What To Do In Annecy, France's Prettiest Town

It's been voted the prettiest town in France, the best place to live, the most beautiful setting – all the kudos you can imagine.

I tend to agree, but then, I'm biased.

You see, I live 45 minutes from Annecy, so I often go there for shopping or a meal out. And what a lucky person I am!

Seeing Annecy is to fall in love with the "Venice of the Alps".

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Graceful bridges span slow-drifting canals and the tiny Thiou River, all framed by windowsills whose flowers tumble freely. Throughout town, cobblestone streets are lined with ancient arcades, the old buildings they support silhouetted against the mountains and lake just beyond.

It's the perfect place to look up and spot high-flying paragliders drifting slowly down towards the lake, skilfully landing in a nearby field.

Deciding what to do in Annecy won't be difficult: it's a small town − you can simply do it all. Or even do nothing, enjoying its beauty during a gentle stroll.

One of the many glorious views of Lake Annecy (Europe's cleanest lake) ©OffbeatFrance

If you happen to be in the Swiss city of Geneva, Annecy can be seen on a day trip or even a half-day trip if that's all the time you have.

If you have a bit more time or you're coming from elsewhere, I have some transportation options at the bottom of this article.

6 Essential things to do in Annecy

Most things to see in Annecy are within walking distance and around the Old Town, a smallish area that is easy (and delightful) to explore on foot.

Here's what I suggest, if you want to get the most out of your Annecy visit.

1. Walk around Annecy’s Old Town (Vieille Ville)

These streets are definitely made for walking, and if you pick your place in Annecy's Old Town wisely, you may feel you're back in medieval times, where little has changed in centuries.

This is by far one of the most enjoyable things to do in Annecy. If you do nothing else in this town, walking around will already fill you with wonder.

And along the way, you'll find plenty to see − the Jardins de l'Europe (Gardens of Europe), the many churches and shops, everything around you because Annecy is truly a feast for the eyes.

Just know that many others feel the same way, and at the height of summer, it's crowded enough to require some sharp elbowing.

An option? Visit in the early morning. Here's what that could look like (at around 9 am on a mid-July morning):

Walking around Annecy before the crowds and the tour buses can look like this! Mind you, not everything is open yet but that will happen soon, around 10am (these shots were all taken around 9am). ©OffbeatFrance

2. Visit the Annecy market

It's impossible to stroll beneath Annecy's arcades and not be taken in by the romance. But it can get even better.

On Tuesdays, the morning market under the Old Town's arcades is full of local produce and regional specialties, and on Fridays and Sundays, it expands to include clothes and other market goods.

On the last Saturday of the month, the town hosts a wonderful brocante, or flea market. Prices aren't particularly low, with many visitors on a day excursion from nearby Geneva, but then, the setting is stunning.

Annecy arcades at night, after the visitors have gone

3. Visit the Palais de l'Île

The most iconic sight of Annecy is the Palais de l'Ile, an ancient 12th-century fortress whose triangular walls jut out into the Thiou River. Of course that's the part you see, but the building stretches out behind, as you might expect for a building that was once a prison and a mint (not at the same time). It was also a courthouse and the site of administrative buildings.

It had additional uses, becoming an art school for stonemasons, with a gym and lodgings. At one point, towards the end of the 19th century, authorities considered tearing it down and replacing it with municipal baths, but that idea was abandoned when some notables took offense and instead, got the building classified as a historical monument.

As for the prison, it hasn't gone away − you can still visit the old cells and chapel.

The Palais de l'Ile in Annecy, in the early morning summer sun ©OffbeatFrance

4. Cross the Pont des Amours

The Pont des Amours, which translates as Lovers' Bridge, or the Bridge of Love, is today a light, airy metal span from which you can enjoy two beautiful views: to one side, Annecy Canal and the gentle rows of boats along its edge; to the other, a dramatic panorama encompassing stunning Lake Annecy and the Alps beyond, all the way to Mont Blanc.

Legend has it that a couple who kisses while on the bridge will stay together for life.

