Things to Do in Annecy: Lakes, Mountains & Old Town Highlights
Wander through the canals and cobbled streets of Annecy Old Town, swim in one of Europe’s cleanest lakes, take in mountain views, and explore nearby villages. With so much to see, this guide covers the best things to do in Annecy, what’s actually worth your time and how to plan your visit.
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Annecy is one of those places that looks almost too picturesque to be real. With canals winding through the Old Town, colourful historic buildings, cobbled streets and a crystal-clear lake backed by mountains, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular destinations in France.
Tucked away in Southeastern France on the north shore of Lake Annecy – the third-largest lake in the country – the city is known for its scenery, food and relaxed pace. You can spend your days wandering the Old Town, swimming in the lake, hiking in the nearby Alps or stopping for coffee, pastries and plenty of cheese.
We spent a few days in Annecy after hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect place to recover – swimming in the lake, wandering the gorgeous fairytale streets, ice cream in hand and enjoying some really great food after days in the mountains.
But with so many things to do in Annecy, it’s not always obvious what’s actually worth your time – especially if you’re only visiting for a couple of days.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best things to do in Annecy, from the must-see highlights to a few spots you might not have considered, plus tips on where to stay, the best restaurants, when to visit and how to plan your time.
Contents
Annecy at a Glance
- 📍Where: Southeastern France, near Switzerland and Italy
- ⛰️ Known for: Lake Annecy, Old Town, mountain views, great food and drink
- 🗓️ Best for: 2-3 day trip or a longer Europe itinerary
- 🥾 Ideal for: Walking, swimming, cycling, eating and drinking
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Best Things to do in Annecy, France
From wandering the canals in the Old Town to swimming in Lake Annecy and exploring the surrounding mountains, there are many amazing experiences here. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer trip, these are the best things to do in Annecy, and the spots we think are actually worth your time.
To help you plan your visit, use the map below to find everything in one place and see how it fits into your route.
Map of the Best Things to do in Annecy
These are the spots we’d recommend heading to first.
Explore the Quaint Streets of Annecy Old Town
Exploring Annecy Old Town is easily one of the best things to do in Annecy, and it’s the part of the city most people fall in love with first. Also called ‘La Vieille Ville’, it straddles the Thiou River and is often called the ‘Venice of the Alps’.
Canals run through the streets lined with colourful historic buildings, and narrow cobbled alleys are home to cosy bars, quaint restaurants, souvenir shops and typical French shops selling cold meats and cheeses.
One of the best ways to experience La Vieille Ville is just to wander with no real plan. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you weave through quiet backstreets, pass under arches, and stumble across little corners that feel completely untouched.
Not much of the original city wall remains, but you can still spot part of the gates as you walk around, which gives you a bit of a sense of how the town used to be laid out. Perrière Gate to the south was the town’s main entrance for centuries, and Sainte Claire Gate, with its bell tower, accessed the old quarters.
One of the best ways to explore Annecy Old Town is with a local guide, who will dive deeper into the city’s history and traditions.
Relax on Lake Annecy's Beaches
Lake Annecy is one of the cleanest lakes in Europe, and in summer, it’s hard to beat a day spent by the water. If you’re looking for some of the best things to do in Annecy in summer, relaxing on one of the many beaches dotted around the shoreline is easily one of the best ways to enjoy it.
The water is crystal clear and so refreshing – it honestly feels more like something you’d find on a Greek Island, than an alpine lake. Whether you’re relaxing, swimming or spending time on the water, you can easily while away a day or two on Lake Annecy.
Each beach has its own feel, so it’s worth trying a couple if you have time. Some of our favourites are:
- Marquisats Beach – this is the closest beach to Annecy Old Town at a 15-minute walk. It’s a lovely beach with grassy areas, sandy spots and shallow water, so it’s great for families. Facilities include toilets and showers, and during the summer holidays, there’s a snack bar and lifeguards during the day.
- Angon Beach – this was our favourite beach on Lake Annecy. Incredible mountain views, a large grassy area with a stream running through, a gentle slope into the lake and pontoons make this one of the best beaches on Lake Annecy. You’ll find toilets, a bar, restaurant, lifeguards, beach towels, deck chairs, picnic tables, beach volleyball and pétanque.
- Albigny Beach – this is the largest beach on Lake Annecy, stretching for several hundred meters. It has a gentle sandy slope into the water, so it’s easily accessible for little ones. Facilities include toilets, showers, ice-cream vendors, lifeguards in July and August and floating wheelchairs for those with reduced mobility. Nearby, you’ll also find snack bars and restaurants.
