Jardins de l'Europe, Annecy waterfront

Jardins de l'Europe is a deeply shaded lakeside park on the Annecy waterfront, across the main road from the old town of Annecy. It was created in the 19th century to be like a British arboretum with trees from around the world. There are giant sequoias and tulip trees from America, gingko biloba from Asia, and Corsican pines.. A wide promenade along the crystal clear blue-green lake runs along the edge of the park. Across the lake are magnificent mountains, and directly in front is a little manmade island called Isle of Swans. From the quais you can see the castle of Annecy and when you look up, the basilica on a hill. It is so beautiful you will want to stay all day! There are boat moorings here, and you can take a one-hour cruise around the lake- highly recommended! 

Inside the garden are some strange modern art sculptures, mostly relating to trees. There is also a statue of Berthollet, a Chemist from the nearby town of Talloires. There is a shady, fenced, wooden ship playground for children.
On the north edge of the gardens, you cross Pont des Amours (lovers bridge) over Canal du Vasse, a magical canal lined with plane trees, where young people sit on docks by rowboats and dip their toes in the water. This is an idyllic view, with the jade green water of the canal sparkling! Next to the canal is a children's carousel, colorful and beautiful. There are two children's playgrounds, both wooden, on either side of lover's bridge. 
Over the bridge is a huge lawn called Le Paquier, where people picnic happily on days when it isn't wet from rain- it used to be marshland. It is a vast, open space with stunning views of the mountains in the distance, and criss crossing paths for bike riding and walking. The waterfront promenade continues here, and so do more boat moorings. People sit at the edge of the lake, dangling their feet blissfully in the cold water. 
If you continue to walk further, you are on a path alongside Ave d'Albigny, with plane trees on one side and the sparkling lake on the other. You soon come to Parc Charles Bosson, with flower beds and more lake views. When you reach Plage de l'Imperial you get to experience the most incredible views of the lake and mountains!
This is a great place to walk since the bike path is separate from the walking path, and you can walk in peace.

Directions

Jardins de l'Europe is just across the main road from the old town of Annecy. The address is Quai Napoléon III, 74000 Annecy, France.

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