Tips

of our vacationists

Info

Set like a precious jewel in the heart of the Alps mountains, Annecy inspires, fascinates and surprises its visitors in both summer and winter. Known for its canals, its castle and its famous lake, the one called the "Little Venice of the Alps" or the "Pearl of the Alps" conceals many treasures, both natural and architectural, that make the happiness of sportsmen and onlookers.

Are you hesitating between a stay at the beach or a holiday in the mountains? Why choose when it is possible to have both? Known worldwide for its lake with its magnificent mountain-lined waters and canals that run through its old town, Annecy has the power to conquer all hearts. Its quality of life, incomparable charm and authenticity make it a destination of choice, appreciated by holidaymakers who come from all over the world to discover its splendours. Located in the department of Haute-Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Annecy seems to have come straight out of a tale of princes and princesses, so much its setting leaves you to dream. To discover this city like no other, leave your vehicle aside and take a walk or bike ride. You will take its small narrow canals adorably flowered and the old alleys winding through its old village, to capture its unique atmosphere. During your strolls you will be able to discover the many monuments that make up Annecy's history, such as its emblematic Palais de l'Isle: alternately prison, courthouse and administrative centre, this 12th century building is certainly the most photographed site in Annecy. Recognizable thanks to its advanced quadrangular structure in the middle of the arms of the Thiou River, the Palais de l'Isle, classified as a Historic Monument, is now open for visits (€3.80 per adult). Not far from there, discover the Pont de Pierre de Morens, the famous rue Sainte-Claire and its magnificent arcades, and continue in rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau to discover the former Episcopal Palace (now a police hotel) and the shopping arcades of rue Filaterie. There are many places to have lunch, dinner, or just buy ice cream to cool off in the hot summer weather.

You will also have to climb up to the heights of the city to discover Annecy Castle: overlooking the canals and the lake, this former residence of the Counts of Geneva is now a museum dedicated to the art, archaeology and history of the region and the Alpine lakes. The Basilica of the Visitation is also worth a visit: perched on the heights of the city, the basilica with its monumental bell tower was built between 1922 and 1930. Renowned for its rich interior decorations, we advise you to go there to enjoy an absolutely magnificent 360° panorama of Annecy, its lake and the surrounding villages. So certainly, if you walk there, it climbs... But it's worth it!

But Annecy's main attraction is above all its sparkling blue lake. Changing according to the seasons according to whether it is under the snow or the sun, this lake perched at an altitude of 447 metres is overlooked by the Tournette, which peaks at 2351 metres above its waters. A place of relaxation for some, the lake is also the ideal place to practice many sports activities. With an average temperature of 23°C, the waters of Lake Annecy are the setting for many swimming sessions in an absolutely magnificent setting in the depths of the mountains. You will find several developed beaches, but also diving boards, pedal boats, boats, water sports centres where you can practice activities such as sailing, paddle, water skiing, wakeboarding, diving, canoeing, kayaking, canyoning or even rafting. If you like thrills, then you can also climb, via ferrata, ULM, hydrospeed, bungee jumping or paragliding, as well as free ride, heliskiing, glacier hiking, alpine skiing and Nordic sports if you choose to visit Annecy during the winter.

You can also discover the lake by bike, thanks to the Voie Verte du Lac d'Annecy which runs along its banks, but also during road-trip aboard old 2CV or convertible... Any means are good to capture the most beautiful panoramas of the lake! Also, to immortalize it in the best possible way, some spots are not to be missed such as the panorama of the Montagne du Taillefer in Duingt, the panorama of the Col de la Frasse and the panorama of the Oratory in Entrevernes. In winter and summer, there is no shortage of hiking trails in Annecy, from the Sentier des Roselières to the Bout du Lac Nature Reserve, not to mention the sports trails of Mont-Veyrier, the plateau des Glières, the Tour du Roc de Chère, the Cascade d'Angon and the Chéran loop, young and old will certainly be amazed!

More information about the region :

Les Bornes

Les Bauges

Alpes

Lac d'Annecy

Activities and Events

With a height of 470 metres, the castle offers an exceptional panoramic view of the city of Annecy.

A wide range of sporting activities is available around the lake: water sports, mountain biking, hiking, canyoning...

The Massif des Bauges is a Regional Natural Park with many hiking trails for all levels.