While France is full of charming places, my favorite must be the mountain town of Annecy. From lake cruising to farmer’s markets — right here are the quality things to do in Annecy, France!
Annecy is a stunning lake metropolis within the Haute-Savoie vicinity of France surrounded with the aid of mountains on the edge of the Swiss border. The lake, Lac d’Annecy, boasts a number of the hottest water in Europe, replenished every 12 months from the snow soften.
The city isn’t too big — or too small both. With a totally stroll-capable and bike friendly surroundings, you could spend many lazy afternoons exploring local shops, snacking at sparkling meals markets, or take a picnic in one of the many parks.
We spent 2-months residing in Annecy as virtual nomads with our youngsters and cat, and honestly loved it! So here are a number of our high-quality pointers for sports and exceptional activities in Annecy, France.
Annecy France Travel Guide
1: Explore Annecy’s Old Town
One of the motives Annecy is so picturesque is the network of canals that make their manner through the vintage city. It’s sometimes called the “Venice of France”. Annecy’s canals are shallow, and no longer virtually used for boating, however it nevertheless gives the town a captivating experience.
Combined with the colorful antique buildings, cobblestone streets, and flower containers, a stroll via the Old Town neighborhood of Annecy is constantly a treat.
You’ll catch glimpses of the mountains and lake within the distance, whilst playing the city’s many street-side eating places, cafes, and ice cream stores.
2: Boating On Lake Annecy
Arguably Annecy’s pinnacle spotlight is Lac d’Annecy, a stunning large blue lake placed right on the brink of town. Lake Annecy is France’s 3rd largest lake and frequently gets accolades for being the hottest lake in Europe (because of snow soften from the Alps).
The lake is surrounded through mountains, and whilst bloodless, is an ideal place to chill off within the summer time warmness. There are cycling paths round it, lots of beaches, and lots of opportunities to head boating!
Rent A Pedal Boat – You’ll find all types of pedal boats available to rent along the lake’s part at Jacquet Promenade. The boats cost approximately €15 EURO for 30 minutes, depending on length. Some even have slides or diving forums attached!
Rent A Motor Boat – Small four-five character motor boats may be rented, and also you don’t want a boat license either. Some have sunshades, and leases value approximately €65 EURO for an hour.
Join A Lake Tour – There are some large tour boats to be able to take you across the lake even as describing key factors of hobby. You may even book a desk for dinner on the boat!
Go Waterskiing – Waterskiing is a popular interest on Lake Annecy, and it’s viable to e book a experience with one of the neighborhood water-snowboarding corporations.
Take A Sailing Lesson – You can rent a small sail boat to cruise across the lake, or take a beginner crusing lesson too!
3: Walk Across Lover’s Bridge
Pont des Amours is a further quite and famous bridge on the threshold of Lac d’Annecy that spans the Vassé canal and connects the Jardins de l’Europe with the Jacquet Promenade.
Local legend says that enthusiasts who kiss at the bridge will live together for lifestyles.
The bridge has two splendid perspectives. One searching on the lake itself with mountains inside the heritage, and if you turn round, you’ll revel in a tree-lined canal with wood boats moored on each facet.
Four: Picnic At Jardins de l’Europe
When the weather is great, taking walks or biking right down to Jardins de l’Europe is a high-quality circle of relatives pleasant hobby. This large park sits on the edge of the lake, with large inexperienced fields, boardwalks, and playgrounds.
There’s even an old wood Carousel, in the beginning constructed in 1871, for kids to experience.
The park is famous for past due afternoon picnics — just carry down some wine, cheese, and bread from the markets and a blanket to experience the mountain views. A French revel in you simply can’t miss!
Five: Explore Annecy Castle
Château d’Annecy is a fortress in the heart of Annecy, located on a hill above the town. Originally constructed as a residence for the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours from the 13th to 16th centuries.
These days the Chateau houses a museum (Musée-Château d’Annecy), providing local sculpture, art, and a nature exhibit of animals and fish which can be observed across the lake. The fort also has a few right views of the lake and city from the threshold of its walls.
