2025 Annecy Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Annecy, a small town in eastern France at the foot of the Alps, is close to Geneva, Switzerland, and nestled by Lake Annecy. The lake and mountain scenery are exceptionally tranquil and charming. During this Swiss free travel, we stayed one night in Chamonix, France, which allowed us to visit Annecy for a leisurely half-day. Annecy, surrounded by mountains and water, offers not only the beautiful peaks of the Alps but also the clear and clean Lake Annecy, which is perfect for water activities. A boat trip on the lake is definitely the best choice. The lake's water comes from the melting snow of the Alps, no wonder it's so clear. In addition, the Thiou River, which winds through the town of Annecy, is like a European fairy tale version of 'small bridges, flowing water, and homes.' From a distance, you can see St. Francis Church on the shore and the Island Palace in the river. The European version of a water town has a unique romantic feel. Taking a walk on a sunny day is truly delightful.

Annecy, often referred to as the “Pearl of the French Alps,” is a picturesque town that enchants visitors with its stunning landscapes, historic charm, and vibrant culture. Located in southeastern France, Annecy is nestled along the shores of Lake Annecy, one of Europe’s cleanest lakes, and surrounded by breathtaking alpine peaks. The town’s medieval old quarter, Vieille Ville, is a highlight for many travelers. Its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses adorned with flower boxes, and winding canals give it a fairy-tale ambiance. Landmarks like the Château d’Annecy, a restored castle-turned-museum, and the Palais de l’Île, a 12th-century prison in the middle of a canal, offer a glimpse into the town’s rich history. Lake Annecy is the crown jewel of the region. Its turquoise waters invite a range of activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Cyclists and walkers will enjoy the well-maintained paths that circle the lake, offering breathtaking views at every turn. In the winter, Annecy serves as a gateway to nearby ski resorts, making it a year-round destination. Annecy is also a haven for food lovers. Local specialties like tartiflette, raclette, and fondue reflect the Alpine region’s culinary traditions, while the town’s patisseries and restaurants offer a taste of French sophistication. While Annecy can get crowded during the peak summer months, its charm remains intact. The locals are friendly, and the town’s blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage ensures that every visitor finds something to love. Whether you’re exploring its historic streets, enjoying the pristine lake, or savoring the local cuisine, Annecy is a destination that leaves a lasting impression.

Lake Annecy (Lac d’Annecy) is renowned as the clearest lake in France. The lake's water comes from the melting snow of the Alps, shimmering a bright green under the sunlight. The flowing water runs through the entire town, surrounding the outer meadows. One of the most popular activities for tourists here is boating. You can row a small wooden boat yourself, join a group on a sightseeing boat, or even board a larger cruise ship docked at the other pier. There are many different boating companies along the lakeside, allowing you to sign up and depart immediately. A trip around the lake can take an entire day. There is also a Lovers' Bridge (Pont des Amours), the busiest and most crowded one. From the bridge, you can see a vast view of Lake Annecy, making it a perfect spot for photography. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the train station to the Castle Square. A loop around the old town can be done in an hour, but if you want to take your time, it might take half a day. It's an ideal place for a day trip. There are many restaurants and shops around. Compared to traditional French cities, they resemble Switzerland more, whether in terms of food, the accent of the French language, or the personality of the residents. 🚴 Transportation: From Geneva: It is recommended to take the Eurolines or Flixbus from Geneva's Gare Routiere bus station, which takes about 45-55 minutes. You can also take a train from Geneva's train station. Recommendation: Spending about half a day exploring Lake Annecy and its surroundings should be sufficient.