- Imperial Beach – this is one of the most fun beaches on Lake Annecy for adults and kids, as it’s one big playground. Activities include pétanque, beach volleyball, badminton, ping pong, a giant waterslide, a paddling pool for kids, and parasols and deck chairs for hire. Plus, there’s a beach-bar serving cocktails, drinks and food – we’ll share more about this later.
The easiest way to get around the lake is by bike (more on that later), bus or on foot. We don’t recommend driving as parking is limited and fills up quickly.
Buses run around the lake in both directions and stop at most of the beaches. SIBRA is the local bus service, and you can check routes and schedules on their website.
Admire Le Palais de l'Île
Perched on a rocky island that splits the Thiou, the Palais de l’Île is one of the best places to visit in Annecy and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. For reasons fairly obvious, it’s often described as a “house in the shape of a ship”, and since being built in the 12th century, it has served many purposes, including a prison, courthouse, mint and administrative centre.
Today, the Palais de l’Île houses the Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Centre, where you can explore historic rooms and learn more about how the building has evolved over time.
Ticket prices change throughout the year so it’s worth checking the price online before you go.
Even if you don’t go inside, you’ll no doubt stumble upon it as you explore La Vieille Ville. It’s instantly recognisable and one of the most photographed sites in France.
If you’d like a bit more context, joining a walking tour with a local guide is a great way to learn about the history of Palais de l’ile, along with other highlights and hidden corners of the city.
Our top tip: the Palais de l’Ile is closed on Tuesdays.
Cycle Around Lake Annecy
This was one of our favourite things to do in Annecy in summer, as we got to see a whole other side beyond the city – passing through quaint towns and villages, beautiful beaches, rolling countryside and some incredible mountain views.
One of the first things you’ll notice about Annecy is just how many people are cycling. It’s one of the most popular activities in Annecy, whether you’re visiting or live locally, with dedicated cycle paths for every level.
If you have the time, cycling the 42-kilometre loop around the lake is well worth it. It might sound like a lot, but if you take the day to do it and stop along the way, it’s very manageable. Each stretch of the lake feels different, with constantly changing views and beautiful scenery along the way.
Cycling the loop in one go would take around 3-3.5 hours. It’s mostly flat apart from a few gentle inclines and a rather steep section between Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires for around 4km.
There are plenty of bike rental shops in Annecy with options to suit all budgets and abilities- from road and hybrid bikes, to e-bikes, tandems and junior bikes.
Go Hiking around Annecy
Although many of the top things to do in Annecy revolve around the lake and Old Town, Annecy in summer is a hiker’s paradise!
There are hiking trails for everyone, from relaxing family-friendly strolls along the lake to challenging hikes climbing the surrounding peaks.
One of the best hikes in Annecy is La Tournette, the highest mountain on Lake Annecy at 2,351 metres. This is a challenging trail and should only be done by experienced hikers, as you’ll need to use steel cables and ladders to reach the summit.
The hike is 8 kilometres, with an elevation gain of 926 metres. It should take around 5.5 hours. The effort is totally worth it, though – from the peak, you’ll enjoy incredible views over the lake, the little towns nestled into the mountains, rolling alpine countryside and endless mountain peaks.
If you’re after some great views over Lake Annecy with less effort, Mont Baron and Mont Veyrier are great options. Park or take a taxi to Col des Contrebandiers, and from there, it’s a 2-hour loop summiting each mountain and back.
Another great spot for hiking is the beautiful Roc de Chère Nature Reserve, with a network of walking trails suitable for all ages and abilities.
Our Top Tip: don’t miss the Belvédère du Roc de Chère for an amazing view over Lake Annecy.
If you’ve got a bit more time or Annecy is part of a larger trip, Chamonix is an hour away. This is the starting point for hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, as well as being a great base to explore the French Alps.
Go Paragliding
With the incredible scenery that surrounds Annecy, from the dramatic mountain peaks and piercing blue lake to the lush countryside and picturesque lakeside towns, it’s no wonder paragliding is one of the best things to do in Annecy in summer.
Annecy is actually one of the best paragliding sites in Europe! So, if you love a rush of adrenaline and that feeling of complete freedom, this is one of those activities in Annecy you won’t want to miss.
Flights usually take off at Col de la Forclaz, giving you spectacular views over Lake Annecy as you soar high above it. It’s incredibly popular, so book in advance to avoid missing out.
