Annecy is considered by many to be one of the most picturesque cities of France. It has won The Most Beautiful City in France designation so many times that it has almost become ineligible. The old city was based on the plan of an inland Venice where water courses were frequent and made for water transportation and protection. Near the Swiss border, Annecy buildings have a combination of Swiss and French styles of architecture. It's a major play ground in the summer connected to a huge lake edged by the French Alps.