All tours in Annecy

Annecy

Shadows & Saints: The Dual Crown of the Alps

3.3 km103 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Discover the hidden paradox of Annecy. Beyond the picturesque canals and alpine charm lies a fierce, centuries-old battleground for absolute control. This is the story of how a rugged military stronghold of the Dukes of Savoy transformed into the 'Rome of the Alps'—a sophisticated weapon of the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Join us as we unravel the brilliant, sometimes ruthless strategies of saints and lords who fought not with swords, but with architecture, education, and the human soul.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Château d'Annecy

The former residence of the Counts of Geneva, representing the secular and military dominance over the region.

Château d'Annecy

Pic by Silveresay on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.22 km • 3 min
2

STOP 2

Église Saint-François-de-Sales

Built on the site of the first tomb of St. Francis de Sales, marking the grassroots beginnings of the 'Rome of the Alps'.

Église Saint-François-de-Sales

Pic by Nukri Komin on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.32 km • 5 min
3

STOP 3

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre d'Annecy

The 16th-century cathedral that became the literal seat of the Counter-Reformation in Annecy after the bishops were exiled from Geneva.

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre d'Annecy

Pic by Krzysztof Golik on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.78 km • 12 min
4

STOP 4

Ancien Palais Épiscopal

The former bishop's palace and administrative heart of St. Francis de Sales' religious campaign.

Ancien Palais Épiscopal

Pic by Guilhem Vellut on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

0.93 km • 14 min
5

STOP 5

Site of Collège Chappuisien

The former site of the college founded to educate Catholic priests and counter the intellectual spread of Calvinism.

Site of Collège Chappuisien

Pic by violette34 on Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

1.02 km • 16 min
6

END

Basilique de la Visitation

The grand basilica housing the relics of St. Francis de Sales, serving as the ultimate monument to Annecy's religious triumph.

Basilique de la Visitation

Pic by Tiia Monto on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and cerebral explorers fascinated by the intersection of religion, politics, and power.
  • Best time Late afternoon, when the fading light casts long shadows over the medieval stone and the basilica glows above the city.
  • Footwear Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. The climb to the Basilica is steep and the cobblestones are unforgiving.
  • Pacing Take your time on the ascent to the final stop; the views are worth pausing for.
  • Quiet Hours Respect the silence inside the Cathedral and Basilica, especially during active services.
  • Weather Alpine weather shifts quickly. Bring a light jacket even in summer.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Ian MacLeod
Audio sample
0:000:00

Ian MacLeod

  • Power, Protest & Civic Spaces
  • Scotland

Connoisseur of political movements. Traces the routes of protests and explains the power of public spaces.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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