Visit Château d’Annecy;
The Château d’Annecy is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and one of the top Annecy attractions, sitting up on the hill with great views over the rooftops below.
Today, the Château is home to a museum with a mix of exhibitions, including art, medieval sculptures and some more unexpected displays like underwater archaeology. Even if you’re not planning on spending long inside, it’s worth visiting just for the setting.
Parts of the castle date back to the 12th century, and over the years it’s been used as a residence, a military barracks, and eventually fell into disrepair before being restored by the town in the 1950s.
Enjoy Dining and Drinking Out
As well as being an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Annecy is a haven for foodies and a great city to enjoy a drink.
The Haute-Savoie Département is known for its hearty cuisine, particularly cheese and cured meats. And, due to the winter conditions, ingredients tend to be seasonal, authentic and local.
Typical cheeses used in this region are Reblochon, Tome and Beaufort. Reblochon is used to make tartiflette, along with potatoes, lardons and onions. Tome is usually eaten at the end of a meal, and Beaufort is often used in fondue.
Other regional specialities are Saucissons Savoyards (cured meats), crozets (small square pasta), diots (vegetable and pork sausages) and raclette, where delicious melted cheese is added to meals.
As well as eating your way around the city, one of the best things to do in Annecy is to enjoy a drink in one of the many pubs and bars lining the cobbled streets.
Whether you’re after a refreshing cold beer by the lake, a French wine in a dimly lit cellar or a cocktail on a terrace in the heart of the Old Town, Annecy will deliver.
Annecy Old Town is full of charming restaurants serving local food. It can be quite tricky to tell the authentic spots from the over-priced tourist traps, so to make things easier for you, here are some of the best restaurants in Annecy we found:
- Les Chineurs de la Cuisine – this was our celebratory meal out for completing the Tour du Mont Blanc. It’s right in the heart of the Old Town and one of the best restaurants in Annecy, serving high-quality regional dishes with fresh ingredients. They have an extensive wine list, and the staff can recommend the perfect pairing for your meal.
- La Fermette – this small shop is a great spot for a grab-and-go lunch, selling local products such as meats and cheese. Make sure you try the raclette sandwich – crunchy French baguette, a few slices of ham and lashings of melted cheese… OMG.
- La Buvette du Marché – this is a great late-night bar with chairs spilling out onto the streets, where you can soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Annecy Old Town. It’s also a great spot during the day for delicious coffee and serves a fantastic breakfast.
- Beer O’clock – for something different, head to Beer O’clock, where you load a prepaid card and pull your own beer. You’ll find several pumps around the room with a screen describing the beer, and you can enjoy as much or as little as you like.
- Savoie Bar – this family-owned traditional bistro serves a selection of old-fashioned cocktails, beers, wines and authentic French cuisine. It’s one of the most popular restaurants in Annecy, so be prepared to wait a while.
- Rose des Neiges – for some delicious sweet treats, head to this elegant patisserie serving delicious pastries and other sugary treats.
- Le Palais des Glaces – this spot is one of the best ice cream shops in Annecy, proven by its constant queue down the street. Homemade waffle cones, a huge selection of Italian gelato flavours, all made with natural ingredients and using as little sugar as possible. Do not leave Annecy without trying this gem.
One of the best ways to experience Annecy’s food scene is by joining a local food tour. You’ll get to try a mix of regional dishes, learn more about Savoyard cuisine and discover a few spots you might not come across on your own.
Browse Annecy Old Town Market
If you’re visiting on a Tuesday, Friday or Sunday, the Old Town Market is one of the top Annecy attractions and well worth timing your trip around. It runs from 7am – 1pm and brings even more life to the streets of the Old Town.
On Tuesdays, the market focuses mainly on fresh produce, while Fridays and Sundays are larger, with more vendors selling local crafts and textiles alongside the food.
Sprawled through the streets of Annecy Old Town, you’ll find stalls piled high with local food specialities, like cheese, cured meats, and fresh fruit and veg. Stalls are vibrant and colourful, and produce mostly comes from local farmers and growers.
Visiting the Old Town Market is easily one of the best things to do in Annecy if you want a glimpse of everyday local life and a more traditional side of the city.
Go on a Boat Trip on Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy has some of the cleanest water in Europe, so hiring a boat is one of the best things to do in Annecy in summer. It’s a great way to explore the lake properly and spend a day out on the water.
The landscapes surrounding the lake are the perfect backdrop for a boat trip – with picturesque villages, rolling countryside, nature reserves, small lakeside restaurants dotted along the coastline and many beaches.
