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 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: Things to Do in Annecy in Summer As a lake town, there’s PLENTY to do in the summer: Things to Do in Annecy in Winter 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. 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
