Thiou canals

Where it is & how to get there

• On foot: 10 minutes from Annecy station; the canals run through the pedestrian old town.
• From the lake: Follow the Thiou from the lake pier into the old town.
• Market days: Old town markets fill the streets on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings.

The story of the Thiou canals

The Thiou is the short river that drains Lake Annecy. In the Middle Ages its fast water powered mills, tanneries and forges, and the old town grew along its banks and the smaller Vassé canal.

Today the canals are lined with pastel arcaded houses and bridges covered in flowers, which earned Annecy its nickname, "the Venice of the Alps". The Quai de l'Île and Quai Perrière are the liveliest stretches, full of café terraces.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Visit the morning market in the old town streets.
• Try a fondue or tartiflette, Savoyard specialities served in many old town restaurants.
• Look out for the old locks and the small water gates along the canals.

What's around the Thiou canals

• Palais de l'IsleIn the middle of the canal.
• Rue Sainte-ClaireArcaded street with shops.
• Château d'AnnecyCastle museum above the old town.
• Pont des AmoursWhere the Vassé canal meets the lake.

Questions travellers ask