12 Fantastic Things to do in Annecy
Get lost in the picturesque cobbled streets of Annecy Old Town, swim in one of Europe’s cleanest lakes, hike amongst lush countryside and nature reserves, cycle through quaint villages, dine on hearty local cuisine, browse the Old Town Market and so much more. Read on for more fantastic things to do in Annecy.
Located in Southeastern France, Annecy is a charming city perched on the north shore of Lake Annecy, the third largest lake in France.
It’s the largest city in the Haute-Savoie department which borders both Italy and Switzerland and is one of the best European summer destinations.
Annecy truly has it all. Relaxation by the lake, hiking in the mountains, culture and history in the Old Town and drinking and dining galore; a few days here is the perfect place to unwind and recharge.
Annecy Old Town looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a fairytale. Multi-coloured historical buildings line narrow cobbled streets parted by charming canals leading to the piercing blue Lake Annecy.
Annecy is a great destination to visit on its own for a nice mix of relaxation, exploration and activities. It’s also ideal as part of a bigger trip. We spent a few days here after we hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc for somewhere to relax, swim and eat yummy food!
In this guide to the best things to do in Annecy, we’ll cover what you need to know before visiting including where to stay, how to get there, how expensive it is and more, followed by the top Annecy attractions. Feel free to use the contents if you want to skip anything.
No time to read the best things to do in Annecy now? Save it on Pinterest for later.
Contents
What You Need to Know Before Visiting Annecy
Where should I stay to see the top things to do in Annecy?
Annecy Old Town and Lake Annecy are next to each other and as most of your time will be spent in this area, it makes sense to stay here, especially if this is your first visit.
The Old Town is where the action happens and there are loads of hotel and apartment options a stone’s throw from bars, restaurants, shops and cafes. Below are our recommendations depending on your budget:
- Luxury – Le 3 de Coeur Annecy
- Mid-range – L’Appart du Thiou
- Budget – L’Atelier Filaterie
For somewhere quieter, to get more for your money and somewhere with more space, basing yourself a few minutes’ walk outside the Old Town but near to the best things to do in Annecy is a good option.
We stayed in a lovely, spacious 2-bedroom apartment with our friends a 15-minute walk from the Old Town which was very reasonably priced and a great base for a couple of nights.
Some of our accommodation recommendations within a short walk of the Old Town are:
- 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 within walking distance of the main Annecy attractions, Annecy-le-Vieux is a great base.
Within approximately 30 minutes, you can walk into the heart of the Old Town, or there are several buses between this neighbourhood and Annecy.
Staying in Annecy-le-Vieux, you’re also closer to some of the best beaches in Annecy including Imperial Beach and Albigny Beach which are great for families with children. Here are a few of our recommendations:
- Luxury – Panoramique 180 Lac et Montagne
- Mid-range – Appartement 2 Chambre avec Terrasse
- Budget – Appartement Ilettes
When is the best time of year to visit Annecy?
The best time of year to visit Annecy for the weather is June – September. Temperatures are in the twenties and Lake Annecy is at its warmest which is pleasant for a swim.
If you’re not limited to travelling in the school holidays, we’d recommend avoiding mid-July and August. The city will be crowded and prices will spike due to demand. Temperatures can sometimes also be quite unpleasantly hot during these months.
In May and October, it’s still nice and mild and you can find some great deals on accommodation as it’s not the height of peak travel season. The Old Town also won’t be as crowded and you’ll be able to get a table at the most popular restaurants easier.
Rain is a possibility all year round in Annecy with September being one of the wettest months as well as one of the warmest.
How do I get to Annecy?
Geneva is the closest airport to Annecy, about an hour away, and there are a few transport options.
There are numerous daily buses from Geneva Airport to Annecy taking between 40 and 50 minutes and ranging from €7 to €37 depending on the company and time. You’ll be dropped at Gare routière d’Annecy; a 10-minute walk to the Old Town.
Another option is taking a taxi between the two cities, which we’d recommend if you don’t mind splashing out a bit. We got a taxi from Annecy to Geneva as our bus was delayed for 2 hours and we had a flight to catch. The taxi cost €100.
Finally, the train is an option, although we wouldn’t recommend this as it takes the longest time (1.5 hours). Take a train from Geneva Airport to Annecy Galbert where you can either walk 20 minutes to the city or jump on a bus for one stop to Paul Grimault.
How long should I spend in Annecy?
We’d recommend spending at least 3 full days to see the top things to do in Annecy, although you can definitely get a great feel of the city if you only have a day or two.
How expensive is Annecy?
We’d read a lot online about how expensive Annecy is and if you stick to the tourist hotspots and go out for every meal then it can be. However, we found it’s one of those cities that can be as expensive or budget-friendly as you make it.
