France travel guide

Annecy

One of the most beautiful towns in France, idyllically set on the shores of crystal-clear Lac d’Annecy and surrounded by majestic Alpine mountains.

Annecy is known for its enchanting old town, where pastel-coloured houses, small bridges and romantic canals have given the town its nickname, “the Venice of the Alps”. You can wander through charming medieval streets, discover small shops and settle into welcoming restaurants by the water.

In the middle of the canals stands the iconic Palais de l’Isle, one of the most photographed landmarks in the region. Together with the town’s historic façades and lively squares, it gives Annecy a distinctive atmosphere where history, elegance and a relaxed holiday mood come together.

Annecy is also a paradise for travellers who love nature and outdoor activities. Around the lake you will find excellent cycle paths, mountain walks and experiences such as boat trips, kayaking and paragliding. Whether you come for romantic strolls, lazy days by the lake or spectacular Alpine scenery, Annecy is a destination you will not forget.

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Annecy guide

Things to do

10 things to do

Annecy is one of the most idyllic towns in France, known for its canals, historic streets, glittering lake and proximity to the Alps. Here you get a perfect combination of town life, nature and active experiences in spectacular surroundings.

Whether you want to explore the old town, enjoy life by Lac d’Annecy or experience the mountains around the town, there is plenty to fill your days.

Visit Annecy’s old town, with charming canals, cobbled streets and colourful houses that have given the town its nickname, “the Venice of the Alps”.
See Palais de l’Isle, the iconic medieval building in the middle of the canal and one of the most photographed sights in France.
Explore Château d’Annecy, a historic castle with a museum and fine views over the town and lake.
Cycle around Lac d’Annecy, one of Europe’s most beautiful and cleanest lakes.
Walk across Pont des Amours and enjoy the views towards the lake, parks and surrounding mountains.
Take a boat trip on Lac d’Annecy and experience the town and the Alps from the water.
Visit Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, the fairytale castle rising beautifully above the lake.
Hike in the Semnoz mountain area, a popular viewpoint with panoramic views over Annecy and the Alps.
Try paragliding over Annecy, a spectacular activity with views of the lake and mountain scenery.
Visit the market in the old town and taste local specialities from Savoie such as cheese, cured meats and regional delicacies.

Gastronomy

Restaurants

Dining experiences

Annecy has an exciting restaurant scene where classic French gastronomy meets Alpine traditions and produce from the Savoie region.
You can choose between Michelin restaurants, elegant lakeside restaurants, modern bistros and rustic places with local charm.

The town works just as well for an exclusive gourmet dinner as for an evening of fondue and raclette.

Le Clos des Sens – One of the area’s leading gourmet restaurants, with a strong focus on local produce, lake fish and Alpine terroir.
La Rotonde des Trésoms – Elegant restaurant with panoramic views over Lac d’Annecy and modern gastronomy in beautiful surroundings.
Maison Benoît Vidal – Creative top restaurant combining nature, forest and Alpine traditions in a modern expression.
La Table de Yoann Conte – Award-winning lakeside restaurant with refined dishes inspired by Savoie and the surrounding area.
Auberge du Père Bise – Jean Sulpice – Iconic waterfront restaurant with a high gastronomic standard and spectacular views.
ANTO – Modern restaurant in the old town with seasonal menus and a clear local identity.
Brasserie Brunet – Classic French brasserie with generous food, good ingredients and an informal atmosphere.
Le Freti – Popular restaurant in the old town, especially known for fondue, raclette and other specialities from Savoie.
Cozna – Modern bistronomy with creative dishes, seasonal character and good local wines.
L’Estaminet – Friendly brasserie in the old town with traditional French, Belgian and Savoyard food.
Le Chalet – Cosy canal-side restaurant with a rustic atmosphere and classic Alpine dishes.
Brasserie des Européens – Lively brasserie in central Annecy with local specialities and classic French favourites.

Tip: In Annecy, try local specialities from Savoie such as fondue savoyarde, raclette and tartiflette made with Reblochon. Round off the meal with Gâteau de Savoie.

Lake, old town and Alpine atmosphere

Annecy – the Venice of the Alps

The town lies in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, only around 40 kilometres from Geneva in Switzerland, and is a popular destination for both French and international visitors, thanks to its scenic location and easy access from major European cities.

With its unique combination of history, spectacular alpine scenery, crystal-clear Lake Annecy and a rich cultural life, Annecy works just as well for romantic weekends as for longer holidays filled with outdoor activities, food experiences, charming old streets, cycling routes and memorable excursions in the surrounding mountains.

Annecy Lac d’Annecy

Experience the French Alps

The French Alps offer some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes, with dramatic mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes and charming Alpine towns. Here you can experience a perfect combination of nature, outdoor life and authentic Alpine atmosphere all year round.

Whether you want spectacular mountain hikes, cycling trips through beautiful valleys or quiet days by a lake with views towards snow-capped peaks, the Alps are a destination that never disappoints. The region suits active travellers as well as those who simply want to enjoy fresh mountain air, beautiful viewpoints and small towns with character.

French Alps Mont Blanc Hiking and nature

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