14 Best things to do in Annecy
We visited Annecy in July to catch up with a good friend of ours who had recently moved there. We must say, Annecy didn’t disappoint—its reputation is truly well-earned. Interestingly, my mother visited Annecy decades ago, and to this day, she still praises the city for its beauty and charm.
Annecy is an Alpine town located in Haute-Savoie, nestled in the French Alps and surrounded by impressive mountain landscapes. It’s famous for its massive lake, aptly named Lake Annecy, and its picturesque old town, known for cobbled streets, winding canals, and pastel-colored houses. Towering above the city is the medieval Château d’Annecy, which once served as the home of the Counts of Geneva and now houses a museum.
While exploring Annecy, we took time to stroll through the old town, indulge in ice cream, hike in the nearby Alps, and bike around the stunning lake, stopping at local beaches along the way.
In this article, we’ll share our experiences and highlight all the best things to do in Annecy. If you’re planning a trip to the French Alps region, Annecy should undoubtedly be on your list. But enough about that for now—let’s dive into the best things to do in Annecy and why this enchanting town deserves a visit.
Video of the trip
Table of Contents
Map of the best things to do in Annecy
Getting there
Let’s start these best things to do in Annecy by how to get there. Annecy, nestled in the French Alps, is accessible via several transportation options. Here’s how you can reach this picturesque town:
By Air:
- Geneva International Airport (GVA): Located approximately 50 km (31 miles) from Annecy, it’s the closest major airport. From Geneva, you can take a train or bus to Annecy, with journeys typically lasting around an hour.
- Lyon Saint-Exupéry International Airport (LYS): Situated about 125 km (78 miles) from Annecy, this airport offers train and coach connections to the town.
By Train:
- From Paris: High-speed TGV trains run from Paris to Annecy, some are direct, other have a transfer in Chambéry or Lyon. The total journey takes approximately 4 hours. You can check trains here.
- From Geneva: Regional trains connect Geneva to Annecy in about two hours : You can check trains here.
- From Lyon: Direct regional trains are available, with travel times around 2 hours. You can check trains here.
By Car:
- From Geneva: A drive via the A41 motorway takes about 45 minutes.
- From Lyon: The journey via the A43 and A41 motorways takes approximately 1.5 hours.
- If you plan on going around Annecy and into the heart of the Alps, than you can also consider renting a car at the import for more freedom, we always use rentalcar.com and always had the best experience ever.
By Bus:
- Several bus companies operate routes to Annecy from major cities like Geneva, Lyon, and Paris. Travel times vary based on the departure point. You can find lots of buses here.
Moving Around
The best way to move around Annecy old town is on foot. Let’s be honest, once you are in the old town of Annecy, you can easily reach all the main sight walking around. But you can also consider the 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour
But if you plan on going around the lake, you will either need a car or a bike as the total lake length is about 40km. We rented ours at Mobilboard Annecy – Location vélo électrique, trottinette & Segway
When to Visit
Our best things to do in Annecy wouldn’t be complete without some weather information. The best time to visit Annecy depends on the type of experience you’re looking for, as the town offers something unique in every season:
1. Spring (March to May): Annecy comes alive with blooming flowers and pleasant weather. Fewer tourists than in summer, so you can enjoy a quieter experience.
2. Summer (June to August): This is peak tourist season, with warm weather perfect for swimming in Lake Annecy, hiking the surrounding Alps, and enjoying water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking. Expect the town to be busy, but the vibrant atmosphere and long sunny days make it worthwhile.
3. Autumn (September to November): The fall colors create a stunning backdrop around the lake and mountains. The weather remains mild, especially in September, making it ideal for hiking and sightseeing. The summer crowds taper off, offering a more peaceful experience.
4. Winter (December to February): Annecy transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow-capped mountains and festive decorations. It’s a great time for skiing in nearby resorts or enjoying cozy evenings in town. Winter is less busy than summer, except during the Christmas holidays.
Best Overall Time: Late Spring (May to June): Combines pleasant weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds than peak summer. Early Autumn (September): Offers beautiful scenery, mild temperatures, and fewer tourists.
Where to Stay
We would recommend staying near the old town of Annecy. To enjoy all those best things to do in Annecy, it is important to have a good place to stay. Our favourite places to stay in Annecy are:
- (€): Hôtel du Château
- (€€): Hôtel du Nord
- (€€€): Le Pélican
What to Eat
This could almost be one of the best things to do in Annecy. Annecy boasts a rich culinary heritage that reflects its alpine surroundings and proximity to Lake Annecy. Here are some traditional dishes and specialties to savor during your visit:
- Tartiflette: A hearty gratin made with sliced potatoes, lardons (bacon), onions, and Reblochon cheese, baked until bubbly and golden.
- Raclette: Melted Raclette cheese served over boiled potatoes, accompanied by charcuterie and pickles.
