Arrive here and instantly notice cyan-colored mountain water cutting through Annecy Old Town in eastern France as it makes its way from pretty Lake Annecy. Located close to major ski areas, the town has an alpine feel adding to its historic interest. When you visit Annecy Old Town, you’ll understand why the city is called the Venice of the Alps. Tour this pedestrian city on foot along canals and a river to appreciate its charm.

River Thiou flows through the old section and is the shortest river in Europe, with its 2.2-mile (3.5-kilometer) length curling around a ship-like historical structure. Join other visitors as they take photos of this 12th-century building, the Palais de l’Île, which has been a prison, a court building and a home for elderly residents. It is now an architectural heritage center open year round.

The town’s heart is Rue Sainte-Claire. Stroll along its length to discover the beautiful designs of its old buildings and the energy of its markets. Not far from this street is the Château Annecy, with museums and galleries housed in a fortress dating to the Middle Ages.

Choose from numerous bridges to cross to the other side and find the Gardens of Europe with a full view of the lake. Watch as boats glide on this mountain lake. If you’re inspired to do the same, borrow a boat from one of the area’s rental centers or take a water tour.

The town has numerous churches. Find the 17th-century Église Saint-François de Sales near the park. It has a pretty white façade. Just north is the town’s oldest church, Église Saint-Maurice, built in the 1400s.

Travel farther into town to the 19th-century reconstruction of Église Notre Dame-de-Liesse with classic architectural lines and a square bell tower.

Annecy Old Town is an excellent base from which to tour this Alpine region. Consider traveling to one of the oldest tourist sites in the Alps, nearby Gorge du Fier, a very deep rift between two rock faces.