#Overseas travel I'll introduce you to Annecy, where French people want to live after retirement🤗 ⭐️Location: Le Palais de I'Île (3 Pass. de l'Île, 74000 Annecy, France) 🍯Information: ✔️It's so beautiful that French people want to live there after retirement✨ ✔️There's a separate lake and it's great for walking💚 ✔️It's about 3-4 hours away from Paris! ✔️It's a small city, but it's really beautiful👍🏻

#timetotravel Pont des Amours can be translated into “Love Bridge” in english. It is indeed a very romantic bridge with love locks, overlooking the Swiss alps. I always question why did I visit with my sister and not my boyfriend 🙄 It is hard to miss Pont des Amours when you are in Annecy because it is along the shores of the lake of Annecy. I went to Annecy with no agenda and barely opened by google maps and I found myself stumbling across this bridge randomly!! #annecy #france #境外遊

#Emotional Accommodation This is an Airbnb located 7 minutes on foot from Annecy Station. The front door is hidden, but it has a local feel ✨ I prefer Airbnb to hotels and hostels, where I can get into the local life. This place is especially good for art, so I was able to see unique interiors. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes on foot to Annecy Old Town! It was a private room for me, so I didn't bump into the host, so I was able to use it more comfortably. 📍Annecy, France

#swimmingpool #france #annecy #annecylake 🏊🏼‍♀️ The cool and clear Annecy Lake is a natural swimming pool. I rented a manual paddle boat and swam in the clear and deep water of Annecy Lake to cool off from the summer heat. It was really refreshing and cool because it was freshwater. Annecy Lake is the best swimming pool created by nature.

Lake Annecy is probably the most famous and visited place in the city of Annecy. Getting there is pretty easy as it is located in downtown and all drivers know where is located or you can stay in nearby hotels. The recommended sightseen time is between one to two hours. Lake’s water has a beautiful light green shade, you might think the pics are photoshopped but this is the real color. Boats are available for rent. If you travel with friends or a family trip with kids then a medium size boat could be a great option to enjoy the lake and keep the kids busy. After the visit, you can also enjoy some shopping or nice food as there are many restaurants and shops around the area. #createwithtrip #france #annecy #lakeannecy

Annecy old town Address - Quai de l'Évêché, 74000 Annecy, France Highlights - Beautiful architecture right in the centre of this alpine town Avg. Price per Person - Free Rating - 5/5 If you happen to be passing by Annecy on the way to Chamonix or some of the other alpine towns, do take a couple hours to stroll down this gorgeous town with it’s cobblestones walkways and old shops. Stop by some of the local Bouchons or restaurants for some French cuisine or even Gelato when it gets hot in the summer. the views along the canal set against the backdrop of the French mountains will definitely be worth your while.

Another landmark that you must not miss is the Palais de I'lle. This place used to be a prison. It is currently undergoing renovations and is a selling point for the city. Both sides of the road are full of restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. #annecy #frence #traveleurope

A large waterfront park, Jardins de l'Europe or Gardens of Europe, has a great atmosphere. People come to relax. Along the way, we will see the Campagnie Bateaux Du Lac D’Annacy boat pier, which is a tourist boat that goes out to see the view and has dinner on the boat in the early evening. There is a large red and white boat called Libellule docked at the pier. During this winter season, the boat will depart at 3:00 p.m. and will take 1 hour. The boat will take us to see the view of the cities around Lake Annecy, but the boat will not stop for us to get off (if it is in the summer, there will be a route that we can go down to various cities). #winterseatravel #annecy #traveleurope

If you go to Annecy, in addition to the beauty of this city, please don’t miss the drugstores here! ! ! ! ! Annecy is very famous and many foreigners come here to visit. But in addition to the beautiful scenery, the prices in the drugstores are also very attractive! #goout

#travelinspiration #wintergetaway

summer vibes in Annecy - France. great weather to walk in the narrow streets which offers plenty of coffee shops and restaurants to enjoy great wine and amazing french food. #annecy #france #awesomepic

Annecy has the reputation of "Venice of the Alps" and "Alpine Pearls". The waters of Annecy come from the alpine snow and rain of the Alps. The town also preserves the scenery of the Middle Ages. Walking through it gradually realizes the existence of time. Compared to the Austrian town of Ha, Annecy has the unique romantic temperament of the French, it is difficult to make people love.

