Travel Guide of Annecy in France by Influencers and Travelers
Annecy is the largest city of Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. It lies on the northern tip of Lake Annecy, 35 kilometers south of Geneva.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Annecy
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Château d'Annecy
The Château d'Annecy is a restored castle which dominates the old French town of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie département. It was bought by the town, restored and transformed into a museum, le musée-château d'Annecy.
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2 - La Tournette
The Tournette is a mountain in the Bornes Massif in Haute-Savoie, France. It is the highest of the mountains surrounding Lake Annecy and has a prominence of 1,514, qualifying it as an Ultra.
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3 - Paragliding in Le Grand-Bornand, Massif des Aravis
18 km away
Come and live an unforgettable experience in the heart of Grand-Bornand and admire the landscape of this charming mountain village by paragliding, with ski start! You will enjoy an aerial ride tinged with a bit of thrill and excitement, while enjoyin...
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4 - Manigod
8 km away
Manigod is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of Eastern France. In 2018, it had a population of 998.
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5 - Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard
8 km away
The Château de Menthon is a medieval castle located in the commune of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, 12 kilometres south of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie department of France.
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6 - Canyoning in Annecy
6 km away
The Angon canyon is the closest to the lake of Annecy and is ideal for discovering canyoning as a family with abseils, jumps and slides! Canyoning is an outdoor activity similar to caving, hiking, climbing and mountaineering, but also to white water ...
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7 - Camping L'ideal - Annecy Lac
7 km away
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8 - La Clusaz
14 km away
La Clusaz is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
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9 - Snowshoeing in Annecy
15 km away
Go on a snowshoe hike in Annecy and discover this not-to-be-missed spot in Haute-Savoie for a full or half day trip with your guide! Renowned for its superb Alpine scenery, the Annecy region of Haute-Savoie offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, ...
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10 - Col du Pré Vernet
14 km away
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11 - Lake Annecy
15 km away
Lake Annecy is a perialpine lake in Haute-Savoie in France. It is the third largest lake in France, after the Lac du Bourget and Lac de Grand-Lieu, if the French part of Lake Geneva is excluded.
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12 - Mountain bike in Annecy
16 km away
Discover the city of Annecy and its surroundings by bike, a practical way to get off the beaten track and see as much as possible! Cycling remains the best way to visit the city of Annecy and its nooks and crannies, as well as its surroundings along ...
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13 - Thiou
15 km away
The Thiou is a short river in the city of Annecy, France. It is 3.6 km long. It is an effluent of Lake Annecy and an affluent of the Fier, which is in turn a tributary of the Rhône.
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14 - Gardens of Europe
15 km away
The Palace of Versailles is a former royal residence located in Versailles, about 12 miles west of Paris, France. The palace is owned by the French Republic and has since 1995 been managed, under the direction of the French Ministry of Culture, by the Public Establishment of the Palace, Museum and National Estate of Versailles. 15,000,000 people visit the Palace, Park, or Gardens of Versailles every year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.
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15 - Bike Tours in Annecy
6 km away
Ride around Lake Annecy and visit its surroundings by renting a bike with or without electric assistance for the duration of your choice! Lake Annecy is full of bike paths offering different itineraries for all cyclists, whether it is for a small fam...
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16 - Palace I'lle
15 km away
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17 - Old Town of Annecy
15 km away
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18 - Le Grand-Bornand
18 km away
Le Grand-Bornand is a commune in the eastern French department of Haute-Savoie. The commune is a ski resort and takes its name from the river that runs through it. The inhabitants of Le Grand-Bornand are called Bornandins.
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19 - Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe
18 km away
Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe is a commune in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
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20 - Megève
26 km away
Megève is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France with a population of more than 3,000 residents. The town is well known as a ski resort near Mont Blanc in the French Alps. Conceived in the 1920s as a French alternative to St. Moritz by the Rothschilds, it was the first purpose-built resort in the Alps. Originally it was a prime destination for the French aristocracy. It remains one of the most famous and fanciest ski resorts in the world.
