Annecy Paysages

Annecy Paysages: When Contemporary Art Invests the Alpine Landscape

Created in 2017 on the initiative of Bonlieu Scène nationale, Annecy Paysages was born from a strong ambition: to integrate contemporary art into the exceptional landscape of Annecy, between the lake, the mountains, and the urban heritage. This outdoor art trail offers monumental installations every summer, designed specifically for the sites that host them, creating a unique dialogue between artistic creation and the natural environment.

The festival has adopted a biennial rhythm for its new creations, allowing resources to be concentrated on more ambitious, better-designed, and more deeply integrated projects within the landscape. This choice reflects a strong artistic requirement: each work is conceived in resonance with its location, whether it be the banks of the Thiou, the Jardins de l'Europe, the Pâquier, or the old town.

An Art Trail Along the Thiou

The Thiou, Annecy's emblematic river connecting the lake to the canals of the old town, serves as the guiding thread for the trail. The artworks are scattered along its banks, inviting walkers on a contemplative stroll between art and nature. Renowned international artists design ephemeral or permanent installations — sculptures, sound installations, light works, landscape interventions — that surprise and challenge the perception of the everyday landscape.

Leading International Artists

Since its creation, Annecy Paysages has hosted internationally renowned artists who have revealed the unique beauty of the locations through original creations. Each edition presents about twenty installations spread across the entire trail, offering an artistic walk of several kilometers accessible to all audiences.

An Open-Air Museum, Free and Accessible

One of the strengths of Annecy Paysages lies in its total accessibility. The trail is free, open access, and visible throughout the summer season, from July to October. Residents and tourists can discover the works at their own pace, during their walks. Guided tours, workshops, and cultural mediation activities are offered to deepen the discovery.

The festival is supported by Bonlieu Scène nationale with the collaboration of the City of Annecy, the Department of Haute-Savoie, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, and the Ministry of Culture. It is part of a dynamic of enhancing public space through art, making Annecy a leading cultural destination.