paragliders above the lake, who begin their flight from the top of a 1300-meter mountain. Annecy hosts the largest paragliding competition in the world. Excursion boats ply on the lake all year round (since the lake does not freeze in winter), and you can enjoy beautiful scenery and see small settlements around the lake (for example, the towers of the Menton-Saint-Bernard castle are clearly visible on the hill). You can also rent a bicycle and go for a walk along the lake and through the mountain hills.

Festivals in Annecy

In summer there are many vacationers on the lake. You can easily swim here, because... the temperature warms up to +21-23*C. Also held in June International Film Animation Festival. Takes place in July blues festival, but in August it will be fun to relax at an exciting event - Lake Festival, when there are musical performances, light and pyrotechnic shows. Folk dances and songs, fairs and concerts take place during Alpine Harvest Festival, which is traditionally held in Annecy on the second Sunday of October.

How to get to Annecy

You can get to Annecy in an hour or two by train from Lyon or Geneva (ticket costs about 20 euros), or from Paris (a little longer - 3.5 hours, ticket costs 80 euros). It even has its own small airport, which receives domestic flights and planes from Switzerland and some European cities. And regular buses run from Geneva.

In general, if you are tired of stress and want to enjoy peace and tranquility, go to. The city, with its streets and bridges, promenades and lantern alleys, lovely water canals and magnificent views of the surrounding area, has a magical healing effect...

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Annecy (France) is a place of concentration of historical and natural attractions - a city for a quiet family holiday for tourists on the shore of a beautiful lake framed by the Alpine mountains.

The historical countdown of the city of Annecy begins with a mention in the chronicles of the era of Emperor Lothar (867 AD). During the period of the 10th – 15th centuries, the residence of the dynasty of the Counts of Genevois was located in the city. The transition to the control of Savoy took place in 1401. The annexation to France as part of the mentioned duchy occurred in 1860.

The resort town is located in Eastern France, not far from the Swiss border (about 50 km), being the central part of Haute Savoy.

The department borders Italy. The distance to Grenoble in the south is 85 km, in the north to Geneva 45 km. The area of ​​the city's buildings is about 14 km 2; the Tew city canal runs through the center, which is a natural branch of the picturesque Lake Annecy and connects it with the river. Fie.

Annecy (France), whose attractions are popular among tourists from all over the world, is a town that many call the “Venice of Savoy”. Visitors come here to admire the beauty of the mountains, the serenity of the lake, the tranquility of the canals and the charm of the ancient cityscape, framed by a multitude of flowers.

Distinctive features of the city

Ancient streets paved with cobblestones; houses and castles that emanate history; clean mountain air mixed with the smells of numerous flowers; The picturesque shores of the transparent lake are far from a complete list of the features of Annecy.

Climate

The temperature background in summer is calm: minimum values ​​are not lower than +10 o C, the highest temperature is not higher than +29 o C, there is little precipitation.

It is cool in winter: up to -3 o C, heavy precipitation in November.

Ecology

The lake of the same name is considered one of the cleanest in Europe. It feeds on mountain rivers, the water temperature in summer is 20 - 22 o C above zero. Clean air from the forests surrounding the city, there is a lot of greenery and flowers on the streets.

Population

More than 51 thousand local residents live in the city.

Flora and fauna

Moving along the eastern shore of the lake, tourists at a distance of 12 km from the city find the Roc des Cher nature reserve, one of the largest in the southeastern part of France. Its area is about 70 hectares, located around the mountain that gave it its name, on the slopes of which many species of plants grow (more than 560 species), including oaks and hornbeams.

The vegetation forms the unique microclimate of the reserve. Deer and wild boars live in the foothill forests; swans live freely on the lake and in city canals.

How to get to Annecy

Annecy (France), whose attractions attract the attention of Europeans at any time of the year, is a settlement that is located at the intersection of various routes leading from geographically nearby cities.

By plane

It is only possible to fly to Annecy Airport from Paris Airport. The cost of a flight from Moscow to Paris in economy class is from 12,200 to 22,700 rubles.

By train

Tourists get to the railway station in the center of Annecy by train from the nearest cities:

By bus

There are daily regular buses from Geneva to Annecy, the journey takes about 1 hour, the ticket price is 300 - 400 rubles.