For upmarket restaurants smack bang in the Old Town, you’ll pay around €25-€30 for a meal. Authentic restaurants tucked away down side streets, you’ll find meals for around €15. Beers range between €5-€10 depending on the bar and location.
Unsurprisingly, the most expensive bars and restaurants are in the heart of the Old Town and along the Thiou River as it meanders its way into the city.
For lunch, you can buy freshly-made sandwiches from street vendors for around €5-€8 and these will fill you up for hours!
You can also buy bread and sandwich fillings from a supermarket, which we often did and this will only cost a couple of euros.
Bike rental for a full day will cost between €20-€25 for a city bike and around €40 for an e-bike.
As highlighted above, the most expensive accommodation is in La Vieille Ville although there’s a range of prices depending on budget. Staying in Annecy-le-Vieux or a 10-minute walk from the Old Town, you’ll find cheaper options and your money goes further.
Do I need a car to see the top things to do in Annecy?
No, and we wouldn’t recommend hiring a car to see the top things to do in Annecy. Parking is limited and roads around the Old Town are narrow and busy. Annecy’s top activities are within walking distance and bikes or buses will take you to those further away.
If travelling to Chamonix for a day, we’d recommend taking a bus as parking is limited and Chamonix can get very busy.
What plug do I need?
France has two types of plugs, types 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.
What plug do I need?
France has two types of plugs, types 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.
What currency do I need?
Annecy is in France which uses the Euro. At the time of writing, 1 USD is 0.94 EUR. If you’re spending any time in Switzerland, you’ll need Swiss Francs. At the time of writing, 1 USD is 0.91 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.
Next in our guide, we’ll share the top things to do in Annecy.
Fantastic Things to do in Annecy
Explore the Quaint Old Town
Exploring the picture-perfect Old Town is one of the best things to do in Annecy and what the city is most well-known for. Also called ‘La Vieille Ville’, Annecy’s Old Town straddles the Thiou River and has been nicknamed the ‘Venice of the Alps’.
Picturesque canals snake their way through streets lined with colourful historical buildings and small cobbled alleys are home to cosy bars, quaint restaurants, souvenir shops and typical French shops selling cold meats and cheeses.
One of the best things to do in Annecy is to stroll La Vieille Ville with no real aim of where you’re going. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as the streets ooze history and medieval charm passing historical monuments and walking underneath arches.
Not much of Annecy’s old city wall remains, however, it has managed to preserve its gates, including Perrière Gate to the south which, for centuries, was the town’s main entrance and Sainte Claire Gate with its bell tower which accessed the old quarters.
Chill on Lake Annecy's Beaches
At 27 km², Lake Annecy is the third largest lake in France and has some of the purest water in Europe. This makes one of the top things to do in Annecy, chilling on one of the lake’s numerous beaches.
The lake’s crystal clear waters and pleasant temperature will immediately entice you in for a dip. The water resembles what you’d expect to find on Greek Islands more than an alpine lake. It’s simply captivating!
The beaches dotted around Lake Annecy each have their own unique charm and characteristics. Some of our recommendations are:
- Marquistas Beach – a 15-minute walk from Annecy Old Town is this pleasant beach with a long grassy strip bordered by sand, making it popular with families. The lake, however, becomes very deep very quickly. There are toilets, and during the summer there’s a snack bar and lifeguards during the day.
- Angon Beach – this was our favourite beach on Lake Annecy as it’s one of the prettiest. 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. There are toilets, a bar and restaurant, lifeguards, beach towels, deck chairs and beach volleyball and pétanque.
- Albigny Beach – this is the largest beach on Lake Annecy and stretches for several hundred meters. It has a gentle sandy slope into the water, making it 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 find snack bars and restaurants.
- Imperial Beach – this is one of the most fun beaches on Lake Annecy that’ll keep adults and kids entertained for hours. Games include pétanque, beach volleyball, badminton and ping pong and there’s also a giant waterslide, paddling pool for kids, parasols and deck chairs for hire and a bar serving cocktails, drinks and food with a beach vibe atmosphere. We’ve dedicated a separate section to Le Pop Plage later.
These beaches are all free to visit and there are also numerous private beaches you can visit for a fee.
The best way to get around Lake Annecy’s beaches is by bike (more on that later), bus or walking. We don’t recommend driving as car parks are limited and fill up quickly.
Buses run from Annecy around the lake in both directions and will stop at most of the beaches. SIBRA is the local city bus service and bus schedules can be found on their website.
Admire Le Palais de l'Île
Perched on a rocky island that splits the Thiou River, the Palais de l’Île is a historical monument often described as a “house in the shape of a ship”.
Today, you can visit the Palais de l’Île home to The Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Centre which leads visitors through old rooms displaying information about their historic functions.
