Among the many charming places in France, none captivates me quite like the mountain town of Annecy. Its allure extends from serene lake cruises to vibrant farmer’s markets—offering a plethora of delightful experiences to savor in Annecy, France!
Annecy, nestled in the Haute-Savoie region of France amidst mountains near the Swiss border, is a picturesque lake town. Its jewel, Lac d’Annecy, holds some of Europe’s purest waters, annually replenished by snowmelt.
The town strikes a perfect balance—not too sprawling, nor too compact. Its walkable, bike-friendly ambiance invites leisurely exploration of local shops, indulgence in fresh food markets, or idyllic picnics across numerous parks.
For two months, we embraced the digital nomad lifestyle in Annecy with our kids and cat, cherishing every moment. Allow us to share our top recommendations for activities and the finest experiences in Annecy, France!
Annecy France Travel Guide
1: Explore Annecy’s Old Town
Annecy’s picturesque allure owes much to its meandering network of canals weaving through the old town, earning it the moniker “Venice of France.” Though shallow and not navigable by boats, these canals contribute immensely to the town’s quaint charm.
Stroll amidst the vibrant old buildings, cobblestone pathways, and adorned with flower boxes—the Old Town of Annecy promises a delightful experience. Amidst this tapestry, catch glimpses of distant mountains and the serene lake while relishing the myriad street-side restaurants, cafes, and tempting ice cream shops.
2: Boating On Lake Annecy
Arguably the crown jewel of Annecy, Lac d’Annecy is a breathtaking azure expanse perched at the town’s edge. As France’s third-largest lake, it consistently garners praise for its unparalleled freshness, owing to the Alpine snowmelt that feeds its pristine waters.
Wrapped in mountains and offering respite from the summer heat, the lake invites visitors with biking paths encircling its shores, numerous beaches, and a myriad of boating opportunities!
Pedal Boat Rentals: Along Jacquet Promenade, an array of pedal boats awaits rental, ranging around €15 EURO for 30 minutes, offering varying sizes and even some with slides or diving boards!
Motor Boat Rentals: Small 4-5 person motor boats, sans the need for a license, are available for around €65 EURO per hour, some equipped with sunshades for added comfort.
Lake Tours: Opt for a leisurely tour aboard sizable boats, narrating key points of interest or even offering dinner bookings!
Waterskiing Adventures: Delight in the popular waterskiing activities facilitated by local companies, an exciting option on the tranquil waters of Lake Annecy.
Sailing Lessons: Embrace the tranquility on a small sailboat, cruising the lake’s expanse at your own pace, or indulge in beginner sailing lessons for a memorable experience!
3: Walk Across Lover’s Bridge
The Pont des Amours, an exceptionally beautiful and renowned bridge perched on Lac d’Annecy’s edge, gracefully stretches across the Vassé canal, linking the Jardins de l’Europe and the Jacquet Promenade.
Local lore weaves a charming tale—whispered promises that lovers who share a kiss upon this bridge shall remain bound for a lifetime.
This iconic structure offers two picturesque vistas. Gaze one way for a breathtaking view of the lake, framed by majestic mountains. Turn around, and be greeted by a tree-lined canal, adorned with wooden boats gently moored along its tranquil banks.
4: Picnic At Jardins de l’Europe
On sunny days, strolling or biking to the Jardins de l’Europe proves a delightful, family-friendly pursuit. This expansive park, nestled along the lake’s edge, unfolds with vast verdant lawns, charming boardwalks, and playgrounds aplenty.
A nostalgic touch awaits—the vintage wooden Carousel, a relic since 1871, invites children for whimsical rides.
Come late afternoon, the park transforms into a favored spot for picnics—simply gather wine, cheese, and bread procured from the markets, spread out a blanket, and revel in a quintessential French experience, accompanied by stunning mountain vistas you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
5: Explore Annecy Castle
The Château d’Annecy, positioned atop a hill in the heart of the town, stands as a historic castle steeped in heritage. Initially crafted as a residence for the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours during the 13th to 16th centuries.
Today, the castle hosts the Musée-Château d’Annecy, a museum showcasing local sculptures, artistry, and a captivating nature exhibit featuring animals and fish indigenous to the lake’s surroundings. Venture to the castle’s walls for panoramic vistas of the lake and town.
Entrance tickets, priced at approximately €5 EURO for adults, extend complimentary access to children under 12—an opportunity to delve into Annecy’s rich history and artistic treasures.
“If you’re eager to plan this incredible tour, give us a call at +91 981-150-2655 to discuss your dream adventure: Talk to us!”
6: Walk The Promenade du Thiou
Embark on a tranquil stroll along the Promenade du Thiou, a serene path tracing the Thiou River’s crystalline waters through Annecy’s old town. As you venture farther from the urban bustle, the surroundings gradually transition into wooded seclusion. On both riverbanks, paths beckon for exploration.
This trail accommodates bikes and strollers, offering an idyllic escape for an hour or two amidst nature, away from the bustling tourist hub. Discover scattered playgrounds, cozy sitting areas, and charming bridges nestled along the leafy expanse.
Commencing near the Quai des Cordeliers, just beyond the famed Le Palais de I’Île in Old Annecy, simply follow the river upstream—a refreshing journey into the quieter, verdant realms of the town.
7: Visit Annecy le Vieux
Annecy le Vieux stands as a distinct locale—a residential enclave perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the lake below. This area boasts a delightful park, historic edifices, quaint churches, several eateries, and bars—a serene contrast to the lively ambiance of the bustling old city.