You can get to Annecy, France by bus from Geneva in just 1 hour.

The bus ride from Lyon takes about 2 hours, the ticket will cost from 300 to 2000 rubles.

By car

For tourists traveling by car, the travel route passes through the countries: Belarus, Poland, Germany, Switzerland. It is necessary to pay attention to toll highways, parking areas and obey the speed limit.

The shortest route to Annecy from Geneva Airport via a modern expressway by car is just over half an hour. Routes from Grenoble and Lyon airports are within an hour's reach.

Transport Annecy

Tourists explore the historical center of the city on foot; it is more convenient to get to the surrounding castles by local buses.

Buses

To move around comfortably during the day, you need to purchase a travel ticket for 3.1 euros, which will be valid for 24 hours. A single bus ticket costs 1.2 euros.

You can buy a ticket at the city bus station or from the driver along the route. Regular bus services from Annecy run to many cities in Europe.

Taxi

A trip from Annecy airport to the city center when ordering a taxi through the dispatch service will cost approximately 10 euros.

Rent a Car

Several rental companies at the airport offer car rental services starting from 20 euros per day.

Main attractions of Annecy

Annecy has a special attraction - the shady Bridge of Lovers, famous throughout France. This place is considered ideal for dates and quiet romantic walks. The ancient town also attracts tourists with its majestic castles, churches and houses.

Religious buildings

The city center is decorated with the massive Gothic Church of Saint-Maurice, founded in 1442 in honor of the patron saint of Annecy and the duchy - Saint Maurice. For two centuries since its founding, it has been the center of local provincial life.

St. Rousseau leads tourists to the stone palace of the 17th century. - the bishop's residence. Nearby is the ancient St. Peter's Cathedral, built in the 16th century. He is famous for the fact that the future educator Jean-Jacques Rousseau sang in the church choir in his youth. Later, in one of his works, he described the patriarchal, rural, measured life of the settlement in which he happened to live in 1728.

On the street Notre Dame is the Notre Dame de Lies church, founded in the 16th century, later destroyed, but restored again in the 19th century. Inside are sculptures of saints and an unusual altar.

A modern building built in the 30s of the XX century. under the leadership of the Sisters-nuns of the Visitacion, it has operated as a basilica since 1951. Colorful stained glass paintings reproduce fragments of the lives of saints Jeanne de Chantal and Francis de Sales, whose remains rest in the basilica in copper sarcophagi with gilding.

Museums

The local history museum with interesting exhibits is located in an ancient castle on a small island in the middle of the canal. The castle-fortress was founded in 1132; it changed many owners during this time; served as a palace of justice, a chamber of accounts and a prison.

On the elevated part of the city there is a castle that belonged to the dynasty of the Counts of Geneva (XII-XVI centuries), the walls and towers of which are made of stone and have a thickness of up to 4 m. For a long time it was abandoned after a devastating fire in the 16th century, but in 1953 it passed into municipal administration, was restored and transferred to the museum.

Archaeological finds, works of ancient and modern art, and antique furniture are exhibited there. On a hill stands the Montrotier castle (XIII-XIV centuries), in which the Florimontin Academy is located. It was founded 28 years earlier than the academy in France. The exhibition features antique carpets, historical costumes, porcelain dishes and products.

Natural attractions

At the point where the canal flows into the lake there is a peninsula, the territory of which is decorated with alleys, beautiful statues, magnificent fountains, numerous benches and boats on the lake.

This park complex is called the Garden of Europe, which began with the planting of trees and shrubs in 1863 (next to the plants there are information signs with names). Not far away on the surface of the lake you can see Swan Island.

Monuments

At the end of the embankment stands a statue of the local famous chemist Claude-Louis Berthollet, who was born in 1748 in Talloires. Carrying out various experiments, he came up with the idea of ​​​​using the substance chlorine for the process of bleaching the fabric and paper produced. Place Saint-Clair is famous for the Kibere fountain, launched in the 17th century. and still in operation, with the trout heraldic sign above the bowl.