But there's another legend: this one traces its name back to a time when prostitutes used to work on the bridge.

No matter, it's a lovely spot and it's clear love does have something to do with it.

Pont des Amours in Annecy - named after love ©OffbeatFrance

5. Visit the Château d'Annecy

One of the things to see in Annecy is the 12th-century fortress which sits at the top of the old town − and is well worth the climb. 

It was once the residence of the counts of Geneva and is now a history museum, the Museum of Popular Alpine Art, with collections that include antique furniture, historical photographs and chalet scale models.

The castle also has an observatory that displays the region's natural resources.

Annecy Castle in all its glory ©SavoieMontBlanc-Chabance

6. Picnic on Le Pâquier by the lake

The best way to describe Le Pâquier is as a huge lawn and garden that ends at the Lac d'Annecy and opens up on stunning mountain views − but it started out as a giant pasture.

You'll find paths, bridges, and activities of every sort: family outings, dogs frolicking, kids learning to ride bikes, water sports and swimming... 

Grab your picnic food and head straight here with a blanket or towel, and enjoy the sunny days and conviviality.

Explore Lake Annecy

Lakes are perfect for outdoor activities and this one is particularly wonderful for the outdoors (and a few indoor ones, too). Here are some fun Lake Annecy activities you can enjoy during your stay.

Cycle around Lake Annecy

One of the best things to do in Annecy is to follow the cycling path that circles the lake. The route is well maintained and largely flat, making it accessible even if you’re not an experienced cyclist.

Take a boat trip on Lake Annecy

Seeing Annecy from the water shows you a completely different side of town. You can take a passenger boat, rent a pédalo, or even hire a small motorboat.

Swim at Annecy's beaches

One of the most popular Annecy activities in summer is swimming at one of the lake's wonderful beaches. I'm partial to both St Jorioz and Talloires, depending on which side of the lake I'm on.

Walk along the lake and Le Pâquier

If you prefer something slower, simply walking along the lakefront and across the huge grassy expanse known as Le Pâquier is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Annecy.

Go paragliding at Col de la Forclaz

For a more active option, head to the Col de la Forclaz, one of Europe’s best-known paragliding spots. Watch people launch themvelsves off the mountain (or jump off yourself!) While you're there, have lunch in one of the moutaintop restaurants.

DO YOU PLAN ON RENTING A CAR IN FRANCE?

It can be a wonderful experience, especially on picturesque country roads. My full article on renting a car in France makes sure you don't overlook anything when you rent. 

France also has a few very strange driving rules. This excellent online driving course (I've taken it myself) shows you our quirks and how to drive with confidence when the rules and signs don't seem to make sense.

Pedal boasts and fun on Lake Annecy © C. Max

Want something outdoorsy but different? Try this Segway tour of Annecy.

Annecy's turbulent history

Like in many French cities, there’s something Roman around the corner.

In the case of Annecy, traces of civilization date back to 3100 BCE, with the town evolving into the medieval Annecy we know and love today.

When the first stone of the Château d'Annecy was laid in the 12th century, the city was called Annecy-the-new, to differentiate it from Annecy-le-Vieux, or Annecy-the-old, a Gallo-Roman settlement on the hill above the city and which still carries that name today. This is confusing, as visitors see the name ‘old’ and head for what they think is the Old Town of Annecy, or Vieille Ville.

It’s not. 

Between the building of the château and the 15th century, Annecy was razed several times by fire, so what we see today is “only” five or six centuries old.

Modern, almost.

Being close to Switzerland made Annecy a refuge for Catholics fleeing the Protestant Reformation in Geneva, earning it the nickname of “Rome of France”.

Today, Annecy is the capital of the Haute-Savoie, which finally joined France in 1860. That may have been 150 years ago, but a hard-core nucleus of Savoy separatists still haven’t accepted ‘French rule’ and believe the region should become a sovereign country.

In fact, the bridge in my own village of Seyssel (which spans two provinces, the Haute-Savoie and the Ain) is often bisected by a 'border' of white paint across the asphalt, with the words “Savoie” on one side and “France” on the other.

