During your holiday in Haute Savoie, we recommend a visit to the Pont des Amours in Annecy. A must-see for lovers, it is a pedestrian iron footbridge with a breathtaking view over the lake, forming with the Thiou one of the two entrances to the town from Lake Annecy.
The history of the Pont des Amours in Annecy
On holiday, we like to relax, but we also like to take advantage of our stay to learn a little more about the historic sites that surround us. Annecy is famous for its lake, its old town and its castle, but also for a must-see for lovers: the Pont des Amours. The first plans for a bridge across the canal were sketched out in 1836.
In 1845, the first wooden footbridge was built to mark the visit of King Charles-Albert of Savoy. In 1859, the public garden footbridge (officially known as the Pont des Amours) was rebuilt, this time in cast iron. The three-arched bridge impeded boat traffic and was eventually dismantled. It wasn't until 1907 that the structure that can still be seen today in the centre of Annecy was built. The iron structure was designed by Charles Galleto.
The Pont des Amours in Annecy, a romantic place not to be missed
Don't miss out on a visit to Annecy's Pont des Amours during your trip to the Alps region, and even during a day trip to Annecy, it's one of the city's must-see monuments. Situated between the Pâquier and the Jardins de l'Europe, the footbridge offers a privileged view of the lake. France and Lake Annecy have nothing to envy Geneva and its Lake Geneva, a natural treasure offering visitors and especially lovers an idyllic setting and magnificent panorama.
From the Jardins de l'Europe, head towards the footbridge and cross it to reach a square that is particularly popular with Annecy's lively residents: the Pâquier. This esplanade is a favourite spot for residents and visitors alike. Not far from the Pont des Amours, you'll find plenty of places to visit that you won't want to miss on your holiday: the Ile des Cygnes, the town hall, the churches of Saint François de Sales and Saint Maurice, and all the charm of the local villages, which can still be found in some of the town's ancient monuments. If you want to get away from the city centre, you can also decide to make a detour via Annecy le Vieux.
By day or by night, let yourself be seduced by the charm of the Canal, and don't forget to take some romantic photos. You may not know it yet, but the Pont des Amours is one of the most photographed places in the city! Because it's always happier to know what you're photographing, here's the legend of the Pont des Amours! The legend has it that two lovers who kissed in the middle of the bridge were later united for life. Since then, the bridge has been a must for couples in love in the region and for visitors to the area. It is also said that the bridge's name derives from the fact that it used to be a meeting place for prostitutes.
How to get to the Pont des Amours in Annecy
A successful holiday is one that's well planned in advance, and one that allows you to get the most out of your visit once you've left the Annecy campsites. To visit the Pont des Amours in Annecy, you first need to locate it. It is located on the edge of the lake, next to the town centre, the Pâquier and, more specifically, the Jardins de l'Europe. You'll also find it close to the Hotel de Ville, a good reference point for your exploration.
This bridge, which is accessible free of charge at all times, is close to your camping Annecy . Leave the star-studded services of the Annecy campsites for the day and take the road to the Pont des Amours. From the campsite, take the D1508 road which runs alongside Lake Annecy, and head up towards the town centre. You'll reach the bridge in less than 30 minutes, just 17km away.