An ancient well (built by knights in the 15th century) next to the street. Carnot attracts tourists with clean cold water, being a place of frequent dates and meetings of local residents. On the cape next to the village. Duigne is the Château de Rufi, built in the 11th century. and privately owned.

Holidays in Annecy

Visiting guests can find places to relax near the city and on its streets to suit every taste.

Shopping

The streets of Saint-Clair and Royal are replete with a large number of shops and boutiques, ready to delight customers with a variety of goods.

Leisure

Over the surface of the lake, from a mountain 1.3 km high, extreme flight enthusiasts often take off; international paragliding competitions are held here.

Catamaran rides are offered on the lake. There are modern sports centers and equipped beaches on the shore.

Interesting places to relax with children

Walking tours around the city with children are interesting and educational; numerous cafes and establishments offering Italian ice cream invite you to relax and have a tasty snack.

Children will be interested in looking at the ancient sundial (1874), made by the hands of the monk Arsen on the edge of the city embankment.

A bus trip (about 10 km west of the city) to Montrotier Castle will allow you to immerse your child in the Middle Ages, look at the rich collection of weapons and armor of knights and strange African and oriental things. An unforgettable trip will be to the mountain observation deck near the city, which is used for launches by paragliders and paragliders.

Events in the city and surroundings

Several significant events are held annually in Annecy:


Excursions

Annecy (France), with its natural landscape to admire, is a city that offers active recreation for visitors. For example, a bicycle tour along the road along the lake (length about 40 km). Beautiful views of the surrounding mountains of La Tournette, Semnoz; forests on slopes; a sandy beach near the settlement of Sevrier will be found on the travel route.

Boats with tourists depart from the pier several times a day for 2-hour excursions along the water surface of the lake. The main attraction, visible from the water on the shore, is the castle of Menton-Saint-Bernard, located on a hill, founded in the 12th century.

They offer a walking tour of the surrounding area - the river gorge. Fje with steep picturesque cliffs. At the beginning there is a bus trip to the village. Poisy, then you will have to walk further. The route is closed between October and March.

Annecy Hotels

Many hotels are open for visiting tourists.

Atipik Hotel Alexandra

Hotel for a budget holiday with standard rooms:


Hotel des Alpes

The hotel is located in the city center, standard rooms:


Hôtel Les Tresoms, Lake and Spa Resort

Comfortable hotel with spacious rooms:


Imperial Palace

Hotel with comfortable rooms and beautiful views of the surrounding area from the balcony:

  • located at: Allée de l’Impérial (Emperial Alley), on the shore of the lake in the park, near Avenue. France;
  • nearby a zoological garden, a casino and a nightclub;
  • indoor swimming pool;
  • free parking;
  • air conditioner;
  • bathroom;
  • cost of living for 2 people for one night – 11200 – 12500 rubles.

A remarkable historical hotel in the town of Talloires (eastern shore of the lake) was previously a Benedictine abbey.

What to bring as a souvenir

Annecy offers tourists the opportunity to capture forever memories of their holiday by purchasing souvenirs in local shops:


Annecy (France) - this city has attractions that can satisfy the discerning taste of tourists - lovers of antiquity and a calm, measured holiday in the lap of nature.

Article format: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about Annecy France

Annecy, a fairy-tale city in the French Alps:

Several thousand years ago, numerous lakes with clean, life-giving water gave birth to a settlement that received the name, or as it is also called Annecy (Latin Annesium). The official founding date is considered to be 876, when the village was first mentioned in documents created during the reign of the French Emperor Lothar.

At various times, the city was the patrimony of the Counts of Geneva (X-XIV centuries), Dukes of Savoy (XV centuries), after the Geneva reforms, bishops moved here and the headquarters of their diocese was established (30s of the 16th century), which significantly increased religiosity population and allows us to raise education to a new level. At the same time, the city is expanding, a castle is being built, and many craft workshops are appearing in the Tew Canal area.

Myrabella

Annecy became the object of attention of Jean-Jacques Rousseau: in his work “Confessions”, published in 1765, he described the quiet and modest life of a small town, similar to life in the countryside. However, already from the end of the 18th century, a number of events took place leading to the industrialization of this place, and a century later, a tourist infrastructure began to be built in the city, which subsequently affected all types of activities that existed at that time.

