Self-Guided Podcast Tour Annecy: The Dual Crown of the Alps

Annecy, France
  1. Home
  2. Activities
  3. Annecy
Duration1h 43m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English
Group sizeUp to 99 travelers

Overview

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 instrument of the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Unravel the brilliant, sometimes ruthless strategies of saints and lords who fought not with swords, but with architecture, education, and the human soul.

A 3.3 km self-guided tour with 6 stops over 103 min, Ideal for travelers interested in Power, Protest & Civic Spaces and History & Memory, Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals, Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app.

What's included

  • Verified facts woven into an engaging story
  • Interactive in-app guide for questions about the story and surroundings
  • Precise navigation between the stops
  • Immersive podcast-style audio featuring experts and locals

What to expect

  1. Musee-Chateau d'Annecy
    10m
    The former residence of the Counts of Geneva, representing the secular and military dominance over the region.
  2. 10m
    Built on the site of the first tomb of St. Francis de Sales, marking the grassroots beginnings of the 'Rome of the Alps'.
  3. 10m
    The 16th-century cathedral that became the literal seat of the Counter-Reformation in Annecy after the bishops were exiled from Geneva.
  4. 10m
    The former bishop's palace and administrative heart of St. Francis de Sales' religious campaign.
  5. 10m
    The former site of the college founded to educate Catholic priests and counter the intellectual spread of Calvinism.
  6. Basilique de la Visitation
    10m
    The grand basilica housing the relics of St. Francis de Sales, serving as the ultimate monument to Annecy's religious triumph.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

From Annecy's main station, take local public transport toward Château d'Annecy. Get off at the nearest stop and walk the final few minutes. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.

End point

From Basilique de la Visitation, walk to the nearest public transport stop and travel back to Annecy's main station. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
€5.99 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Red Thread · Booked through Viator
More activities in Annecy
From
€5.99 per person
Check availability