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 surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, hike amongst lush countryside and nature reserves, cycle through quaint villages, dine on hearty local cuisine and browse the Old Town Market. Read on for more fantastic things to do in Annecy, France.
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Tucked away in Southeastern France, Annecy is a charming city that will instantly steal your heart. It’s perched on the north shore of Lake Annecy, the third-largest lake in France, surrounded by mountains, full of history and culture and a fantastic food and drink scene.
There are many amazing things to do in Annecy – explore the Old Town that looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a fairytale with its multi-coloured historic buildings, narrow cobbled streets and canals, relax by the piercing blue lake, hike in the nearby Alps and eat your weight in cheese and pastries. Annecy in summer is honestly one of the best European summer destinations.
Annecy is the perfect long weekend getaway, or for a longer trip if you’re exploring more of France or nearby Italy and Switzerland. We spent a lovely weekend in Annecy after hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc to relax, recover, swim and eat delicious food.
In this guide to fantastic things to do in Annecy, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including where to stay, the best restaurants in Annecy, how to get there, costs, the best time to visit Annecy and much more. Following this, we’ll share the very best Annecy attractions. Feel free to use the contents as needed.
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Contents
Everything You Need to Know to Visit Annecy
Where to stay for the top things to do in Annecy
Since Annecy Old Town and Lake Annecy are next to each other, this is hands-down the best area to stay. You’re a stone’s throw from the main sights, bars, restaurants, shops and cafes. There are tons of hotel and apartment options depending on your budget. Here are some recommendations:
- Luxury – Le 3 de Coeur Annecy
- 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 the Old Town but still near to the best things to do in Annecy is a good option.
We stayed in a 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.
Some 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 close to the main Annecy attractions, Annecy-le-Vieux is a great base.
You can walk to Annecy Old Town in approximately 30 minutes, or take the bus, Rythmo 1.
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 –Hotel Novel Restaurant La Mamma
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 and avoid mid-July and August. The city will be crowded, you’ll have to queue for many of the best restaurants in Annecy, and prices will spike. Also, temperatures can sometimes soar to quite unpleasant levels.
May and October are great times to visit Annecy if you’d prefer it quieter. The weather is 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 most straightforward option. There are several buses from Geneva Airport to Annecy daily, taking between 40 and 50 minutes. Prices range between €7 and €37. You’ll be dropped off 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 trip 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.
To see all the best things to do in Annecy, we’d recommend 3 full days – a day in the city, a day by the lake and a day for a hike or bike ride. Saying that, you can get a great feel of the city in just a day or two, especially if you’re adding Annecy to part of a larger trip through France, Italy or Switzerland. Or even the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Alternatively, you could definitely base yourself in Annecy for a couple of weeks as you explore the surrounding lakes and mountains, or just spend time relaxing on the beaches on Lake Annecy.
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 heart of the Old Town, expect to pay around €25-€30 for a meal. At 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 as it meanders into the city.
For lunch, you can grab freshly-made sandwiches from street vendors for around €5-€8 – these are delicious and will 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 for a full day will cost between €20 and €25 for a city bike and around €40 for an e-bike.
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 activities in Annecy are within walking distance.
Cycling is another great option, especially if you want to visit other towns and lakeside beaches. Cycle paths are relatively flat, and once you’re out of the city, the roads are quiet or there are dedicated cycle paths. One of the best activities in Annecy is actually cycling around the stunning Lake Annecy (more on that later).
We wouldn’t recommend driving around Annecy 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.
If you’re planning a day trip to Chamonix, take the bus. It’s very reasonably priced and saves you the stress of finding parking in a busy mountain town.
If you’re visiting several areas, however, hiring a car makes sense rather than relying on public transport and its schedules. It’s also much more comfortable with your luggage.
Plug Type
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
Annecy is in France, which 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 0.81 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.
That covers everything you need to know to visit Annecy. Next up are all the fantastic things to do in Annecy.
Fantastic Things to do in Annecy, France
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 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. 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.
Relax on Lake Annecy's Beaches; best things to do in Annecy in summer
At 27 km², Lake Annecy is the third largest lake in France and is renowned for having some of the purest water in Europe! So, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Annecy in summer is to relax on one of the lake’s many beaches.
The water is crystal clear and so refreshing – it honestly feels more like what you’d find on a Greek Island, rather than an alpine lake in the Alps. Whether you’re relaxing, swimming or spending time on the water, you can easily while away a day or two on Lake Annecy.
Lake Annecy’s beaches are all unique and have their own character. Some of our favourite beaches on Lake Annecy are:
- Marquisats Beach – the closest beach to Annecy Old Town at a 15-minute walk, is this lovely beach with grassy areas, sandy areas and shallow waters, 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, 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 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 below.
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; top Annecy attractions
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, often described as a “house in the shape of a ship”. 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, which guides visitors through historic rooms displaying information about their past uses and evolution.
