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Église Saint‑François‑de‑Sales

About

Église Saint‑François‑de‑Sales is a landmark of Annecy’s Old Town, built in the 17th century as part of the Counter‑Reformation movement. Its architecture reflects Baroque influences, with a simple exterior that contrasts with the richness of its interior. The church is closely tied to the history of the Order of the Visitation, founded by Saint François de Sales and Saint Jeanne de Chantal, whose legacy is preserved within its walls. Inside, visitors find elegant altars, religious artworks, and chapels that highlight centuries of devotion. The building also served as a cathedral during the 19th century, reinforcing its importance in the city’s spiritual life. Today, Église Saint‑François‑de‑Sales remains a place of worship and reflection, while also offering a glimpse into Annecy’s religious and cultural heritage, making it a meaningful stop for those exploring the historic heart of the city.

Annecy France
Église Saint‑François‑de‑Sales
Location

Église Saint-François-de-Sales is located at 1 Place Saint-François-de-Sales, 74000 Annecy, in the Haute-Savoie region of southeastern France, right on the banks of the Thiou River canal in the heart of the Vieille Ville old town. This 17th-century Baroque church, known locally as the "Église des Italiens," faces the Hôtel de Ville town hall and offers serene waterside views amid pedestrian streets.​ Directly across the canal stands the iconic Palais de l'Isle museum, visible from the nearby Périère bridge, while the Jardins de l'Europe park and Pont des Amours lie just a short stroll away along the lakefront. Adjacent sites include Église Saint-Maurice and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre within minutes, plus bustling markets on Rue Sainte-Claire and easy access to Lake Annecy beaches.​

Musée‑Château d'Annecy Musée‑Château d'Annecy Museum Palais de l'Île Palais de l'Île Museum Musée du Film d'Animation d'Annecy Musée du Film d'Animation d'Annecy Museum Écomusée du Lac d'Annecy Écomusée du Lac d'Annecy Museum Musée PACCARD Musée PACCARD Museum Espace Archéologie et environnement du lac d'Annecy Espace Archéologie et environnement du lac d'Annecy Museum Centre culturel de Bonlieu Centre culturel de Bonlieu Cultural Centre Salle Pierre Lamy Salle Pierre Lamy Theatre Théâtre de l'Échange Théâtre de l'Échange Theatre Renoir | Théâtre des collines Renoir | Théâtre des collines Theatre Théâtre des Collines – Le Rabelais Théâtre des Collines – Le Rabelais Theatre L'Arcadium L'Arcadium Concert Hall Le Brise Glace Le Brise Glace Concert Hall Théâtre Les Têtes de l'Art Théâtre Les Têtes de l'Art Theatre Auditorium de Seynod Auditorium de Seynod Theatre Bel‑Air Fine Art Bel‑Air Fine Art Gallery Art By Friends Art By Friends Gallery Le Point Commun Le Point Commun Gallery Lac d'Annecy Lac d'Annecy Lake Vieille Ville Vieille Ville Tourist attractions Pont des Amours Pont des Amours Bridge Jardins de l'Europe Jardins de l'Europe Park Le Pâquier Le Pâquier Park Parc animalier de la Grande Jeanne Parc animalier de la Grande Jeanne Wildlife park Île des Cygnes Île des Cygnes Island Château de Montrottier Château de Montrottier Castle Cathédrale Saint‑Pierre Cathédrale Saint‑Pierre Cathedral Église Saint‑Maurice Église Saint‑Maurice Church Basilique de la Visitation Basilique de la Visitation Basilica Basilique Saint‑Joseph‑des‑Fins Basilique Saint‑Joseph‑des‑Fins Basilica Parc Charles Bosson Parc Charles Bosson Park Parc d'Albigny Parc d'Albigny Park Volière de l'Impérial Volière de l'Impérial Zoo