Saint-François-de-Sales church

The Church of St Francis de Sales, in Annecy

The Church of St Francis de Sales is a fine baroque building of Annecy, by the Thiou, linked to two great spiritual figures of the town. The Annecy audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary, nicknamed the Italian church.

The baroque sanctuary by the Thiou

The Church of St Francis de Sales is one of the finest religious buildings of Annecy, located by the Thiou canal. Built in the seventeenth century in an elegant baroque style, it is nicknamed the Italian church because of its architecture inspired by the models of Italy. Its fine stone façade and its adorned interior testify to the art of the Counter-Reformation. The church is deeply linked to two great spiritual figures of Annecy, Saint Francis de Sales, bishop and famous author, and Saint Jane de Chantal, who founded together the order of the Visitation. Their bodies rested there for a time, making the church a place of memory and devotion. A major sanctuary, the Church of St Francis de Sales is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the elegant baroque building nicknamed the Italian church, its fine stone façade and its adorned interior, by the Thiou, linked to Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal, founders of the order of the Visitation. The Church of St Francis de Sales is a major sanctuary of Annecy. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Church of St Francis de Sales lies by the Thiou canal, in the old town of Annecy, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; access and hours follow their own conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the Church of St Francis de Sales of Annecy nicknamed the Italian church?

Because of its baroque architecture inspired by the models of Italy; this seventeenth-century church is linked to Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal, founders of the order of the Visitation.

Where is the Church of St Francis de Sales of Annecy?

By the Thiou canal, in the old town of Annecy, in France.