The church stands on the site of a former 14th-century chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, originally established by the Counts of Geneva.
The bell tower is the only remnant of the original medieval structure to survive the destruction mandated by the Revolutionary authorities.
The church served as the Town Hall of Annecy during the late 18th century following the French Revolution.
The interior contains a notable statue of the 'Vierge de Liesse' (Virgin of Joy), which has been a target of local pilgrimage for centuries.
Église Notre-Dame de Liesse is a historic neoclassical church situated in the heart of Annecy's Old Town. Originally a 14th-century chapel, the current structure was primarily rebuilt between 1846 and 1851 after the original edifice fell into disrepair and was demolished during the French Revolution. The church features a bell tower that survived the revolutionary period, showcasing a mix of architectural eras. Its interior houses significant religious artwork, including paintings and sculptures from the 19th century. The site is managed by the Diocese of Annecy and remains an active place of worship. The building's facade reflects the transitional architectural styles common in the mid-19th-century Savoy region.
From the street corner in the Passage Notre-Dame looking upward to capture the contrast between the historic bell tower and the main facade.
Visit during the weekday morning market in the Old Town to combine local culture with your visit.
Check the local diocese bulletin board near the entrance for information on upcoming classical music concerts often held in the nave.
Look for the distinct difference in stonework between the remaining medieval tower and the newer 19th-century neoclassical body.
Avoid entering during ongoing liturgical services or funeral ceremonies to maintain respectful decorum.
Occasionally closed to visitors during private religious ceremonies, weddings, or funerals.
Respect silence during private prayer; remove hats; modest attire covering shoulders and knees is expected.