Tickets for the Palais de l’Île cost €4 for adults and €2 for children.
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.
Why not book a walking tour of Annecy with a local? You’ll not only learn about the history of Palais de l’ile, but also discover other highlights and hidden gems of this historical city.
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 of the region to the city – quaint towns and villages, beautiful beaches, rolling countryside and impressive mountains.
One of the first things you’ll notice about Annecy is the number of cyclists. Cycling is one of the best ways to get around, whether you’re a tourist or a local. There are dedicated cycle paths for every level, from professional racers to families with little ones.
One of the best activities in Annecy we’d recommend is the 42-kilometre cycle path that loops around Lake Annecy. That may seem daunting; however, take a day to cover it and make various stops as you go. The views around the lake all offer a different perspective and are truly spectacular.
Cycling the loop in one go would take around 3-3.5 hours. It’s mostly flat apart from a few small inclines and a rather steep section in between Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires for approximately 4 km.
There are plenty 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; top activities in 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! 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 epic views over Lake Annecy, 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 in Annecy in summer 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: 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. Known as the starting point for the Tour du Mont Blanc, it’s also 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 the ultimate feeling of freedom, then 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 one of the most popular things to do in Annecy in summer, so make sure you book in advance.
Visit Château d’Annecy; most interesting places to visit in Annecy
Another of the must-see Annecy attractions is the Château d’Annecy. Just a short, 5-minute walk from the Old Town, this historic castle is perched on a hilltop, boasting spectacular views over the rooftops of Annecy.
Today, the Château houses a museum with various collections, including old and contemporary art exhibits, underwater archaeology, medieval sculpture and landscape and religious paintings. It’s also used for social events and receptions.
The Château was built between the 12th and 16th centuries, and served as the residence of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours. The castle became a victim of several fires and was abandoned in the 17th century. Later, it became a military barracks until 1947, when it fell into disrepair. In 1953, the town of Annecy acquired the castle and restored it to what you see today.
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 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 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 quaint 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 is sure to deliver.
Annecy Old Town is packed full of charming restaurants specialising in local cuisine. It can be quite tricky to tell the authentic spots from the over-priced tourist traps, so to make things easier, here are some of the best restaurants in Annecy we’ve found:
- Les Chineurs de la Cuisine – set in the heart of the Old Town, this is one of the best restaurants in Annecy, serving regional dishes made from high-quality fresh produce. Their wine list is rather extensive, and the staff can recommend the perfect pairing for your meal.
- La Fermette – a great spot for a grab-and-go lunch is this small shop 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 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 the wine 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 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. Around the room, you’ll find several pumps 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 delicious 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, look no further than this elegant patisserie serving delicious pastries and other sugary treats.
- 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 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.
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 (noon on Sundays).
On Tuesdays, the market is mostly fresh produce. On Fridays and Sundays, the market is bigger with more vendors also selling local crafts and textiles.
Sprawled through the streets of Annecy Old Town, you’ll find stalls of local food specialities including cheese, cured meat, 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 one of the best things to do in Annecy, offering 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 one of the best things to do in Annecy in summer is to hire a motorboat and spend a day exploring its vast shoreline.
The spectacular landscapes surrounding the lake provide the perfect backdrop for a boat trip – picturesque villages, gorgeous rolling countryside, nature reserves, quaint restaurants and beautiful beaches.
For complete freedom and flexibility to explore Lake Annecy at your own pace, hire your own motorboat. Most don’t require a licence, and the water is really calm. This is one of the most popular activities in Annecy.
If you’d prefer to soak up the breathtaking scenery while sitting back and relaxing, there are plenty of cruises to choose from – group cruises, private catamaran tours, restaurant cruises, and private water taxis, to name a few.
Day Trip to Chamonix
Sitting in the shadows of the magnificent Mont Blanc 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 great things to do in Chamonix, whether you’re after active adventures or something more relaxed.
For you hikers, Lac Blanc is an absolute must! A striking blue alpine lake nestled amongst spectacular mountains with an incredible view of Mont Blanc.
To get up close to Mont Blanc, take the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car from Chamonix. Step out onto a suspended glass platform at 3,842 metres and bask in the views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
Alternatively, amble the town’s lovely streets lined with many excellent restaurants and bustling bars and cafes, or browse the town’s fabulous shops from quirky independent boutiques to upmarket outdoor stores.
You can take a bus from Annecy to Chamonix in approximately an hour and a half for under €10 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 time here anyway.
Visit Le Pop Plage; most unique places to visit in Annecy
To finish off our list of fantastic things to do in Annecy, check out Le Pop Plage, a private beach and bar right on Lake Annecy.
We stumbled across this place 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.
Le Pop Plage is a great spot for a few hours of relaxation in the sun with some cocktails. Bit of a heads up – the service can be quite slow and unfriendly.
In the evening, it turns into a lively beach nightclub.
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 🙂