Annecy

The old town is a compact, atmospheric district where canals, small bridges, arcades and pastel-coloured façades follow the River Thiou.

The best-known landmark is the Palais de l’Isle, which resembles a stone ship on a natural island in the river. Its oldest sections date from the 12th century, and the building has served as a residence, courthouse, administrative centre and prison.

Pedestrian streets, market squares and historic houses cluster around the palace. The area is best explored on foot, allowing time to follow the canals and discover small passages between the squares.

Château d’Annecy stands above the old town, providing historical context as well as views across the rooftops, lake and mountains.

Lac d’Annecy is the town’s great natural gathering place, surrounded by promenades, parks, beaches, villages and mountains descending steeply towards the water.

From the centre, it is a short walk to Le Pâquier, Jardins de l’Europe and Pont des Amours. The lake opens out here, revealing sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

Along the shores are swimming areas and opportunities for sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking and boat trips. Activities vary throughout the year, and local conditions should always be checked before setting out.

The lake can also be explored by bicycle, with stops including Sevrier, Saint-Jorioz, Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard.

The circuit around Lac d’Annecy is one of the best ways to combine activity, village life and views across the water.

The official circuit is approximately 40 kilometres long with around 300 metres of elevation gain. Much of it follows dedicated cycling infrastructure, although some sections require extra care in traffic.

For an easier ride, follow the greenway south from Annecy along the western shore. The route is ideal for pauses at beaches, cafés and villages.

The full circuit can be completed in a few hours, but it is more enjoyable when you allow plenty of time for stops. The tourist office recommends travelling clockwise for the easiest option.

From the water, you gain a completely different perspective on the villages, beaches and mountain peaks around Lac d’Annecy.

Choose between organised cruises, smaller excursion boats, sailing and various forms of private boat hire. Options range from short trips to longer journeys around the lake.

For a more active day, try kayaking, paddleboarding, pedal boats or sailing. Equipment is available to hire at several points around the shores, depending on the season and weather.

Plan with wind, temperature and local safety advice in mind. Advance booking is often worthwhile on busy summer days.

Château d’Annecy stands above the old town, bringing medieval history, Renaissance architecture, art and views together in a single visit.

The castle was home to the Counts of Geneva and later the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours. Its buildings reveal how the complex was enlarged and altered over several centuries.

Today the castle houses the Musée-Château, with permanent collections and temporary exhibitions covering art, local history and themes connected with the lake and Alps.

Combine the visit with the Palais de l’Isle and a walk through the old town for a well-rounded introduction to Annecy’s history.

Annecy is surrounded by accessible high ground with expansive views across the lake, the Bauges Massif and the peaks towards the Aravis.

Semnoz dominates the western side of the lake and rises to approximately 1,699 metres. The mountain forms part of the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park and is popular for hiking, cycling and winter activities.

On the eastern side, Col de la Forclaz is a celebrated viewpoint over the lake and an important paragliding area. From here, the shape of the lake and surrounding mountains appear from an entirely different perspective.

Choose routes according to the weather, season and your experience. Mountain conditions can change quickly, so always check local advice before longer walks.