Why is Annecy, in the heart of the Savoie region, a popular destination for millions of travelers every year? With almost 3 million visitors, this city of water and mountains promises a unique adventure. Are you staying at one of our
Les jardins de l’Europe in Annecy in a few words …
- A green getaway: a 3-hectare English garden, ideally located between Annecy’s old town and its lake.
- A site steeped in history: from its medieval origins as a marshland to its conversion into a landscaped park in 1863.
- Points of interest: the statue of the chemist Berthollet, the famous Pont des Amours, the Île aux Cygnes and remarkable trees.
- A lively place: it hosts events such as the Venetian Carnival and the Annecy Paysages festival.
- Practical info: access is free, 24 hours a day, with parking lots nearby.
A haven of peace between the old town and Lake Annecy
Located behind the Hôtel de Ville, the Jardins de l’Europe are a bubble of tranquility. This English park covers an area of 3 hectares, promising a very pleasant stroll. Come and sit on a bench, stretch out on the grass and enjoy the view of the mountains and lake. How to get there:
- From the Old Town, simply cross the small bridge over the Thiou and immediately turn right.
- From the heart of Annecy, you can walk along the Hôtel de Ville or take the passageway along the Quai Jules school.
- From Le Pâquier, a single step over the romantic Pont des Amours takes you directly to the lush greenery of the Jardins de l’Europe.
From medieval history to a European garden
The history of Annecy’s Jardins de l’Europe is rich. Did you know that the site was once a swamp where “health huts” were built to isolate the sick in the Middle Ages? That dark past is long gone. The history of this place continues when the land became
After the French Revolution, it became national property. The town of Annecy finally bought the land in 1834 and launched a competition to develop it. In 1863, after the annexation of Savoy to France, an English-style landscape garden was
A walk through hidden treasures
A stroll through the Gardens of Europe in Annecy is a series of discoveries. You can admire trees, historic monuments and breathtaking views. Here’s a breakdown of what to see:
- The statue of Claude Louis Berthollet: here you’ll find a bronze statue of Claude Louis Berthollet, a famous chemist from Talloires, responsible for the discovery of bleach. The statue’s bas-reliefs tell the story of his career and his participation in Napoleon Bonaparte’s expedition to Egypt.
- Pont des Amours: this bridge links Annecy’s Jardins de l’Europe to the Pâquier. The view is spectacular, with the lake on one side and the Canal du Vassé and the old town on the other.
- L’Île aux Cygnes is an artificial islet created in the 19th century, a refuge for a multitude of birds. You can see it from these gardens.
- Rare trees: among the 650 trees planted when the park was created, you’ll find giant redwoods, a ginkgo biloba with rare growths on its trunk, and bald cypresses of remarkable dimensions.
A site alive with events
Annecy’s Jardins de l’Europe are a gathering place. The atmosphere is always festive!
- At the end of winter, the Venetian Carnival transforms the park with hundreds of masks silently strolling around. It’s a unique spectacle!
- During the summer, the Annecy Paysages festival takes over the garden with art installations and created works that remain on site.
These events create an artistic and convivial atmosphere. Annecy’s Jardins de l’Europe also host regular summer balls, a rendezvous for dancing under the trees.
Practical information: your guide to a successful visit
A stroll through Annecy’s Jardins de l’Europe takes planning. Here’s all the information you need for a pleasant stroll.
Address: Quai Napoléon III, 74000 Annecy
Opening hours: open every day, 24 hours a day.
Prices: admission to Annecy’s Jardins de l’Europe is free.
Parking: you can use one of the 2 large parking lots located nearby:
- Parking Bonlieu: rue Guillaume Fichet, 74000 Annecy, 150 m from the gardens.
- Parking quai de la Tournette: 10 quai de la Tournette, 74000 Annecy, 600 m from the park.
The Gardens of Europe in Annecy will introduce you to the history, nature and tourism of Annecy. It’s the perfect getaway from our La Ravoire, Les Fontaines and Lo Velâjo campsites. Don’t wait any longer! Plan your stay and discover the magic of these gardens for yourself. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region!