The small town of Annecy, France, is old and elegant. The blue mountains and the canals that pass through the city, the row upon row, the densely colored houses, and the green trees and flowers on the ground make up the beauty of the paradise, and are rated as one of the six charming towns in the world. There are not only beautiful natural landscapes, but also many well-preserved old buildings. The Old City is a typical European city. Huihe twists and turns through the entire old town, the riverside old houses are like forests, many buildings were built in the 12th to 17th centuries and have been preserved to this day. The ancient stone roads are still medieval, and most of them are opened as pedestrian streets. The small streets along the river are open-air cafes, souvenir shops, hotels and restaurants, and the flowers in front of the arcades of the buildings and across the river.

#5月好去地方2025 Switzerland🇨🇭France🇫🇷A beautiful summer route, covering the Alps, the beautiful scenery of the Golden Pass, the romantic Provence in southern France, the Cote d'Azur in Nice... The whole journey is so beautiful that I can't wait to go😭 · ------------------------ 🚗D1 Arrival in Zurich · 🚗D2 Zurich (about 110 kilometers/about 2 hours) Lucerne Interlaken · ⛰️Attractions: Strolling in the old town of Lucerne, the Alps (exterior) · 🚗D3 Interlaken Zermatt · ⛰️Attractions: Lake Thun (about 111 kilometers/about 2 hours) Lake Brienz · 🚗D4 Zermatt-Golden Pass Route-Montreux-Geneva (about 150 km/about 2 hours and 30 minutes) · ⛰️Attractions: Golden Pass Route Lake Geneva Alps (exterior) · 🚗D5 Geneva (about 41.9 km/about 41 minutes) Annecy (about 339 km/about 3 hours and 19 minutes) Avignon · ⛰️Attractions: Annecy Town Avignon Ancient City · 🚗D6 Avignon (about 87 km/about 1 hour and 7 minutes) Aix (about 32 km/about 33 minutes) Marseille · ⛰️Attractions: Provence (exterior) Saint-Sauveur Cathedral Notre-Dame de la Garde Cathedral · 🚗D7 Marseille (about 173 km/about 2 hours) Cannes (about 54.2 km/about 1 hour) Monaco City (about 19 km/about 30 minutes) Nice · ⛰️Attractions: Promenade des Anglais (exterior), Avenue of Stars (exterior), Cote d'Azur Observatory (exterior) · 🚗D8 Nice (1 hour and 30 minutes by plane) Paris · ⛰️Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe · 🚗D9 Paris · ⛰️Attractions Louvre, Seine River · 🚗D10 Paris (about 20 kilometers/about 50 minutes) Versailles, Paris · ⛰️Attractions Palace of Versailles · 🚗D11 Return from Paris

#EuropeConquest 📍Annecy Annecy is located in the eastern part of France. It is a hidden place at the foot of the Alps! Lake Annecy is very clear, and since it is water from the Alps, the water quality is also high. In the summer, you can rent a boat and go out to the lake, dive into Lake Annecy and swim! ️ The old town is also very cute, like a fairy tale world, and it is very fun to stroll around with a gelato in hand. The lakeside is a grassy park, where you can relax by lounging around or reading a book. Please visit Annecy. ✨️ #Annecy #FranceTrip

Annecy is 4 hours away from Paris It's close to Geneva, so you can also travel to Switzerland☺️ It has a really beautiful lake, so it's recommended for people who love nature😍 Paris ↓ Trenitalia Lyon It was late at night so we stayed overnight in Lyon Lyon ↓ flix bus Annecy The hotel is also very beautiful and I love it😉 📍Annecy Station 📍Lake Annecy 📍Glacier des Alpes 📍Hotel Les Terrasses #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #EuropeTrip #France #france #paris #Paris #Annecy #annecy #tourism

