THE LAKE, THE TOWN, THE ALPS

Annecy,at yourown pace.

Good places and lovely escapes to make the most of every moment.

Explore the guide

An independent guide, open to everyone.

Aerial view of the castle, Annecy old town and the lake
Annecy old town, the castle and the lake
01 — WHAT TAKES YOUR FANCY

Where shall we start?

The map

All your plans, on one map

Food, rentals and activities: locate the guide’s places in Annecy, around the lake and in the Aravis. Choose a section and plan your own day.

Explore the interactive map
03 — YOUR PLAYGROUND

Annecy, from the first stroll to the great outdoors

What can you do in Annecy over a weekend or a lakeside holiday? This guide helps you plan a stay at your own pace, connecting places to explore with useful addresses and practical information. Start in the old town, make room for activities around Lake Annecy, then look further towards the villages and mountains.

01

Annecy

Canals, markets and walks through town. The perfect place to start.

02

The lakeshore

Veyrier, Menthon, Talloires, Sevrier and Saint-Jorioz: a new shore, a different perspective.

03

The Aravis

La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand for a mountain escape, depending on the season.

Explore Annecy’s old town on foot

The Thiou canals, the Palais de l’Île and the old town’s façades offer a first glimpse of Annecy. Take time to wander from a quayside into a narrow street, head up towards the castle or continue through the Jardins de l’Europe to the lake. A short route is enough to enjoy the centre without turning the day into a sightseeing race.

Leave room for breaks too: a coffee, a lunch stop or a museum when clouds gather. Our activity pages help you combine an outdoor walk with an indoor visit to suit your interests.

Explore Annecy and its walks

Lake Annecy, a day to make your own

A bike ride, a boat trip or a visit to a village: the shores of Lake Annecy invite you to see the area differently. Veyrier-du-Lac, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Talloires, Sevrier and Saint-Jorioz can each be a starting point for an outing, without trying to see everything in one day.

Choose an activity that fits the season, weather and time available. For a bike ride, compare equipment, hire duration and your planned route before booking directly with the rental company.

Plan a bike ride

From the Semnoz to the Aravis mountains

A stay in Annecy can also include a day in the mountains. The Semnoz and the Aravis offer different horizons, with La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand among the destinations to explore as the seasons change. Allow a day that suits the journey and your group’s pace.

In the mountains, conditions matter as much as the route: check the weather, access, snow conditions and necessary equipment before setting off. The guide brings together ideas to help you choose, alongside up-to-date local information.

Discover outdoor activities

Useful addresses for your stay

This independent guide brings together Annecy restaurants, activities, rentals and practical services to help you choose according to your area, budget and interests. It is for visitors passing through as well as anyone hoping to discover a different side of the surroundings.

The listings provide pointers and links for further research. Check menus, opening times and availability directly with each establishment: providers handle all bookings and payments themselves.

Find a table in Annecy

Less travelling, more time to explore

For a weekend in Annecy, grouping visits by area makes planning easier. Once in the centre, you can walk between several stops; for longer journeys, compare the bus, cycling and driving according to your destination.

The Getting around page brings together car parks, parking zones, the Sibra network and Vélonecy bikes. Plan your return too, and leave some flexibility: a good trip can make time for a conversation, a lake view or an unexpected break.

Plan how to get around Annecy

Travel from central Annecy: indicative times vary with traffic and the season.

A day that feels like you

A day by the lake

Start with a walk in Annecy, then choose a beach or a cruise. Leave room for the journey back instead of packing in too many stops.

Changeable weather

Combine a short old-town walk with a museum. You can adapt your plans without spending the day in the car.

A mountain escape

Check weather and access before leaving. In winter, book equipment near your resort and allow time for fitting.

04 — Good to know

The little things that make a stay.

Breakfast at your door, one less suitcase to carry: enjoy a little more of Annecy.

A breakfast selection from Bonjour Annecy
Part of local life in Annecy?

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