- Fondue Savoyarde: A communal pot of melted cheeses—typically a blend of Comté, Beaufort, and Emmental—mixed with white wine and garlic
- Lake Fish: Lake Annecy provides fresh fish like Féra (a type of whitefish) and Omble Chevalier (Arctic char).
- Rissoles: Pastries filled with pear or apple compote, sometimes mixed with dried fruits or nuts.
- Savoyard Gratin: A variant of the traditional gratin dauphinois, this dish uses local cheeses like Tomme de Savoie, layered with potatoes and cream, then baked.
- Berthoud: A specialty made with melted Abondance cheese, white wine, and garlic, baked until creamy. It’s typically enjoyed with boiled potatoes and charcuterie.
- Savoie Wines: The region produces notable white wines like Apremont and Roussette, which pair excellently with the local cheese dishes.
Stay connected
One of our least favorite things to do when we arrive in a new country is to have to figure out how to get a good sim card. From finding where is the shop, in the airport, or the city center? To deal with the registrations, giving ID and even finding which operator is the best… Well, it’s a true headache.
That’s why, we started using Airalo, for countries where our sim card doesn’t have free coverage. Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that gives you access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards) for 200+ countries/regions to be connected anywhere in the world the second you land.
In France, you can get an Airalo eSim of 5GB for 13,5€ or 10GB for 22€.
Best things to do in Annecy
Old Town (Vieille Ville)
Among the best things to do in Annecy is its charming old town featuring cobbled streets, winding canals, and pastel-colored buildings. It’s a picturesque area filled with shops, cafes, and historic landmarks.
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
This 16th-century cathedral, located in the heart of the old town, boasts a stunning baroque interior and impressive organ pipes, offering a peaceful escape amidst the bustling streets.
Le Palais de l’Île
A medieval castle set on an island in the Thiou River, this iconic landmark houses a history museum and is one of Annecy’s most photographed spots. And if you want to make this best things to do in Annecy even better, try some local ice-cream.
Jardins de l’Europe
A serene park along the shores of Lake Annecy, these gardens are perfect for leisurely walks, with shaded pathways, open green spaces, and beautiful lake views.
Pont des Amours
Known as the “Lovers’ Bridge,” this picturesque footbridge offers stunning views of Lake Annecy and is a romantic spot for photos and strolls.
Lake Annecy
Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, Lake Annecy is ideal for swimming, boating, and cycling. It’s often called “Europe’s cleanest lake.” This was without a doubt one of the highlights of our time in Annecy and one the best things to do in Annecy.
Tip: Rent a bike and cycle around the lake, stopping at various beaches and points of interest.
Plage Municipale de Sevrier
A popular beach with amenities like picnic areas, a playground, and water sports, perfect for families seeking a relaxing day by the lake.
Plage de St Jorioz
This beach offers a tranquil atmosphere with a breathtaking mountain backdrop, great for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
Plage du Château
Located near Duingt, this small beach was our faovirite as its provides a quieter option for visitors seeking a peaceful spot to enjoy Lake Annecy. There isn’t a real beach but more a lake access nested under a little park protected by massive old trees. During summer, this is an amazing spot as it is covered. Due to that it became one of the best things to do in Annecy for us.
Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Bout du Lac d'Annecy
This protected natural reserve at the southern tip of the lake features wetlands, birdwatching opportunities, and scenic walking trails.
Chateau de menthon-saint-bernard annecy
The Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard is a stunning medieval castle perched on a hillside overlooking Lake Annecy. Dating back to the 13th century, the château combines Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements, making it a captivating sight.
Paraglider Takeoff Ground
For adventure seekers, Annecy offers several paragliding takeoff points, including Col de la Forclaz, providing unrivaled views of the lake and surrounding Alps. Even if this only a viewpoint and a picnic it is one of the best things to do in Annecy.
Tip: This is the spot you want to be at for a picnic diner.
La Tournette
The highest peak overlooking Lake Annecy, La Tournette offers challenging hiking trails and panoramic views of the lake and the Alps.
The Alps
Annecy serves as a gateway to the majestic Alps, with opportunities for skiing, hiking, and exploring stunning mountain landscapes year-round. Even if it isn’t in Annecy directly, it is a must to consider visiting the Alps as there are one of the best things to do in Annecy.
4-day Annecy Itinerary in Summer
Day 1: Arrive in Annecy, settle in your accommodation and go out to explore the old town. Be sure to pass by the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, Le Palais de l’Île, Jardins de l’Europe, Pont des Amours and see Lake Annecy
Day 2-3: Let’s head to the Alps where you can do a 2-day hike around the Fiz from Lignon with an overnight stay at the Refufe de Moéde-Anterne (Here is the map)
Day 4: Full day biking around the lake (Map of biking line) with stop at various beaches and reserved. End the day with a picnic at the Paraglider Takeoff Ground
It is not the destination where you end up but the mishaps and memories you create along the way
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