Best Things To Do In Annecy, France (A Travel Guide)

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1: Explore Annecy’s Old Town

One of the explanations Annecy is so picturesque is the community of canals that make their means by means of the outdated city. It’s generally referred to as the “Venice of France”. Annecy’s canals are shallow, and not likely used for boating, nevertheless it nonetheless provides the city a captivating really feel.

Combined with the colourful outdated buildings, cobblestone streets, and flower bins, a stroll by means of the Old Town neighborhood of Annecy is at all times a deal with.

You’ll catch glimpses of the mountains and lake within the distance, whereas having fun with the city’s many street-side eating places, cafes, and ice cream outlets.

2: Boating On Lake Annecy

Arguably Annecy’s high spotlight is Lac d’Annecy, a surprising giant blue lake situated proper on the sting of city. Lake Annecy is France’s third largest lake and repeatedly receives accolades for being the freshest lake in Europe (on account of snow soften from the Alps).

The lake is surrounded by mountains, and whereas chilly, is an ideal place to chill off in the summertime warmth. There are biking paths round it, loads of seashores, and lots of alternatives to go boating!

• Rent A Pedal Boat – You’ll discover all types of pedal boats obtainable to hire alongside the lake’s edge at Jacquet Promenade. The boats value about €15 EURO for half-hour, relying on dimension. Some even have slides or diving boards hooked up!
• Rent A Motor Boat – Small 4-5 individual motor boats might be rented, and also you don’t want a ship license both. Some have sunshades, and leases value about €65 EURO for an hour.
• Join A Lake Tour – There are some giant tour boats that can take you across the lake whereas describing key factors of curiosity. You may even e book a desk for dinner on the boat!
• Go Waterskiing – Waterskiing is a well-liked pastime on Lake Annecy, and it’s attainable to e book a visit with one of many native water-skiing corporations.
• Take A Sailing Lesson – You can hire a small sail boat to cruise across the lake, or take a newbie crusing lesson too!

3: Walk Across Lover’s Bridge

Pont des Amours is an additional fairly and well-known bridge on the sting of Lac d’Annecy that spans the Vassé canal and connects the Jardins de l’Europe with the Jacquet Promenade.

Local legend says that lovers who kiss on the bridge will keep collectively for all times.

The bridge has two nice views. One trying on the lake itself with mountains within the background, and should you flip round, you’ll take pleasure in a tree-lined canal with picket boats moored on both sides.

4: Picnic At Jardins de l’Europe

When the climate is good, strolling or biking all the way down to Jardins de l’Europe is an excellent household pleasant exercise. This large park sits on the sting of the lake, with giant inexperienced fields, boardwalks, and playgrounds.

There’s even an outdated picket Carousel, initially inbuilt 1871, for teenagers to trip.

The park is well-liked for late afternoon picnics — simply carry down some wine, cheese, and bread from the markets and a blanket to benefit from the mountain views. A French expertise you simply can’t miss!

5: Explore Annecy Castle

Château d’Annecy is a citadel within the coronary heart of Annecy, situated on a hill above the city. Originally constructed as a residence for the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours from the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries.

These days the Chateau homes a museum (Musée-Château d’Annecy), that includes native sculpture, artwork, and a nature exhibit of animals and fish which can be discovered across the lake. The citadel additionally has some good views of the lake and city from the sting of its partitions.

Entry tickets value about €5 EURO for adults, and are free for teenagers beneath 12.

6: Walk The Promenade du Thiou

The Promenade du Thiou is a pleasant straightforward stroll by means of the outdated city of Annecy alongside the crystal blue Thiou River, that progressively will get extra wooded and secluded as you progress out of city. There are paths on either side of the river.

The path is bike and stroller pleasant too. It’s an exquisite option to spend an hour or two, having fun with nature (and getting away from the busy tourist-filled metropolis middle). There are some playgrounds, sitting areas, and bridges unfold out alongside the tree-shaded path.

Promenade du Thiou begins across the Quai des Cordeliers (simply previous the well-known Le Palais de I’Île), within the middle of Old Annecy and also you merely stroll up river from there.

7: Visit Annecy le Vieux

Annecy le Vieux is a distinct a part of city, a residential space raised up on a hill overlooking the remainder of the lake. It contains a good park, outdated buildings and church buildings, some eating places & bars, and is usually a extra relaxed place in comparison with the busy outdated metropolis down under.

Some highlights right here embody the Clocher Roman Church, Parc Gabriel Fauré, and Les Quatre Gourmets Restaurant.

