After hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc in June 2025, I spent a few days exploring Annecy and completely fell in love with it. Nicknamed the Venice of the Alps, Annecy combines colourful canals, a crystal-clear lake, mountain views, and one of the prettiest Old Towns I’ve ever visited. Whether you’re planning a summer hiking trip, a winter ski vacation, or simply looking for one of the best weekend getaways in France, here’s everything I learned from my visit.
Quick Facts about Annecy
- Location: Haute-Savoie region, French Alps (southeastern France)
- Nearest Airport: Geneva Airport (45 min drive)
- Best Time to Visit: June to September for lake activities/December to March for skiing
- Suggested Itinerary: 2-3 days
- How to Get There: By train, car, or bus from Geneva, Lyon, or Paris
- Top Attraction: Lake Annecy, canals, old town, nearby ski resorts
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Language: French
How to Get to Annecy
The closest airports are Geneva (45 minute drive) or Lyon (1.5 h drive). You can take the train to Annecy, or drive! If you’re flying into Geneva, note that you’ll be crossing an international border. There are 2 car rental places in the Geneva airport, so double check you’ve booked from the France side. They are also strict on the 3 h limit: if you put in your flight number, it will automatically update the reservation for you if you have a delayed flight!
If you’re renting a car, book early in peak season!
Best Things to Do in Annecy (Year-Round Highlights)
While there are some activities best for the summer, or winter, there’s plenty to do year round:
- Explore the Old Town (Vielle Ville). It’s so charming and I loved wandering through the streets, popping into shops and stores, and enjoying the green spaces
- Walk along the canals & Pont des Amours. There is a boardwalk around Lake Annecy if you want to walk, or bike around! This was one of my favourite parts of the trip! Every corner feels like a postcard!
- Visit Château d’Annecy. (I didn’t make it because I spent most of my time recovering from hiking the Alps and wandering the Old Town and relaxing by Lake Annecy. If you’re interested in history, it’s one of the city’s biggest attractions!)
- Lake Annecy boat cruises or paddle boarding. Plenty of options like stand-up paddle boarding, kayak/canoes, boat cruises, etc.
- Make sure to try the local cuisine: raclette and tartiflette!
Things to Do in Annecy in Summer
As a lake town, there’s PLENTY to do in the summer:
- Make sure to pack your bathing suit and swim at the beaches: Plage d’Albigny, Marquisats. You can rent a bike and bike along the boardwalk, or drive and park.
- Cycling or walking the lakeside paths. The scenery is stunning. I cannot get enough of the alpine towns!
- Plenty of local hiking in nearby mountains like Semnoz or La Tournette.
- Try paragliding over Lake Annecy! I did this in Chamonix and it was SO fun.
- There’s a number of summer festivals and events so if you plan to be there on a weekend, there’ll be something fun for you to do!
Things to Do in Annecy in Winter
- Task a day trip to nearby resorts like Le Semnoz, La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand
- Try your feet at ice skating on Lake Annecy (weather dependent, ice must be thick enough to be safe)
- Christmas markets in Old Town. The european Christmas Markets are such a vibe.
- Cozy up with Savoyard fondue in local restaurants.
- Snowshoeing or winter hikes.
Where to Stay in Annecy
There are plenty of hotels in Old Town or lakeside! You really can’t go wrong with either location as the city is walkable. There are also charming Airbnbs and boutique stays in the city centre. For winter sports, stay in a ski chalet along Lake Annecy for easy skiing, and pop into Old Town in the evenings!
Where to Eat & Drink
One of my favourite parts of visiting Annecy was wandering through the Old Town and stopping when I got hungry. One thing I loved about Annecy was how easy it was to grab lunch from a bakery and eat by Lake Annecy. It felt like half the locals were doing exactly the same thing! Feel free to grab some goodies from local boulangerie, grab some fresh cheese and wine, and sit and enjoy the town.
Best cafés for breakfast with a view
If you’re looking for a slow morning, grab a coffee and breakfast before exploring the canals. One of the things I love about France is that people sit and talk and you’ll rarely see any takeout cups! Mariette is one of the prettiest cafés in Annecy, just steps from the Thiou River, while Les Négociantes serves excellent brunch in a bright, modern space. If you can snag a terrace seat overlooking the canals or Lake Annecy, even better! It doesn’t get much more picturesque than that.
Local bakeries & pâtisseries
No trip to France is complete without stopping at a local boulangerie. Pick up a flaky croissant, pain au chocolat, or buttery pastry before spending the morning wandering Annecy’s Old Town. Boulangerie des Haras and Boulangerie Aristide are both excellent choices if you’re looking for fresh bread and authentic French pastries away from the busiest tourist spots.
Where to try raclette or fondue
If you’re visiting Annecy, trying traditional Savoyard cuisine is a must (crying in lactose intolerant). Rich, gooey raclette and fondue are local specialties, especially during the cooler months.