For complete freedom and flexibility, you can hire your own motorboat and explore at your own pace. Most don’t require a licence, and the water is really calm, so it’s easy to do even if you’ve never done it before. It’s one of the most popular activities in Annecy for a reason.
If you’d prefer something more relaxed, there are plenty of cruises to choose from – including group trips, private catamaran tours, restaurant cruises, and private water taxis.
Day Trip to Chamonix
Sitting in the shadow of Mont Blanc and surrounded by jagged snow-capped peaks and glaciers, Chamonix is a beautiful alpine town and an easy day trip from Annecy.
It’s home to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Alps, and there’s plenty to do, whether you’re after something active or a more relaxed wander through town.
For you hikers, Lac Blanc is an absolute must – a striking blue alpine lake with incredible views of Mont Blanc. For something a little less strenuous, you can take the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car and step out onto a suspended glass platform at 3,842 metres, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
For something more relaxed, you can spend the day ambling the town’s streets, enjoying the many restaurants, bars and cafes or browsing the shops – there’s a great mix of independent shops perfect for gifts and outdoor stores.
You can get from Annecy to Chamonix by bus in around an hour and a half for around €10 one-way (make sure the website is set to Euros).
If time allows, it’s well worth spending a couple of days here to properly explore the town and surrounding mountains.
Chamonix is also very close to the starting point of the Tour du Mont Blanc, so if you’re planning to hike it, there’s a good chance you’ll spend some time here anyway.
Visit Le Pop Plage
Another spot worth checking out and one of the best things to do in Annecy, is Le Pop Plage, a private beach and bar right on the edge of Lake Annecy.
We actually stumbled across it by accident while visiting Imperial Beach next door and popped in for a drink. You can rent deck chairs and beds for the day, or grab a seat around the bar for free.
It’s a great place to spend a few hours relaxing in the sun with a cocktail, though it’s worth noting the service can be quite slow and not the friendliest.
In the evening, it turns into a much livelier club with music and more of a party atmosphere (although it’s worth checking the reviews for this, as they’re not good. We didn’t go, so we can’t comment on what it’s actually like).
Things to Know Before Visiting Annecy
Where to stay in Annecy
Since Annecy Old Town and Lake Annecy are next to each other, this is the best area to stay. You’re right amongst the main sights, bars, restaurants, shops and cafes. There are tons of hotel and apartment options depending on your budget. Here are our recommendations:
- Luxury – Le Loft d’Annecy – Vision Luxe
- Mid-range – A l’aventure! Joli T2 avec balcon centre-ville
- Budget – Mystery Emplacement 1er
For somewhere quieter, more for your money, or more space, basing yourself just outside Annecy Old Town is a good option.
We stayed in this lovely, spacious 2-bedroom apartment with some friends, a 15-minute walk from the Old Town. It’s very reasonably priced and a great base for a couple of nights.
Other accommodation recommendations:
- Luxury – Le Panorama du Lac
- Mid-range – Le Baulier
- Budget – Annecy Studio
If you’ve visited Annecy before or you’re travelling as a family and would prefer to stay out of the tourist hustle and bustle, but still nearby, Annecy-le-Vieux is a great base.
You can walk to Annecy Old Town in approximately 30 minutes, or take buses 1 or 3.
You’re also close to some of the best beaches on Lake Annecy in Annecy-le-Vieux, including Imperial Beach and Albigny Beach – both great for families with children. Here are some accommodation recommendations:
- Luxury – Panoramique 180 Lac et Montagne
- Mid-range –Annecy 1-bedroom Apt With Balcony
- Budget –Ibis Styles Annecy Le Vieux
The best time to visit Annecy
The best time to visit Annecy for the weather is June to September. Temperatures are in the mid-twenties, and Lake Annecy is at its warmest – perfect for swimming, paddleboarding or general relaxing.
If you’re not tied to travelling during the school holidays, try to avoid mid-July and August. The city will be crowded, you’ll have to queue for many of Annecy’s best restaurants, and prices will spike. Also, it can be quite unbearably hot.
May and October are great times to visit Annecy if you’d prefer it quieter. It’s still nice and mild, and you can find some great deals on accommodation.
Keep in mind that, as Annecy is in the mountains, the weather can be unpredictable year-round. There’s always a chance of rain, and September, while being one of the warmest months, is also the wettest.
