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”.