Annecy is now firmly on the tourist trail, and has been so since the steam train arrived in the mid-19th century. What was once the ‘end of France’ is today a half-hour drive from Geneva over a scenic (and dizzyingly high) motorway.

Eating in Annecy

One of the attractions of Annecy is the food scene, but you'd better like cheese...

If you're visiting in winter, you can't leave town without eating a cheese fondue or a tartiflette, a popular cheese and potato dish. Whenever I feel like either of these, I head for Le Freti or L'Etage, both equally delicious for everything Alpine cheese.

If you're in the mood for something more classical, try L'Autentic, and when you're finished with all that eating, stroll under the arcades and stop for an ice cream − there are at least half a dozen one next to the other (I usually stop at the Glacier des Alpes but I'm sure others are equally good − just stay away from the bubble-gum colored ones, which are far more industrial.

If you'd rather grab some food and head for a picnic at the Paquier by the lake, you can start by picking up your basic goodies at Pauvert in the Old Town, then to the cheese shop of Pierre Gay (who has achieved the elite status of Meilleur Ouvrier de France, or Best French Workmanship), and finally, for dessert, you'll want a pastry from Rigollot, voted best pastry chef in the world in 2005. Warning: this will not be a budget picnic but you'll talk about it for months to come.

Map of Annecy, France

Map courtesy of AnnecyVille.fr

Things to do in Annecy in winter

While summer brings out the flower boxes and throngs of tourists, winter is also a brilliant season to visit Annecy.

If you're here close to Christmas, the city has a growing Christmas market that becomes more charming with every year.

There's also plenty of skiing around Annecy, at La Clusaz and the Grand Bornand but also a little further afield, in Chamonix.

Just as glorious in winter (Photo Ch.Molitor)

How to get to Annecy

There are airports near Annecy but that's not necessarily the best way to get here.

If you must take the plane, fly into Geneva. From the airport, you can take a bus directly to Annecy from Geneva airport.

The train is also a good option. It's a four-hour ride from Paris, and much less from nearby regional cities like Lyon or Grenoble. Check railway schedules here.

A third choice would be to drive. I love taking road trips in France and while you won't need a car in Annecy proper, you would need one to drive around the lake or visit the nearby mountains. You can compare car rental prices here.

Places to stay: Annecy hotels

You'll have plenty of choice in Annecy: it's a much-loved city and many people come to visit, so it's equipped.

The top hotel in Annecy is the Imperial Palace, right on the edge of the lake. A top-notch "palace" worthy of its price point.

If you'd rather be in the heart of town, Les Loges are luxury self-catering apartments with a modern touch in a lovely traditional building.

For mid-range Annecy hotels, there's even more choice. Le Splendid sits right in the heart of town; the Hotel du Chateau is next to the castle − gorgeous views after a short walk − but uphill; and you won't get a better location than the Hotel du Palais de l'Ile.

And for a bargain, try the Ibis Centre, right on the edge of Old Town Annecy; Hotel des Alpes, cosy and clean in the Old Town; outside the center, if you're looking for a dog-friendly hotel with its own parking, try the Ace Hotel.

Before you go...

If you have only a day or two, you'll have plenty to do in Annecy. But if you happen to have a little more time, you'll want to explore further afield – here are some fantastic day trips from Annecy for you, whether you're driving or depend on public transportation.

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Bonjour! I’m Leyla. Born in Paris, now based in Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy.

After years abroad as a journalist and diplomat, I came home and began rediscovering France through its history and landscapes.

Offbeat France is for culturally curious travelers who want more than checklists. I write about castles, villages, museums, and landmarks — explaining France’s history while also showing you where to go and what to visit.

You’ll find context, backstories, but also  practical advice, in equal measure.

My aim is simple: help you travel through France with historical insight, not guesswork.

If you think, “I didn’t know that,” I’m doing my job.

Learn more about me!
Read my Substack historical essays

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