Eglise Saint-Francois (Saint François Church), Annecy

Saint Francis Church was built in 1614. It had its days of glory as the pilgrimage site and resting place of the bodies of Saints Jeanne de Chantal and Francis de Sales. The graves of the two saints were secretly moved from time to time to avoid desecration by revolutionary mobs. At present they are in the Basilica of the Visitation.

After the revolution, the church went through some transformations. It became a barracks, a factory in the 18th century and a venue for workshops in the 19th century. It was finally restored to religious status after the Great War. The church is also called "Church of the Italians" because it is popular with the Italian community of Annecy.

The church sits resolutely on the banks of the Thiou River. It expresses strong lombard and baroque influences. The facade and basic plan are adapted from the 16th century Church of the Gesu in Rome. The facade is in two levels topped by a triangular pediment.

It has a central nave plus three bays and two other naves on each side. The interior is not extravagant but it is well lighted. There are seven baroque altarpieces. The main altarpiece is a rebuilt of the 17th century original which has gone missing.

The church is located in Saint Francis Square. It is open year-round.