For a classic experience, reserve a table at Le Freti, one of the city’s most famous cheese restaurants, known for its wide variety of fondues and raclette. If you’re after a slightly cozier atmosphere, Le Chalet is another fantastic choice serving hearty mountain cuisine in the heart of the Old Town. Reservations are recommended at both restaurants, particularly during winter and weekends.
Ice cream spots in summer
On a warm summer afternoon, joining the queue for gelato is practically an Annecy tradition. Glacier des Alpes is the local favourite and regularly has a line stretching down the street. If you’re looking for another great option, Palais des Glaces offers a huge selection of flavours just a short walk away. Grab a cone and stroll along the canals or down to Lake Annecy.
Après-ski bars in winter
While Annecy itself isn’t a ski resort, it’s a popular base for exploring nearby ski areas, making it a great place to unwind after a day on the slopes. Society Bar Annecy is a stylish cocktail spot for a relaxed evening, while La Coloc Pub has a lively atmosphere with craft beers, games, and live events. If you’re looking for a more casual drink after skiing, both are great options to end the day.
Where to Shop
Annecy’s Old Town is filled with charming independent boutiques that are just as fun to browse as they are to shop. Even if you aren’t planning to buy anything, wandering these colourful streets is part of the experience.
- Ma Chouette Boutique is perfect if you’re looking for unique gifts, home décor, and locally inspired finds.
- Dupont Dupont inside Galeries Lafayette is a great stop for curated French fashion and accessories.
- Art’Loc’Hall showcases work from local artists and artisans, making it an excellent place to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
- Label BoutiQ is one of my favourite finds for stylish French clothing and accessories if you’re looking to take home something a little different.
Tips for Visiting Annecy
A little planning goes a long way in Annecy, especially if you’re visiting during the busy summer or winter months. These tips will help you make the most of your trip and avoid some common travel headaches.
Book accommodations early
Annecy is one of the most popular destinations in the French Alps, particularly from June through September and in the winter for skiing. Hotels, vacation rentals and car rentals can book up months in advance, especially during weekends and festivals. If you’re planning a summer visit or travelling during the Christmas markets, I’d recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible to get the best selection and prices.
Getting around Annecy
One of the best things about Annecy is how walkable it is. The Old Town, canals, lakefront, and many of the city’s top attractions are all within easy walking distance. If you have extra time, rent a bike and ride part (or all!) of the Lake Annecy cycling path. The paved route hugs the shoreline for kilometres, offering incredible mountain views and access to charming lakeside villages. It’s easily one of the best ways to experience the area.
If you’re driving, be aware that parking in the Old Town is limited and can fill up quickly during peak season. Underground parking garages around the city centre are usually your best option, and once you’ve parked, you likely won’t need your car again until you leave.
Combine Annecy with other nearby destinations
Annecy is perfectly located for exploring more of eastern France and the Alps, making it an easy addition to a longer Europe itinerary.
- Geneva is only about 45 minutes away by car (or around 1.5 hours by public transit), making Annecy a popular day trip or overnight stop from Switzerland.
- Chamonix is roughly 1.5 hours away and offers world-famous hiking, skiing, and incredible views of Mont Blanc.
- Lyon is about two hours away by train or car and is a fantastic destination for food lovers, history, and architecture.
If you have a week in the region, combining Annecy with Geneva and Chamonix makes for an unforgettable Alps itinerary. You’ll experience charming medieval streets, crystal-clear lakes, dramatic mountain scenery, and some of the best outdoor adventures in France, all in one trip.
BONUS: Stay in a Castle!
Honestly, a highlight of my trip to France in June 2025 was staying in a castle for free. The Chateau Des Avenieres is located 30 minutes north of Annecy, about halfway between Annecy and Geneva.
I do recommend having a car to get here – there aren’t any direct buses to the castle. If you fly into Geneva, you can rent a car at the airport, drive to Annecy for a few days, and stay at the castle on your way to or from Annecy. That’s what I did! You won’t need a car in Annecy, but it was €20 for 48 hours at an underground public parking lot so it’s pretty reasonable!
Now for the important question: how did I stay for free?
I booked with points! I have the American Express Gold card and through the online booking system I saved $450 CAD on a night at the castle! I used 35,000 points + the yearly $100 travel credit. If you have a different travel credit card, you could see if you could book it for free too!!
This is my personal Amex referral link. If you apply and get approved, I may earn a bonus at no extra cost to you. At the time of posting, you can get 90,000 bonus points – so two nights in this castle for free!! Thank you for supporting my blog!
Final Thoughts
Annecy looks like a postcard in person. It completely exceeded my expectations. I originally planned to spend just a couple of days here after hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, but I easily could have stayed longer. Between wandering the colourful canals, eating way too many pastries, and soaking up the mountain views, it’s one of those places that feels relaxing and adventurous at the same time. If you’re planning a trip to the French Alps, I genuinely think Annecy deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Stay tuned for more posts from my trip to France!