Talloires and Annecy
The charming, idyllic resort village of Talloires (pronounced
“Tal-whar,” from "Tall’eur" in Celtic, meaning “facing the moon”) is
located on the shores of Lake Annecy at the foot of the French Alps in
the Haute-Savoie region of France (bordered by Italy and Switzerland).
The village preserves a heritage dating back to 1018 when it became the
site of a Benedictine priory. This lakeside village’s natural beauty
and the surrounding mountains have inspired artists such as Paul
Cézanne. Today, Talloires is dotted with courtyards, gardens, beaches,
hiking trails, small cafés, and shops, offering respite from the hustle
and bustle of city life. In addition to being a popular resort
destination for European vacationers, it is also a summertime center of
intellectual activity. The former priory (Le Prieure) is now home to
Tufts University’s European Center and its various academic programs and
conferences.
Just a few minutes away is the city of Annecy, known as the “Venice
of France” with its distinctly Italian feel. Annecy’s small medieval
quarter is laced with canals, flower-covered bridges, and cobblestone
streets. Its quaint cafés, open-air markets, museums, and castles give
you a taste of old France. Annecy and Talloires have been featured in
the New York Times Bestseller "1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A
Traveler's Life List" by Patricia Schultz. Schultz hails the region as
"A Lakeside Jewel in the Savoy Alps".