8: Shop At The Farmer’s Markets

One of my favourite elements of dwelling in Annecy was the numerous recent meals markets that line the streets of the outdated city. You’ll discover quite a lot of produce, cheese, sausage, wine, olives, bread, flowers, crafts, and extra.

The Annecy avenue markets occur each Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 7am–1pm. Make certain to attempt among the native reblochon cheese, utilized in many native dishes.

9: Chateau de Menthon-Saint Bernard

Chateau de Menthon is a formidable medieval citadel simply exterior of Annecy. Home to the identical household for over 100 years, it’s open to guests from April to October on weekends.

The citadel towers over Lake Annecy, the Roc de Chère National Nature Reserve, and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, with fantastic views of every.

Guided excursions of the citadel (in French solely) are within the afternoons, and final about an hour. There’s additionally a small backyard together with sheep, pigs, and peacocks.

10: Bike Around The Lake

Annecy could be very bicycle pleasant, with many devoted bike paths and trails that can take you throughout the city. There is fantastic bike path that encircles the lake too, and it’s an effective way to kill a couple of hours whereas having fun with the mountain surroundings.

This 35 km paved greenway follows the outdated route of a railroad that linked Annecy with Albertville, and stops in smaller villages alongside the way in which like Sévrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt, Lathuile and Doussard.

You can hire a motorbike from many outlets in Annecy, and even get a trailer for teenagers (like we did).

11: Palais de l’Île

Palais de l’Isle might be essentially the most postcard-famous spot in Annecy. A novel castle-like constructing that sits in the midst of the Thiou River, surrounded by eating places and outlets in Annecy’s outdated city.

Often described as a “house in the shape of a ship” — the constructing has been a jail, a courthouse and an administrative middle. The unique construction was constructed within the twelfth century.

These days it’s a museum (about €4 to enter), that includes an outdated courtroom, dungeon, jail cells and chapel that you could go to. The most well-known images are taken from the bridge out in entrance.

12: Go For A Hike

Annecy is situated on the base of the French Alps, and an important place to base your self for visiting the mountains. There are many native hikes close by, in addition to day journeys to glorious snowboarding and trekking alternatives.

From straightforward walks, to excessive mountaineering, there’s one thing for everybody. Hikes round Annecy can embody waterfalls, mountain lakes, and wildlife sightings of ibex mountain goats.

Here are some well-liked climbing trails round Annecy:

• La Tournette – The highest peak close to the lake, La Tournette is a really troublesome hike. But the views are wonderful. About 6-hours round-trip. Experienced hikers solely.
• Mont Baron & Veyrier – A reasonable 2-hour loop hike that visits two mountain peaks, with fantastic views.
• Gorges du Fier – An straightforward stroll for the entire household, this hike takes you throughout suspension bridges in the midst of a gorge.
• Cascade d’Angon – Beautiful shaded waterfall hike that’s not too troublesome, and offers you good views of the lake. About 2-hours spherical journey.

Best Time To Visit Annecy

March – May

We visited Annecy within the Spring, primarily in April and May. The climate on this a part of France might be unpredictable, and it snowed on us a pair occasions. In between sunny days stuffed with wildflowers. The mountains will nonetheless have snow on them, however the climate isn’t too sizzling but on the town.

June – August

This is Annecy’s excessive season, and whereas stunning, it may well get very crowded. Many vacationers go to Annecy as a day journey whereas touring by means of Switzerland, as a result of it’s so near the border. It’s troublesome to seek out lodging in the summertime, until you e book months prematurely.

September – November

This might be one of the best time to go to Annecy. Most of the high-season vacationers are gone, the climate is cool, however the snow hasn’t come but. There’s additionally an important competition in October referred to as the Return Of The Alpine Pastures Festival.

Where Is Annecy (Getting There)

Annecy, France is situated 44 km West of Geneva (Switzerland) a couple of 40-minute drive away. Most folks get to Annecy after flying into Geneva International Airport, after which driving over the border.

However it’s additionally attainable to fly into Paris and take a prepare. Search for the most cost effective flights to Geneva on Skyscanner.com.

Where To Stay In Annecy

Accommodation in Annecy can vary from backpacker pleasant to luxurious. As we have been staying there long-term, we rented an exquisite vacation condominium from My Sweet Home Annecy that was near all the things.

The finest areas to remain in Annecy are close to the outdated city for straightforward entry to the markets and the lake.