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Pictures and Stories of Annecy from Influencers
20 pictures of Annecy from Simon Buchou, Reynier Carl, Antoine Rault and other travelers
- Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard in the trees above Lake Annecy ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Roger Bradshaw | ©Unsplash
- Sunset mission with view on the Annecy lake ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Antony BEC | ©Unsplash
- Ballade en bateau sur le lac d'Annecy ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Stéphane Bernard | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Annecy ?
Travel to Annecy if you like:
🏖️ Ocean ⛰️ Hill station 🏘️ Town ❄️ Fjord ⛰️ Highland 🏰 ChâteauHow to visit Annecy ?
Why traveling there?
Annecy, often referred to as the "Venice of the Alps," is a picturesque French town located in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps. This charming destination boasts stunning medieval architecture, crystal-clear canals, and a mesmerizing lake surrounded by majestic mountains. It's an ideal spot for history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking a relaxing getaway with a mix of cultural and outdoor activities.
How to get there?
The most convenient way to reach Annecy is by flying into Geneva International Airport (GVA) in Switzerland, located about 45 km away. From there, you can rent a car, take a shuttle bus, or catch a train to Annecy. If you're already in France, you can take a high-speed TGV train from major cities like Paris or Lyon, which will take you to Annecy in 3.5 hours or 2 hours, respectively.
What to book in advance?
To make the most of your trip, it's recommended to book accommodation and any guided tours in advance. Popular tours include guided walks through the Old Town, boat cruises on Lake Annecy, and cycling or hiking excursions in the surrounding mountains. Booking in advance ensures you secure a spot during peak season and often allows for discounted rates.
What are the costs?
Annecy is a moderately priced destination. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to luxury hotels, with prices varying depending on the season. Expect to pay around €50-€250 per night for a double room. Meals at restaurants can cost between €15-€50, while a simple lunch or sandwich can be found for under €10. Entrance fees to museums and attractions are usually around €5-€10.
What are the best things to do?
- Stroll through Annecy's Old Town and admire its colorful, half-timbered houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and canals.
- Visit the 12th-century Palais de l'Isle, a historical landmark and former prison, now housing a local history museum.
- Explore the stunning Lake Annecy, either by boat or on foot along its shores. You can also swim, fish, or partake in various water sports.
- Take a scenic bike ride along the 42-km cycling path that circles the lake, offering breathtaking views and picturesque stops.
- Hike or paraglide in the nearby mountains, such as Semnoz or La Tournette, for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Alps.
Where to eat?
1. Le Freti: A cozy, traditional restaurant famous for its raclette and fondue, perfect for a taste of Alpine cuisine.
2. L'Appart du 17: A fine dining option offering creative and delicious French dishes made with local ingredients.
3. Côté Jardin: A charming lakeside restaurant with a beautiful terrace, serving seafood and other specialties.
Where to stay?
1. Les Tresoms Lake and Spa Resort: A luxurious 4-star resort with lake views, a spa, and an excellent restaurant.
2. Splendid Hotel: A stylish and comfortable 3-star hotel located in the heart of Annecy, just steps from the lake.
3. The Originals City Hotel Annecy: A budget-friendly option with modern amenities and a convenient location near the train station.
Off the beaten path:
For a unique and unforgettable experience, explore the Gorges du Fier, a breathtaking natural wonder just 10 km outside Annecy. This narrow gorge, carved by the rushing waters of the River Fier, offers an exhilarating walk along a series of suspended footbridges, allowing you to marvel at the dramatic rock formations and the river below. This hidden gem is an excellent day trip for those seeking adventure and a break from the typical tourist spots.
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Annecy: a territory with many facets
From Lake Annecy to the Aravis mountain range, passing through the Bauges massif, you can take a breath of fresh air at any time of the year, in summer and winter.