How to get to Annecy
The closest airport to Annecy is Geneva, about an hour away. You have a few transport options:
- Bus: the cheapest and easiest option. There are several daily buses from Geneva Airport to Annecy, taking between 40 and 50 minutes. Prices range from €9 to around €35, depending on the company and the time you travel. You’ll most likely be dropped at Gare Routière, a 10-minute walk to Annecy Old Town.
- Taxi: takes the same amount of time as the bus but is much more expensive. We ended up getting a taxi from Annecy to Geneva as our bus was delayed and we had a flight to catch – it cost €100. If you’ve got money to splash, it’s a good option for comfort and convenience, as you can be dropped right at your accommodation.
- Train: honestly, not the best option, and we wouldn’t recommend it. It takes around two hours, as you need to travel to Geneva first and change at least once.
- Car rental: renting a car gives you the most freedom and flexibility to travel on your own time. If your visit to Annecy is part of a larger trip, we’d recommend renting a car rather than relying on public transport.
How long to spend in Annecy
How long to spend in Annecy really depends on the kind of trip you’re after.
We’d recommend at least 3 full days – one to explore the Old Town, one to enjoy the lake, and another for a hike or bike ride. This gives you plenty of time to experience many of the best things to do in Annecy without feeling rushed.
That said, you can still get a great feel of the city in just a day or two, especially if you’re passing through as part of a wider trip through France, Italy or Switzerland, or while hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc.
If you have more time, Annecy works really well as a base. You could easily spend a week or more here, mixing days in the mountains with slower days relaxing on the beaches on Lake Annecy or exploring nearby towns.
Costs in Annecy
Before visiting, we’d heard a lot about how expensive Annecy is, and if you stick to the tourist hotspots and go out for every meal, then it will add up fast. However, we found it’s one of those cities that can be as expensive or budget-friendly as you make it.
In the upmarket restaurants in the Old Town centre, expect to pay around €25-€30 for a meal. At the more authentic restaurants tucked down side streets, meals cost closer to €15. Beers range between €5 and €10, depending on the bar and location. Unsurprisingly, the most expensive bars and restaurants are in the centre of the Old Town and along the Thiou.
For lunch, you can grab freshly-made sandwiches from street vendors for around €5-€8 – these are delicious and fill you up for hours – perfect if you’re on the go or spending lunch by Lake Annecy. Another budget-friendly option is to buy bread and sandwich fillings from a supermarket. We often did this as it only cost a couple of euros.
Bike rental varies between shops. For city bikes, it should be around €10 for an hour, €25 for half a day, and €30 for a full day. For e-bikes, expect to pay around €30 for 1-2 hours, and €58 for a full day.
Accommodation we’ve covered above – the most expensive options are right in the Old Town. If you don’t mind a bit of a walk, your money will go further.
Getting around Annecy
Getting around Annecy is super easy. The city is compact, and most of the main activities in Annecy are within walking distance.
Cycling is another great option, especially if you want to explore further along the lake or visit nearby towns. Cycle paths are relatively flat, and once you’re out of the centre, the roads are quieter or have dedicated cycle paths. Cycling around Lake Annecy is one of the best ways to see more of the area.
We wouldn’t recommend driving around the city itself – the roads are narrow and busy, and parking is limited and expensive.
The local bus network, SIBRA, is reliable and connects the local neighbourhoods and nearby towns if you’re venturing further afield.
For a day trip to Chamonix, take the bus. It’s very affordable and saves you the hassle of finding parking in a busy mountain town.
That said, if you’re planning to visit several places or continue your trip beyond Annecy, hiring a car can make things much easier, especially if you’re travelling with luggage.
Plug Type for France
France has two types of plugs, C and E. C has two round pins, and E has two round pins and a hole for the earthing pin.
If you’re spending any time in Switzerland, you’ll need type C or J. J has 3 round pins, which most power sockets are designed for, and type C will fit in these sockets.
Currency in France
France uses the Euro. At the time of writing, 1 USD is 0.86 EUR. In Switzerland, you’ll need Swiss Francs. At the time of writing, 1 USD is 0.79 CHF.
There are ATMs around Annecy and in Geneva Airport, and most places will accept card payments. We very rarely paid in cash and mostly used our Monzo accounts, as there are no fees.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide on fantastic things to do in Annecy, France. If you have any questions or any other recommendations, please leave us a comment. And make sure to check out some of our other Europe guides below.
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2 Comments
Great article! In going next week and am going to try several of your tips and extend A day to go to chamonix
Have a lovely time, it’s a beautiful town 🙂