The charming town of Annecy, in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps, is the perfect place for picnics. The clean air of its location in the mountains make it ideal for getting together with those you love, out in one of its parks or down on the shores of Lake Annecy where there are many beaches. What could be better than sitting in the sun, having a picnic with your friends or family, and looking out over the beautiful lake which is surrounded by picturesque forests and mountains?
A tradition for picnics and an annual festival
A tradition for picnics was inspired by what happened long ago back in 1860. This was when Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie de Montijo visited Annecy and a grand banquet was held in their honour. This was also the year when the Savoy district, in which Annecy is a part, was reunited with France after being part of Sardinia.
The annual Annecy festival known as the Lake Festival (“Fête du Lac”), which is celebrated on the first Saturday of August, marks the emperor and his wife’s arrival in Annecy all those years back at an important time in the town’s history. This very popular festival has a 70-minute firework display over Lake Annecy, and is a spectacle really worth watching.
Picnic in the Gardens of Europe
But from fireworks at night, back to the summer daylight hours when it is always a good time to visit the parks of Annecy. On 28 August picnics, or “pique-niques,” as they are called in French, have been held in the Gardens of Europe (“Jardins de l’Europe”). This date is a good time to celebrate the end of summer while it is still warm, as well as being a great chance for everyone to get out and about so they can enjoy the sunshine and have a picnic. In the town centre of Annecy, you can easily buy cheese, ham, bread, and any other foods and drink you fancy to have on your own picnic.
Plenty of tables, chairs and benches are provided in the shade of the Gardens of Europe’s many trees. Parc Charles Bosson is another great park in Annecy where you can have a picnic or simply spend some time strolling around and relaxing.
Parc Charles Brosson is one of the town’s main parks and besides having great views over the lake, it is very close to the Imperial Palace, which is one of the most popular hotels in Annecy. This park is also near to the famous Lovers’ Bridge of Annecy.
Annecy is not only a wonderful place to enjoy picnics, because being in France, it is of course, also the perfect place to learn and practice French, and this can be done at our French Language School.
