Annecy

Annecy is a French city on the lake of the same name. As this excursion takes place in another country, you will need to bring a form of identification. The symbol of the old town is the island palace known as the Palais de l'Isle, built on a natural rocky island, with its oldest sections dating back to the 12th century. It is first recorded as a prison in 1325; from 1355 it housed a mint, and it continued to serve as a prison until 1864. Today visitors can explore the old cells, the halls of the former courthouse, and a centre dedicated to the history of architecture and heritage. Annecy has a distinctly different character from Geneva: a smaller town, Savoyard cuisine, and a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore.