Free cancellation
1 h 40 min – 2 hours
Annecy Two Hour Insider Walking Tour With Local Guide
5.0 (37 reviews)
from
≈ 448 RON
Activity Annecy, France
Self-Guided Podcast Tour Annecy: The Dual Crown of the Alps
1 h 43 min
Free cancellation
About this activity
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.
Private and Luxury
Audio Guides
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Virtual Experiences
Short term availability
Weather Dependent - Moderate
At a glance
- Duration
- 1 h 43 min
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group
- Up to 99 people
- People per booking
- 1–30
- Audio guide
- German, English
- Operated by
- Red Thread
Ages: Adults (13–99 years)
What is included
Included
- Included: Verified facts woven into an engaging story
- Included: Interactive in-app guide for questions about the story and surroundings
- Included: Precise navigation between the stops
- Included: Immersive podcast-style audio featuring experts and locals
Itinerary
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10 min
The former residence of the Counts of Geneva, representing the secular and military dominance over the region.
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Stop 2
10 min
Built on the site of the first tomb of St. Francis de Sales, marking the grassroots beginnings of the 'Rome of the Alps'.
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Stop 3
10 min
The 16th-century cathedral that became the literal seat of the Counter-Reformation in Annecy after the bishops were exiled from Geneva.
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Stop 4
10 min
The former bishop's palace and administrative heart of St. Francis de Sales' religious campaign.
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Stop 5
10 min
The former site of the college founded to educate Catholic priests and counter the intellectual spread of Calvinism.
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Basilique de la Visitation
10 min
The grand basilica housing the relics of St. Francis de Sales, serving as the ultimate monument to Annecy's religious triumph.
Meeting point and pickup
Everyone meets at the meeting point.
Meeting point
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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
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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.
Using your ticket
Thank you very much for your booking! We are excited to give you a fantastic tour experience with the Red Thread app.
Since this is a self-guided tour, you enjoy total freedom: start whenever it suits you — at your own pace, with no fixed timetable or group.
Here is how to redeem your voucher:
1. Download the app: Install the free "Red Thread: Discover Home" app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/de/app/red-thread-discover-home/id6757938513
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.voltaire.redthread
2. Redeem your code: Open the app and scan the QR code on your ticket — or type your voucher code in.
3. For groups: Every participant installs the app on their own smartphone and redeems their own code from the ticket — one code per person.
Once redeemed you have 14 days of access — the clock starts at redemption, not at booking.
More information on our website: https://redthread.world
We hope you enjoy your Red Thread tour!
Cancellation
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| If you cancel | You get back |
|---|---|
| At least one day before | 100% |
| Less than a day before | 0% |
Good to know
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Self-Guided Podcast Tour Annecy: The Dual Crown of the Alps
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