October, 2012 – Graham Miln

Watery Annecy - Bridges and Canals

Annecy is perched on the edge of a lake. Tributaries of the lake flow through the old town. The flow of water is managed and channeled between, under, and around buildings.

Many of the waterways have walkable paths alongside. Without these suspended paths much of the town would be difficult to navigate. The water appears and disappears throughout the town. Water is frequently guided along the edge of one building then only to disappear through a tunnel under the next building. Following the path of a single channel of water on foot would be challenging.

Annecy’s old town is built around waterways.
Annecy’s old town is built around waterways.

Wider channels of water line the town’s outskirts.
Wider channels of water line the town’s outskirts.

The waterways are dammed and managed.
The waterways are dammed and managed.

Near the townhall a small rise in the water attracts birdlife.
Near the townhall a small rise in the water attracts birdlife.

As the water approaches the buildings bridges and tunnels begin.
As the water approaches the buildings bridges and tunnels begin.

Once the waterways were alive with boats and busy quays.
Once the waterways were alive with boats and busy quays.

Steps ascend from the water into an old town building.
Steps ascend from the water into an old town building.

Multi-storey buildings line the channels of water.
Multi-storey buildings line the channels of water.

Beautiful walkways line many of the waterways.
Beautiful walkways line many of the waterways.

Throughout Annecy the waterways combine into larger expanses.

Annecy has installed underwater lighting for a section of the central waterway. The lights made an evening amble through the old streets a highlight of our visit to the town.

Underwater lighting illuminates the old gaol.
Underwater lighting illuminates the old gaol.

Annecy’s gaol turned museum sits between two channels of water.
Annecy’s gaol turned museum sits between two channels of water.

At night the waterways are lit up.
At night the waterways are lit up.