Nestled beside Lake Annecy in the northern Alps, Annecy is a small picturesque town with a rich and interesting history. Archaeological evidence suggests that this was one of the earliest settled sites in the Rhone-Alpes region of south eastern France, dating as far back as 3100 BC.
The early 12th century marked the beginnings of a medieval town that would grow to become the Annecy we see today. By the early 15th century, Annecy was absorbed into the county of Geneva due to its close proximity. It remained part of the county for several centuries before being occupied by the French revolutionary army in 1792 and was under Sardinian rule from 1815 to 1860. During the latter period, the town’s industry developed and hydro-electric power was introduced in the late 1800s.
Today, Annecy’s economy is varied and relies on five main industries: manufacturing equipment, sport, leisure and luxury goods, IT, food, and engineering. The town is filled with spectacular historical buildings from the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre to Annecy Castle. Since the late 19th century, the town has attracted a growing number of tourists who come to enjoy the fascinating heritage and stunning location.