Annecy began to develop more actively at the beginning of the last century, population growth and the pace of construction of industrial enterprises increased, and tourism became one of the key industries of the area, which has something to show and offer to discerning travelers.

Temples and palaces of ancient Annecy

Such a rich historical experience and the participation of many original nationalities in the creation of the city simply could not help but be reflected in its appearance. Among the attractions of Annecy in France are legendary architectural monuments, each of which has its own fascinating history. If you are looking around, be sure to check out Annecy! The list of the most popular of them includes such masterpieces as:

  • Island Palace Palais de L'Isle;
  • Annecy Castle;
  • Church of Saint Francis de Sales;
  • Cathedral of St. Petra
  • Church of Saint-Maurice and many other monuments in the vicinity of the city.

St. Peter's Cathedral in Annecy Martin Stone

It is believed that visiting the city and not taking a photo at the palace on the island means wasting time. The structure was built in the 12th-13th centuries on a small island in the middle of the Tew Canal, which flows between the lake and the Fewer River. The originality is that during its construction every centimeter of the island was used; the structure follows its shape, so one of the facades looks like the bow of a sailing ship. The building was conceived as an office for collecting tolls when crossing the bridge, then its good quality, and the fact that it was surrounded on all sides by water, played a role - it became a good-quality prison. However, a century later, the same qualities prompted the community to get rid of the casemate and create a mint in the palace. The building was a residence for the nobility, an almshouse, an orphanage, a drawing school, a gymnasium, and a palace of justice (in fact, that’s why it still bears this proud name, despite its completely mundane functions). Finally, a city bathhouse was almost built in its place, but the beginning of the 20th century became a period of revival of the ancient palace, and it began to be protected as a historical architectural monument.


Palace of the Old Golden Island - Palais de Lisle in France Frans Berkelaar

Unfortunately, the Second World War forced these walls to remember the lamentations of the prisoners; it again became a prison, but even after the war it did not lose popularity. At the end of the last century, it was restored a second time and still enjoys the sympathy of travelers.

City castle complex

Built in the 12th century in the capital of the County of Geneva, Annecy Castle received the status of a count's residence, as befits a building of this type. Its foundation was a fortress that stood on this site for about four centuries. Fires raged in it several times, but the castle was always restored. During the period when it was owned by the Dukes of Savoy, the most beautiful tower of the Perrière complex was erected. The fortress's defenses improved, which, however, did not prevent the French army from capturing it at the beginning of the 17th century, turning it first into a barracks and then into a warehouse.


Silex

In the end, the castle, which fell into disrepair, became a refuge for the poor and homeless. The dark streak for him was interrupted only in the middle of the last century, when he was taken under protection as a historical monument. The buildings were put in order and today an interesting museum collection is housed here, which invites visitors to enjoy the unique spirit of exhibits that have a long history. The area around it has been transformed, it is surrounded by many beautiful public gardens, restored, although not as large, but no less interesting historical sights. From the walls of the castle there is a panoramic view of the city of Annecy and a picturesque view of the lake of the same name.

See the beautiful places of Annecy in this wonderful video!

Annecy attractions: Alpine Venice

This is what Europeans often call this city, and they are partly right. Three rivers and many canals, houses surrounded on all sides by water, involuntarily refer us to the Italian miracle on the water. Looking at the colorful photographs of the sights of Annecy, France and many European countries praised the town with an apt expression, calling it “the most beautiful French village.”


View of Lake Annecy in France Dingy

Lake Annecy provides enviable competition for the architectural delights of the settlement. Its picturesque surroundings delight many tourists who, having once been here, return to admire the beauty of the lake again and again. Travelers are offered almost three thousand hectares of crystal clear water, 15 km long and up to 3 km wide, surrounded by incredibly beautiful slopes and cliffs covered with forests. It is considered the cleanest body of water in the world, because its origin in ancient times is due to the glaciers of the Alps, the melt waters of which filled and continue to fill the bowl of small mountain rivers and streams.


Dmitry Dzhu

On the shores of Annecy, beach holidays are organized for city residents and its guests, because the air temperature in July-August reaches +27 degrees, and the water warms up to +24. The abbey on the shore of the lake, where the monks previously lived, has been converted into a comfortable hotel. The beginning of August is marked by an influx of tourists wanting to admire an interesting holiday, accompanied by fireworks and shows on the water.

Romantic places in Annecy

The small town simply breathes romance, thanks to its medieval architecture, picturesque streets and parks. This feeling is also emphasized by the Pont de Amour - a bridge over the canal where lovers make appointments. Couples of different generations strive to walk along it, those who have their whole love story ahead of them, and those who have something to remember for a long and happy life together.


Pont de Amour - a meeting place for couples in love Dingy

Not far from the junction of the canal and the lake, a park in the English style was laid out in 1863, called the “Garden of Europe”. Visitors are simply fascinated by the unique landscape design, sculptural compositions, and amazingly beautiful vegetation. You can learn about the origin and type of trees from the information signs at each of them. An island has been created in the park lake where snow-white swans live and tourists can enjoy their majestic beauty and grace. The park itself has several attractions, for example, on the embankment the first sundial with a gnomon has been preserved - a column invented by the Capuchin monk Father Arsen.


Relaxation area in the park of Annecy Guilhem Vellut

Often excursion routes, which are formed in Geneva, Grenoble, Lyon, include a visit to Annecy. But, having set foot on the streets of this city, many tourists prefer to stay here for several days, fortunately, this desire is facilitated by the entire surrounding environment: many comfortable hotels, cafes, restaurants, casinos that will solve the problem of accommodation, food and evening leisure. Well, during the day in Annecy there is always something to admire.

Annecy (France) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Annecy with descriptions, guides and maps.

Annecy city (France)

Geography and climate

Annecy is located in eastern France on the shores of the lake of the same name, 40 km from Geneva. The city is located in a picturesque area at the foot of the northern Alps and occupies a strategic position between France, Italy and Switzerland. Annecy's climate is temperate. Summer is warm and even sometimes hot. Winters are cool with slightly negative temperatures.

Story

Historians believe that a settlement on the site of the modern city has existed since Roman times. In the 10th century, Annecy was subject to Geneva, and at the beginning of the 15th century - to the Savoy dynasty. With the development of Calvinism, the city became the center of the Counter-Reformation. During the French Revolution, Haute-Savoie was conquered by France. In 1815, after the Bourbon restoration, it was returned to representatives of the Savoy dynasty. Annecy and this historical region finally belonged to France in 1860.


Attractions

Old city

Annecy has a charming old town that is considered one of the most beautiful in France. It's full of charming canals lined with colorful Piedmontese-style houses decorated with flowers, arcaded streets lined with boutiques and small, pretty bridges.


Lake Annecy is one of the most picturesque lakes in Europe, which is also considered the cleanest. This reservoir with turquoise water is located in the picturesque area of ​​the alpine foothills and is beautiful at any time of the year. The lake has two blue flag beaches, Plage la Brune and Plage Municipal.


The Palais Ile is one of Annecy's most famous landmarks and forms the most famous image of the city. The structure is located on an island on the Tiu River and was built in the 12th century. This building was a prison for a long time. Now here you can see exhibitions on architecture and culture, as well as see old prison cells.

Annecy Castle is another famous landmark that rises beautifully above the old town. The castle was built between the 12th and 16th centuries and was the residence of the Counts of Geneva. The oldest part of the castle is the Tower de la Reine, which dates back to the 13th century. From the 17th century until the first half of the 20th century, soldiers' barracks were located here. The castle is now a museum with exhibitions on the art and history of the region.


The Saint-Pierre Cathedral is a 16th-century Renaissance-Gothic cathedral that was only fully completed in the 19th century. The church contains a number of interesting works of art and baroque objects. Adjacent to the cathedral is the 18th-century archbishop's palace.

The Sainte-Claire gate is one of the entrances to the old city. There is a clock on the façade of the tower.


Saint Maurice is a 15th century Gothic church which contains a number of interesting paintings from the same period.

The Basilica de la Visiting is a neo-Gothic church built in the early 20th century.


Pont de Amour (Lovers' Bridge) is an early 20th century pedestrian bridge with a beautiful view of the lake. It is believed that if lovers kiss in the middle of the bridge, they will be together for the rest of their lives.