Within a few kilometers, you can for example go cycling around Lake Annecy, paragliding in front of the Aravis mountain range in Grand Bornand, mountain biking in La Clusaz, skiing in the different resorts, hiking.
Forests, mountains, waterfalls, lakes... Welcome to a small paradise for wildlife lovers.
What to do in Annecy: the places to see
For two years now, Annecy has been the top city to live in France.
And after a few hours spent in the city of Haute-Savoie, it is easy to understand why...
A lake with its resplendent color just a few steps away. Magnificent mountains in the surroundings like the Semnoz, the Tournette, the Sambuy.
Small streets too pretty, the river which crosses the city, cute little stores...
In short, you will have understood, all the ingredients are gathered to make an ideal place for vacations.
The ideal time to go is outside of July and August to fully enjoy the place, without the crowds of the big vacations.
If you decide to organize your next weekend or trip in Annecy, and in the nearby mountains (Aravis massif, Glières, Sambuy), here are some places to see in the city that is sometimes called the Venice of the Alps and around the lake.
Colorful facades and streets like in Venice
Looking for what to do in Annecy? Several streets are worth the detour for the beautiful colored facades or some historical houses.
Let's mention for example the rue Carnot or the rue de l'Ile, or the ramp of the Castle which allows access to... the Castle.
Let's not forget, above all, the formidable quays around the rivers that dot the city. Like the Cathedral quay, the Bishop's quay, the Island quay, and the Perrière quay.
Finally, to come back with your "unprintable" photo, don't leave Annecy without having taken your picture on the Halle bridge!
Finally, take a walk along the lake and sunbathe in front of the surrounding mountains.
Good to know: to know more about the city, its districts, and its specificities, it is possible to take guided tours of Annecy with themes as different as varied.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Annecy
Annecy is easily accessible due to its ideal geographical location in the Alps.
Indeed, Annecy is less than one hour from Geneva airport in Switzerland and less than two hours by car from Lyon.
In addition, it is possible to reach Annecy by TGV from most major French cities, including Paris, which is about 4 hours away.
The Forclaz pass is one of the most emblematic places around Annecy lake... And this, for several reasons.
If it is famous, it is first of all because of its love story (or not!) with the cyclists.
Indeed, this 10,2 km long pass with an average of 6,5% has been used several times during the Tour de France and is a real test for cycling lovers.
Another place not to be missed near Lake Annecy: Talloires. About 20 minutes from Annecy, this city is famous for its famous bay, on the right bank of the lake.
It's good to live in Talloires, nicknamed the pearl of the lake with its protected and sunny cove. In this cute little village, you will find beautiful addresses, gastronomic and starred restaurants, prestigious hotels such as the abbey of Talloires...
On the other side of the lake, we can easily see the village of Duingt, at the limit of what is called the small lake, in the south.
Easily recognizable, Duingt stands out in particular with its castle, which comes to point the end of its nose on the lake of Annecy.
The Bout du Lac nature reserve is located, as its name indicates, at the end of Lake Annecy.
This place is a bit different. In the reserve, of course, nature is more than ever predominant. And for good reason: here, only pedestrians can use the paths (accessible to people with reduced mobility).
No motor vehicles, bicycles, or even pets are allowed.
Where to Stay in Annecy
More Travel spots to explore around Annecy
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Annecy
⛰️ Hill station spots 🏘️ Town spots ⛰️ Mountain range spots 🏞️ Waterway spots ⛰️ Highland spots ⛰️ Hill spots 🏞️ River spots 🏞️ Loch spots 🌲 Forest spots 🌊 Ocean spots ❄️ Fjord spots 🚢 Pier spots Backpacking spots ⛰️ Summit spots 🏰 Château spots 🏖️ Coast spots 🌲 Nature reserve spots Paragliding spotsTravel map of Annecy
Explore popular touristic places around Annecy
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