Tickets for the Palais de l’Île cost €3.80 for adults, €2.80 for groups of adults (5 or more) and €1.70 for children.
Our Top Tip: a combined ticket for the Palais de l’Île and Château d’Annecy costs €7.20 which can be booked on arrival.
If you don’t want to go inside the Palais de l’Île, you’ll undoubtedly stumble upon it as you explore La Vieille Ville. It’s instantly recognisable and one of the most photographed sites in France.
Cycle Around Lake Annecy
This was one of our favourite things to do in Annecy as we saw different areas of the region aside from the city including quaint towns, serene beaches and rolling countryside as well as get up close to the mountains.
One of the first things you’ll notice about Annecy is the number of cyclists. Cycling is one of the best ways to see Annecy and the surrounding area and there are multiple cycle paths for every level of cyclist from professional racers to families with little children.
We’d recommend cycling the 42 km cycle path that loops around the whole of Lake Annecy. That distance may seem daunting but there are plenty of places to stop. The views from different sides of the lake all offer something different and are spectacular.
Completing the cycle in one go would take around 3-3.5 hours without stopping. It’s mostly flat aside from a few small inclines and a rather steep section in between Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires for approximately 4 km.
There are a number of bike rental shops in Annecy with options depending on budget and bike type – road, hybrid, mountain, gravel, e-bikes, junior and tandems.
Go Hiking
You’d be forgiven for thinking all of the top things to do in Annecy revolve around the beautiful Old Town and lake, however, Annecy is a hiker’s paradise!
Ranging from short family-friendly strolls close to the shore of Lake Annecy to challenging hikes summiting the imposing peaks of the surrounding mountains, there’s something to suit everyone who fancies getting active.
One of the best hikes in Annecy is up La Tournette; the highest mountain on Lake Annecy (2,351 m). This is a challenging hike and should only be done by experienced hikers as you’ll use steel cables and ladders towards the top.
The hike is 8 km with an elevation gain of 926 metres. It will take around 5.5 hours and reward hikers with seriously epic views over Lake Annecy and the neighbouring little towns and countryside.
If you’re after some great views over Lake Annecy but without the challenge of La Tournette, Mont Baron and Mont Veyrier are a good option. Park or take a taxi to Col des Contrebandiers and from there, it’s a 2-hour loop summiting each mountain and back.
A great spot for hiking is the beautiful Roc de Chère Nature Reserve with a network of walking trails suitable for everyone of all ages and abilities.
Our Top Tip: make sure you head to the Belvedere for an amazing view over Lake Annecy.
Also, just an hour away from Annecy is Chamonix; the starting point for the Tour du Mont Blanc and 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 one of the top things to do in Annecy is paragliding.
Annecy is also one of the best paragliding sites in Europe, so, if you love a rush of adrenaline and the feeling of freedom then make sure this activity is on your itinerary.
Paragliding usually starts near Col de la Forclaz and is one of Annecy’s top activities so make sure you book in advance.
Visit Château d’Annecy
Another of Annecy’s top activities is the Château d’Annecy. Easily accessible from the Old Town in around 5 minutes, it’s perched on the top of a hill and boasts spectacular views over the rooftops of Annecy.
Château d’Annecy is a museum housing various collections including old and contemporary art exhibits, underwater archaeology, medieval sculpture and landscape and religious paintings. It’s also used for numerous social events and receptions.
During the 1900s, the Château fell into disrepair once the barracks stopped being used. In 1953, the town of Annecy acquired and restored it to what you see today.
Enjoy Dining and Drinking Out
As well as being an outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise, Annecy is a haven for foodies and a great city to enjoy a drink.
The Haute-Savoie Département is known for hearty food namely cheese and cured meats and due to the winter conditions, ingredients tend to be seasonal, authentic and local.
Typical cheeses used in traditional Savoie food include 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 usually used in fondue.
Other typical foods from this region are Saucissons Savoyards – delicious cured meats, crozets – small square-shaped flat pasta, diots – vegetable and pork sausages and raclette – where cheese is heated and the melted part is scraped off and added to meals.
As well as eating your way around the city, one of the top things to do in Annecy is have a drink in one of the many pubs and bars that line the quaint cobbled streets.
Whether you’re after a nice cold beer overlooking the canals, a French wine in a dimly lit cellar or a cocktail on a terrace in the heart of the Old Town watching the world go by, Annecy is sure to deliver.
Annecy Old Town is packed full of charming restaurants specialising in local cuisine, however, it can be quite tricky deciphering between the over-priced tourist traps and the authentic restaurants so here are some of our recommendations:
- Les Chineurs de la Cuisine – located in the heart of the Old Town with a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere, this restaurant serves food local to the region and is made from high-quality fresh produce. We’d recommend the marinated shrimp and guacamole on a chives blini to start and Charolais beef tartare, Italian style with homemade fries and green salad for mains. Their wine list is quite extensive and they’ll suggest wine to match each dish.