Entry tickets cost about €5 EURO for adults, and are unfastened for youngsters beneath 12.
6: Walk The Promenade du Thiou
The Promenade du Thiou is a pleasant easy stroll through the old town of Annecy alongside the crystal blue Thiou River, that gradually gets extra wooded and secluded as you circulate out of city. There are paths on both facets of the river.
The path is motorcycle and stroller friendly too. It’s a superb way to spend an hour or two, playing nature (and getting far from the busy visitor-filled town center). There are a few playgrounds, sitting areas, and bridges unfold out alongside the tree-shaded path.
Promenade du Thiou starts offevolved across the Quai des Cordeliers (simply past the famous Le Palais de I’Île), inside the middle of Old Annecy and also you certainly walk up river from there.
7: Visit Annecy le Vieux
Annecy le Vieux is a different part of metropolis, a residential region raised up on a hill overlooking the rest of the lake. It capabilities a pleasant park, old buildings and churches, some restaurants & bars, and is typically a greater secure place compared to the busy old city down beneath.
Some highlights right here encompass the Clocher Roman Church, Parc Gabriel Fauré, and Les Quatre Gourmets Restaurant.
8: Shop At The Farmer’s Markets
One of my preferred elements of residing in Annecy became the various sparkling food markets that line the streets of the antique town. You’ll find a spread of produce, cheese, sausage, wine, olives, bread, flora, crafts, and more.
The Annecy road markets show up every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 7am–1pm. Make certain to try some of the neighborhood reblochon cheese, used in lots of local dishes.
Nine: Chateau de Menthon-Saint Bernard
Chateau de Menthon is an excellent medieval citadel just out of doors of Annecy. Home to the identical family for over one hundred years, it’s open to site visitors from April to October on weekends.
The fort towers over Lake Annecy, the Roc de Chère National Nature Reserve, and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, with remarkable views of every.
Guided excursions of the fortress (in French most effective) are in the afternoons, and ultimate approximately an hour. There’s additionally a small garden at the side of sheep, pigs, and peacocks.
10: Bike Around The Lake
Annecy may be very bicycle pleasant, with many committed motorcycle paths and trails as a way to take you everywhere in the town. There is tremendous motorcycle path that encircles the lake too, and it’s a first rate way to kill some hours at the same time as playing the mountain surroundings.
This 35 km paved greenway follows the vintage route of a railroad that connected Annecy with Albertville, and prevents in smaller villages alongside the way like Sévrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt, Lathuile and Doussard.
You can hire a motorbike from many stores in Annecy, or even get a trailer for youngsters (like we did).
Eleven: Palais de l’Île
Palais de l’Isle is probably the maximum postcard-well-known spot in Annecy. A particular castle-like building that sits within the center of the Thiou River, surrounded by means of restaurants and shops in Annecy’s antique metropolis.
Often defined as a “residence within the form of a ship” — the building has been a jail, a courthouse and an administrative center. The original structure become built in the twelfth century.
These days it is a museum (about €four to go into), offering an old court docket, dungeon, jail cells and chapel that you could visit. The most well-known snap shots are taken from the bridge out in the front.
12: Go For A Hike
Annecy is positioned at the base of the French Alps, and a excellent area to base yourself for travelling the mountains. There are many local hikes close by, as well as day trips to splendid snowboarding and hiking opportunities.
From smooth walks, to intense mountaineering, there’s something for every body. Hikes around Annecy can consist of waterfalls, mountain lakes, and flora and fauna sightings of ibex mountain goats.
Here are a few popular trekking trails round Annecy:
La Tournette – The highest peak close to the lake, La Tournette is a totally tough hike. But the views are incredible. About 6-hours round-experience. Experienced hikers handiest.
Mont Baron & Veyrier – A moderate 2-hour loop hike that visits two mountain peaks, with tremendous perspectives.
Gorges du Fier – An smooth walk for the complete circle of relatives, this hike takes you throughout suspension bridges within the center of a gorge.
Cascade d’Angon – Beautiful shaded waterfall hike that’s now not too tough, and offers you great perspectives of the lake. About 2-hours round trip.
