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Offered languages
- German
- English
Discover the incredible, hidden story of Lac d'Annecy. Today, it sparkles as Europe's cleanest lake, but in the 1950s, it was a dying, foul-smelling biological dead zone. Join an urban planner and a local environmental historian as they guide you through the political miracles, the scientific awakenings, and the massive, invisible engineering feats that resurrected these alpine waters. This is a story of civic courage, ecological stewardship, and the power of a community that refused to let its natural heritage slip away.
- A 3.1 km self-guided tour with 6 stops over 100 min
- Ideal for travelers interested in Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation and History & Memory
- Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
From Annecy's main station, take local public transport toward Hôtel de Ville d'Annecy. Get off at the nearest stop and walk the final few minutes to Hôtel de Ville d'Annecy, Annecy, France. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.
From Plage des Marquisats, walk to the nearest public transport stop and travel back to Annecy's main station. The departure point is Plage des Marquisats, Annecy, France. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.
Itinerary
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1Hotel de Ville d'Annecy
The political birthplace of the lake's rescue, where an unprecedented intercommunal syndicate was formed in 1957.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Housed in the historic castle, this observatory monitored the lake's biological death and eventual miraculous recovery.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Jardins de l'Europe
The site of the shocking 1950s 'red algae' blooms that visually and olfactorily horrified the public into action.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Pont des Amours
A romantic landmark that historically served as an open sewer, highlighting the dramatic contrast of the restoration.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Le Paquier d'Annecy
The vast lawns hiding the massive, 40km+ underground collector ring that intercepts all wastewater.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
The public beach that represents the ultimate payoff of the restoration, boasting pristine waters.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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