Logo-bleu.png
LLA Intendance
Pont des Amours bridge and Canal du Vassé in Annecy, France
Pont des Amours bridge and Canal du Vassé in Annecy, France

Between legend and natural beauty: the Pont des Amours in Annecy

Annecy is a stunning city you should visit for several reasons. For example, we’ve already talked about its lake, the surrounding mountains and villages, without even mentioning the unique features you’ll find in the Venice of the Alps. Known for its famous piers, Annecy attracts travelers from all over Europe every year—especially to the Pont des Amours, a must-see spot where you can enjoy a magnificent view over Lake Annecy.

In this article, we’ll tell you more about the Pont des Amours in Annecy, its surroundings, and the legend behind its fame.

Table of Content

The legend of the kiss on the Pont des Amours: an eternal love?

The Pont des Amours is the name given to the bridge that crosses the Vassé Canal on the edge of Lake Annecy. More precisely, it’s located not far from the Old Town and connects the Jardins de l’Europe to Le Pâquier, a vast landscaped promenade covering seven and a half hectares.

As its origins are unclear, the name Pont des Amours is said to come from an urban legend: it’s said that two lovers who share a kiss in the middle of the bridge will be united for life. Other sources mention that the Pont des Amours may owe its name to its former reputation as a meeting place for “paid love.” In fact, the bridge’s official name is the “Passerelle du Jardin public ”.

Either way, this bridge remains one of Annecy’s most popular spots—a must-visit if you’re coming to Annecy with the one you love.

Enjoy a romantic getaway on the shores of Lake Annecy or a romantic stay for Valentine’s Day.

Must-see viewpoints from the Pont des Amours

The Pont des Amours is one of the most photographed places in the city thanks to its romantic setting, which is very popular with tourists. It’s especially loved by photographers and couples who want to capture their time in Annecy. Many newlyweds also come to the bridge to take photos and immortalize their love!

Once on the bridge, day or night, you can admire Lake Annecy with a 180-degree view, set against an idyllic backdrop of mountains and lush green forests.

Annecy pont des amours

History and architecture of the Pont des Amours

Historically, the Pont des Amours in Annecy was first built in 1845 to allow spectators and tourists visiting the area to see the illuminated canal. At the time, it was just a simple wooden footbridge, later replaced by a flat bridge with three cast-iron arches (the work of locksmith Claude Grandchamps), before in 1907, architect Gaspard Fruaüf and contractor Charles Galleto transformed it into an iron bridge—a durable material that helped it become the iconic place we know today.

What to see near the Pont des Amours?

When you head to the Pont des Amours, you’ll most likely want to explore the surrounding area. With its pleasant lakeside walk, the Jardins de l’Europe, along with Le Pâquier, are among the favorite promenades of Annecy locals and tourists alike. These gardens are a large tree-filled park with century-old trees that create beautiful plays of light and shade in summer—much to the delight of painters and nature lovers. During your walk, at the far end of the Jardins de l’Europe, you’ll spot Swan Island, a green islet home to hundreds of birds, as well as a statue of engineer Berthollet, inventor of bleach and a chemist from the town of Talloires. Finally, in summer, the gardens transform into a riverside café where you can stroll and dance.

pont des amours annecy

If you’d like to discover Annecy’s past through its canals, you can follow the Vassé Canal : by taking the path that runs alongside it from the Pont des Amours, you’ll see boats and sometimes swans, while enjoying a shaded walkway—an ideal summer stroll.

Finally, if there’s one place that Annecy locals particularly love, it’s undoubtedly Le Pâquier. Also known as the Champ de Mars, this vast esplanade in the heart of the city, bordering the lake, is perfect if you want to stroll or enjoy various sporting and cultural events, such as live music during the Fête de la Musique, volleyball tournaments, triathlons, or fireworks. What’s more, like the Pont des Amours, Le Pâquier comes with a legend saying that a generous donor gave one of her plots of land so children could play there, in exchange for a promise that nothing would be built on it.

Visit Annecy and cross the Pont des Amours!

A successful vacation in Annecy is one that’s planned in advance. As you’re getting ready to visit the Pont des Amours—alone or as a couple—you’ll most likely want to enjoy Annecy and its lake to the fullest, and even take the time to explore the Northern Alps region. To do so, head to our website to find the accommodation that suits you, whether for a short stay or a longer one!

RENTALS
LAKE ANNECY
APARTMENTS
LAKE ANNECY
HOUSES
LAKE ANNECY
Facebook Instagram Youtube