The canal in the early morning reflects the candy-colored houses, and the aroma of butter croissants wafts from the bakery on the shore🥐. On the old bridge, I met an old man holding a baguette and greeted him with a smile and Bonjour; the swan family slowly passed by the lake, which was more poetic than any cruise ship🦢. The beauty of Annecy is the blue of the entire Lake Thiou overlooking the ruins of the castle in the afternoon, and the surprise of the goat cheese and lavender aroma when visiting the Sunday market. The most unforgettable thing is to sit by the canal and eat a raspberry ice cream when the sun sets, and watch the sunset dye the flowing water into peach pink🍑. 📌 Here, even getting lost is like opening a gift. #FrenchAlps #HiddenGem #SlowTravel

If you have the chance, I highly recommend staying in Annecy. The Annecy Lake is very relaxing and has very clean water. If you like sports, you can rent a boat or swan, or take a boat to see the scenery on the lake. In addition to the beautiful streets and ancient buildings in Annecy, the church is also unique. The whole town is surrounded by a small river, which is really beautiful.

Annecy is a beautiful small town I France. It’s super cute and reminds me of Venezia

🌅 Day 1: Lakeside Walk & Old Town Magic We arrived in Annecy and instantly fell for the clear turquoise lake surrounded by mountains 🌊🏔️. We strolled along the Lake Annecy promenade 🚶♀️, where swans floated gracefully and colorful boats bobbed on the water—such a peaceful, picture-perfect start. After soaking in the views, we wandered the charming Old Town 🏘️ with its narrow cobblestone streets, pastel houses, and flower-filled balconies. For lunch, we stopped at a cozy café and savored classic Savoyard tartiflette 🧀 — warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting after our walk. 📍 Quai Napoléon III, Annecy 📍 Vieille Ville, Annecy 🏰 Day 2: Castle Views & Canal Charm We began the day exploring Château d’Annecy 🏰, perched on a hill with sweeping views over the lake and town. Inside, the museum gave us a glimpse into local history, but it was the castle gardens and terraces that stole our hearts. Later, we found a quiet bistro by the Thiou Canal 🌿, where clear water flows beneath ancient stone bridges. We enjoyed fresh trout and a glass of crisp local white wine 🍷 while watching the gentle current. To finish, we rented a paddle boat 🚣♂️ and drifted on the lake as the sunset painted everything gold—an unforgettable way to end our trip. 📍 Rue du Château, Annecy 📍 Rue Sainte-Claire, Annecy #summervacay #travel #vacation

Annecy, located in southeastern France at the foot of the Alps, is a picturesque city near the French-Swiss border and close to Italy. It serves as a convenient stopover for travelers exploring the region. Known for its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage, Annecy is a year-round travel destination. Beyond exploring the city itself, visitors can venture around Lake Annecy (Lac d’Annecy), surrounded by the majestic Alps, to discover castles and enjoy various outdoor activities. The western Semnoz Mountain, the eastern La Tournette Peak, and the surrounding Alps create a breathtaking backdrop for Lake Annecy, making its scenery truly poetic and picturesque. This time, I rented an electric bike for €33 (a 4-hour rental) to cycle around the lake. With a French baguette as a snack, I enjoyed a delightful lakeside picnic. During the ride or while resting by the lake, I admired the boats, observed the relaxed locals, and explored charming towns and green parks along the way. It was a leisurely and memorable travel experience.

#summervacay The full loop is 38km with almost no hills—super friendly for beginners! There’s a grandpa selling ice-cold Coke from his cart by the lake. Halfway through the ride, you can take a swim, then sit on the grass sipping that cold Coke, zoning out, and maybe take a nap after getting a little sunburned. The whole experience feels long and peaceful, like reliving childhood summer vacations. Tips: Bring your swimsuit 🏊♀️ Cycle clockwise around the lake Don’t forget sunscreen! I got a bad sunburn on my legs 😭 There’s only one place to rent road bikes, so book early Next time, I’m bringing my own bike to ride again! #SummerCycling #SummerVibes #Annecy #LakeAnnecyLoop #SlowLiving #BikeLovers #LakesideMoments #FranceTravel

