Discover Annecy: Complete Travel Guide [2025]

So, picture this: cobblestone streets winding around pastel houses, little canals running under bridges covered in flowers, and the backdrop? Snow-dusted mountains and a lake so blue it almost looks fake. That’s Annecy. People call it the “Venice of the Alps,” and honestly, once you see it, you’ll get why. It’s got this dreamy mix of chill lakeside vibes and adventurous alpine energy.

Things You’ll Want to Do

1. Wander Through the Old Town (Vieille Ville)

This is the part of Annecy that makes you stop and say, “Wow.” The streets are narrow and winding, the houses are splashed in warm colors, and little canals cut through it all like a mini-Venice. Cafes spill out onto the sidewalks, and there’s always the smell of fresh croissants in the air.

Here’s what makes the Old Town so special:

• 🏘 Storybook streets – colorful buildings, flower-lined bridges, and cobblestones everywhere.
• ☕ Café culture – grab a coffee or gelato and just people-watch by the canals.
• 🏰 Palais de l’Isle – the fortress-like building right in the middle of the canal (aka the most photographed spot in town).
• 🎨 Market vibes – if you’re lucky to be here on market day, you’ll find local cheese, bread, and fresh produce.

Pro tip: Explore the Old Town in a fun, interactive way with City Game Annecy: The Shadow of the Sword here

2. Lake Annecy

Now, the lake is probably the first thing that catches your eye in Annecy. It’s big, it’s calm, and the water is so clear that on a sunny day you can actually see the stones under the surface. Locals treat it like their backyard—some swim, others cycle the paths along the shore, and plenty of people just spread out a blanket to enjoy the view.

Things you can do around the lake:

• 🏊 Swim in crystal-clear water – during summer, the lake becomes the town’s natural swimming pool.
• 🚣 Get active on the water – rent a kayak, paddleboard, or even try sailing for a different perspective of the lake.
• ⛴ Take a boat cruise – perfect if you just want to sit back and enjoy the scenery without breaking a sweat.
• 🌿 Chill like a local – grassy parks and lakeside promenades are dotted with people picnicking, reading, or just soaking up the sun.
• 📸 Scenic backdrops everywhere – the Alps rising behind the lake create some of the most stunning views in France.

Tip: One of the best ways to see the town is from the water. Book a Lake Annecy boat cruise here

3. Château d’Annecy

If you’re into castles (and really, who isn’t at least a little?), Château d’Annecy is a must. This medieval fortress has been transformed into a museum, and while the exhibits are interesting, the real magic is in the setting itself.

Here’s why it’s worth the climb:

• 🏰 History on display – wander through halls filled with art, furniture, and local history.
• 🌄 Epic views – step outside and soak in sweeping views of the lake, canals, and Alps.
• 📸 Perfect photo spot – the rooftop panoramas are seriously Instagram-worthy.
• 🚶‍♂️ Scenic walk – the uphill streets are steep and cobbled, but the charm (and the reward at the top) makes it fun.

Pro tip: Bring comfy shoes—you’ll thank yourself later when those cobblestones start to test your balance.

4. Outdoor Adventures

This is where Annecy really comes through if you like being outside. The town isn’t just about canals and cafés—step out a little further, and you’ve got mountains, trails, and bike paths waiting for you.

Some easy ways to enjoy the outdoors:

• 🚴 Cycle the lake path – it circles most of the shoreline, it’s fairly flat, and you’ll pass through small villages with great views along the way.
• 🥾 Hike nearby trails – from gentle walks to steeper climbs, there are plenty of routes that give you a mix of forest and mountain scenery.
• 🪂 Try paragliding – if you’re up for something different, Annecy is one of the best spots in Europe for it. Floating over the lake with the Alps in the background is an experience people don’t forget.

Tip: If you’re not looking for anything extreme, just renting a bike for a few hours and sticking to the lakeside path is enough to get a feel for the area’s natural beauty.

Where to Stay

Annecy has a bit of everything when it comes to hotels:

Hôtel Catalpa

Hôtel Catalpa is a comfortable spot right by Lake Annecy, making it easy to enjoy the waterfront without being too far from the Old Town. The rooms are simple and modern, and it has an on-site crêperie that guests rave about (perfect for a quick bite after a day exploring). It’s a good pick if you want a balance of location, comfort, and price—close enough to walk into the center, but also quiet enough to relax in the evenings.

B&B HOTEL Annecy Cran-Gevrier

If you’re looking for something budget-friendly without being too far from the action, B&B HOTEL Annecy Cran-Gevrier is a solid option. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the Old Town, so you’re not right in the middle of the canals, but the trade-off is clean, simple rooms at a good price. Perfect if you’re planning to spend most of your time out exploring and just need a comfortable place to crash at night.

How to Get There

Annecy doesn’t have a huge airport, so most people fly into Geneva (about 40 minutes away) or Lyon (around 1.5 hours). From there, it’s super easy to hop on a train or grab a rental car. If you’re coming from Paris, trains will get you here in about 4 hours.

Tips for Your Trip

• Summer (June–September) is perfect for lake activities, but December is magical with Christmas markets.
• Bring comfy shoes—Annecy’s cobblestones are gorgeous but not friendly to thin sandals.

Wrap-Up

Annecy feels like one of those places that sneaks up on you. It doesn’t scream for attention like Paris or Nice, but once you’re here, you won’t want to leave. It’s the kind of spot where you can slow down, soak it all in, and still feel like you’ve had an adventure. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend or adding it to a longer France trip, Annecy’s that fairytale stop you didn’t know you needed.