Among its notable features, the Clocher Roman Church, Parc Gabriel Fauré, and the esteemed Les Quatre Gourmets Restaurant take center stage, enriching the relaxed charm of this elevated district.
8: Shop At The Farmer’s Markets
Living in Annecy, I relished the vibrant tapestry of fresh food markets weaving through the cobblestone streets of the old town. These bustling markets showcase an array of delights—from diverse produce to cheeses, sausages, wines, olives, freshly baked bread, vibrant flowers, crafts, and beyond.
Mark your calendar for the Annecy street markets—every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, from 7 am to 1 pm. Don’t miss the chance to savor the local specialty, reblochon cheese, a key ingredient in many regional dishes.
9: Chateau de Menthon-Saint Bernard
The Chateau de Menthon stands as an awe-inspiring medieval fortress situated on the outskirts of Annecy. For over a century, it has remained in the same family’s care, welcoming visitors from April to October exclusively on weekends.
Perched atop its vantage point, the castle commands views that encompass Lake Annecy, the Roc de Chère National Nature Reserve, and the charming town of Menthon-Saint-Bernard.
Guided tours, conducted solely in French, unfold in the afternoons, lasting approximately an hour. Additionally, visitors can explore a petite garden and encounter the delightful presence of sheep, pigs, and majestic peacocks within the castle’s grounds.
10: Bike Around The Lake
Annecy embraces cyclists with open arms, boasting dedicated paths and trails that weave throughout the town. A particular highlight is the splendid bike path encircling the lake, offering a fantastic opportunity to bask in the mountainous panorama while spending leisurely hours.
Covering a span of 35 km, this paved greenway traces the former railway connecting Annecy to Albertville, passing through quaint villages such as Sévrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt, Lathuile, and Doussard.
Numerous shops in Annecy offer bike rentals, some even providing kid-friendly trailers—ideal for a family outing, as I experienced firsthand!
11: Palais de l’Île
The Palais de l’Isle stands as the quintessential, iconic landmark of Annecy—a unique, castle-like structure positioned amidst the Thiou River, encircled by the lively array of restaurants and shops within Annecy’s old town.
Resembling a “house shaped like a ship,” this building has worn many hats throughout history, serving as a prison, courthouse, and administrative center since its original construction in the 12th century.
Today, it houses a museum that beckons visitors at a nominal fee of around €4. Step inside to explore its historical corridors, including an old courtroom, dungeon, prison cells, and a chapel. Notably, the most iconic photographs are often captured from the bridge just outside, encapsulating the charm of this picturesque locale.
12: Go For A Hike
Nestled at the foothills of the French Alps, Annecy serves as an ideal hub for exploring the majestic mountains. It’s a perfect starting point for various local hikes and day trips offering superb skiing and trekking adventures.
Whether you seek leisurely strolls or adrenaline-pumping mountaineering, Annecy offers diverse options catering to all. Nearby hikes boast enchanting waterfalls, serene mountain lakes, and opportunities to spot fascinating wildlife, including the iconic ibex mountain goats.
“If you’re eager to plan this incredible tour, give us a call at +91 981-150-2655 to discuss your dream adventure: Talk to us!”
Discover these sought-after hiking trails surrounding Annecy:
La Tournette – A challenging yet rewarding trek to the highest peak near the lake. Spanning about 6-hours round-trip, this hike offers breathtaking vistas. Recommended for seasoned hikers.
Mont Baron & Veyrier – Embark on a moderate 2-hour loop, traversing two mountain summits and treating you to splendid panoramic views.
Gorges du Fier – An easy stroll suitable for families, guiding you across suspension bridges within a gorge—a delightful experience for all ages.
Cascade d’Angon – Delve into a shaded path leading to a stunning waterfall. This moderately easy hike rewards you with serene lake views and lasts approximately 2 hours round trip.
Best Time To Visit Annecy
March-May
During our visit to Annecy, spanning primarily through April and May, we experienced the unpredictability of the region’s weather. We encountered occasional snowfall amidst sunny days adorned with vibrant wildflowers. While the mountains retained their snowy caps, the town itself enjoyed a pleasant climate, not yet reaching sweltering temperatures.
June – August
Annecy shines during its high season, drawing crowds due to its undeniable beauty. As a hotspot for day-trippers, especially for those journeying through Switzerland due to its proximity to the border, the town often bustles with tourists. Securing accommodations in the summer can be quite challenging unless reservations are made several months ahead due to the high demand.
September – November
This period stands as an optimal time to explore Annecy. With the departure of most high-season tourists, the weather remains pleasantly cool, and the snow hasn’t made its appearance yet. Additionally, October brings forth a fantastic festival, the Return Of The Alpine Pastures Festival, adding another layer of charm to your visit.
Where Is Annecy (Getting There)
Annecy, France sits approximately 44 km west of Geneva, Switzerland, merely a 40-minute drive away. Typically, visitors arrive at Annecy after flying into Geneva International Airport, followed by a scenic drive over the border to
Where To Stay In Annecy
Lodging options in Annecy cater to a spectrum, from backpacker-friendly setups to luxurious accommodations. During our extended stay, we opted for a delightful holiday apartment rented through My Sweet Home Annecy, offering proximity to all conveniences.
For optimal stays, areas close to the old town are highly recommended. They grant effortless access to the bustling markets and the picturesque lakeside, ensuring a well-rounded Annecy experience.
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