#summervacay **📍 *Why Annecy’s Canals?*** Winding through pastel-painted houses and under flower-laden bridges, Annecy’s **crystal-clear canals** (fed by Lake Annecy’s springs) are a **postcard-perfect blend of medieval charm and alpine freshness**. Think: Venice meets the French Alps! --- ### **🗓️ One-Day Itinerary: Canals, Markets & Lake Views** #### **Morning: Old Town & Canal Wander** - **9:00 AM** – **Palais de l’Isle** - Start at this **12th-century island prison** (Annecy’s most photographed spot!). - **10:00 AM** – **Canal Saint-Dominique** - Stroll along the **most colorful canals**, stopping at: - **Pont des Amours** (Lovers’ Bridge) for lake views. - **Rue Sainte-Claire** (cobbled street with arcades). - **11:00 AM** – **Marché d’Annecy** (Tue/Fri/Sun) - Taste **Savoyard cheese** (Reblochon, Tomme) and **fresh raspberries**. #### **Midday: Lakeside Picnic & Boat Ride** - **12:30 PM** – **Lunch by the Lake** - Grab a **baguette sandwich** from *La Petite Cuillère* and picnic at **Jardins de l’Europe**. - **2:00 PM** – **Boat Tour on Lake Annecy** - Opt for a **1-hour electric boat cruise** (€18) or rent a **paddleboard** for canals + lake. #### **Afternoon: Gardens & Sunset** - **4:00 PM** – **Château d’Annecy** - Climb to this **medieval castle** for panoramic canal + mountain views. - **6:00 PM** – **Canal-side Aperitif** - Sip **Aperol Spritz** at *Le Café des Arts* (canal seating!). #### **Evening: Dinner & Night Lights** - **8:00 PM** – **Dinner at L’Étage** - Savoyard specialties like **tartiflette** (melty potato-cheese heaven). - **10:00 PM** – **Moonlit Canal Walk** - The bridges glow like lanterns—pure magic! --- ### **🌺 Must-See Canal Spots:** ✅ **Thiou River**: The main canal, lined with **16th-century houses**. ✅ **Pont Morens**: Tiny bridge with **window-box flowers**. ✅ **Quai de l’Évêché**: Best reflections at golden hour. --- ### **📌 Pro Tips:** - **Best Time**: **April-June** for flowers; **Sept** for fewer crowds. - **Transport**: Walk everywhere—Old Town is car-free! - **Detour**: **Gorges du Fier** (20min drive; dramatic canyon walk). **"Annecy’s canals don’t just flow—they dance with color and history."** Ready to wander? 🎨🦢

Annecy, located in southeastern France, is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Alps." This picturesque city near the borders of Switzerland and Italy is also known as the "Venice of the Alps." Annecy boasts a rich history, having once been part of the Duchy of Savoy before becoming part of France. The city is famous for its medieval Old Town and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Annecy. French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau even lived here for 11 years. On Sundays, the Old Town hosts a holiday market (from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM), offering a dazzling array of goods that will leave visitors amazed. The riverside restaurants and streets of the Old Town are packed with tourists. Revisiting the Old Town at night reveals a different charm, as the illuminated streets and buildings exude a romantic atmosphere.

Sure Hotel by Best Western Annecy is ideal for travelers with cars, as it is conveniently located near the highway leading to Annecy and offers ample parking space. However, it is about 2 kilometers away from the town center, making it a bit of a walk for those who wish to explore the area on foot. If you have the stamina, you can enjoy a stroll to the city center or opt for a bus ride. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the rooms are clean but somewhat small, lacking storage space. In a double room, placing two suitcases can make moving around a bit cramped. The hotel features a billiards and pinball area for entertainment and light exercise. Guests can also pay extra for breakfast, which is served in a stylish restaurant with a wide variety of fresh ingredients.