- La Fermette – a great spot for a grab-and-go lunch is this small shop selling various 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 delicious melted cheese.
- Le Salon Français – this popular wine bar has a great selection of French wines, including some from the Savoie region. If you’re feeling peckish, we’d recommend pairing it with some cheese and charcuterie.
- 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 the Old Town. It’s also a great spot during the day for high-quality coffee and serves a fantastic breakfast.
- Beer O’clock – for something different, head to Beer O’clock where you load a prepaid card and choose which beer and quantity you’d like. Around the room are numerous ‘pumps’, a screen describes what the beer is and you pull the beer yourself.
- Savoie Bar – this family-owned traditional bistro serves a selection of old-fashioned cocktails as well as a good selection of beer and wines. Delicious French cuisine is also served. The only downside is that you may have to wait a while as it’s so popular.
- Rose des Neiges – for some delicious sweet treats, look no further than Rose des Neiges. This elegant patisserie serves delicious pastries and other sugary delights. They may just look too pretty to eat?!
- Le Palais des Glaces – we can’t talk about food in Annecy and not mention ice cream! Le Palais des Glaces is one of the best ice cream shops in Annecy, proven by its constant line meandering 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, make sure you don’t leave Annecy without trying this gem.
Browse Annecy Market
If you’re here on a Tuesday, Friday or Sunday, one of the must-see Annecy attractions is the Old Town Market, open 7am – 1pm.
On Tuesdays, the market is mostly fresh foods, however, on Fridays and Sundays, there are more local crafts and textiles stalls as well.
The market is sprawled throughout the streets of the Old Town and you’ll find various local food specialities such as cheese, cured meat, and fresh fruit and veg. Stalls are alive with colour and produce mostly comes from local farmers and growers.
Visiting the Old Town Market is one of the best things to do in Annecy and is a great insight into a traditional market experience.
Go on a Boat Trip on Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy has some of the cleanest water on the entire continent, so it makes sense that one of the best things to do in Annecy is to hire a motorboat and spend a day exploring its vast shoreline.
Annecy’s spectacular landscapes surrounding the lake provide the perfect backdrop to a day on a boat exploring the shoreline home to picturesque villages, gorgeous countryside, nature reserves, restaurants and beautiful beaches.
Hiring your own motorboat gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace and see exactly what you want. Most motorboats don’t require a license and the water is extremely calm so this is very popular.
If you don’t like the idea of your own motorboat, you can also take a cruise on Lake Annecy. From group cruises ranging in duration and points of interest to restaurant cruises to private water taxis and privatised catamarans, there’s no end to the range of boat trips.
Day Trip to Chamonix
We’d recommend a day trip to the bustling resort town of Chamonix as one of the things to do in Annecy only if you have more than 3 days. We wouldn’t recommend sacrificing a day in Annecy for any less time than that.
Sitting in the shadows of Mont Blanc at 4,809 metres and nestled below jagged snow-capped mountain peaks and ancient glaciers is the delightful alpine town of Chamonix home to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Alps!
There are many things to do in Chamonix depending on how active or relaxed you want to be.
If you want to get your hike on, one of the best hikes in Chamonix is to Lac Blanc; a striking alpine lake nestled amongst magnificent mountains with an incredible view of Mont Blanc.
To get up close to Mont Blanc, take the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car from Chamonix where there’s a suspended glass platform at 3,842 metres where you can also view the peak of Mont Blanc.
Alternatively, amble the town’s lovely streets lined with many amazing restaurants and bustling bars and cafes and browse the town’s fabulous shops from independent boutiques to upmarket outdoor stores.
You can take a bus from Annecy to Chamonix in approximately an hour and a half depending on the company and costs around €15 one-way.
Chamonix is also very close to the starting point of the Tour du Mont Blanc so if you plan on hiking the TMB, you’ll no doubt spend a bit of time in Chamonix anyway.
Visit Le Pop Plage
To finish off our list of fantastic things to do in Annecy is to visit Le Pop Plage; a private beach and bar on Lake Annecy.
We stumbled across this spot by accident when we were at Imperial Beach as we fancied a drink and this is next door. There are deck chairs and beds you can rent (for a charge) or you can sit at the chairs and tables around the bar for free.
Le Pop Plage is nice for a few hours of relaxation in the sun for some drinks, however, don’t expect great service as it’s slow and not very friendly.
It also turns into a beach nightclub in the evenings.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide on fantastic things to do in Annecy. If you have any questions or any other recommendations, feel free to leave a comment below.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.