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Annecy, France
Whereas France is stuffed with charming locations, my favourite needs to be the mountain city of Annecy. From lake cruising to farmer’s markets — listed here are the greatest issues to do in Annecy, France!
Annecy is an exquisite lake city within the Haute-Savoie area of France surrounded by mountains on the sting of the Swiss border. The lake, Lac d’Annecy, boasts a few of the freshest water in Europe, replenished every year from the snow soften.
The city isn’t too huge — or too small both. With a really walk-able and bike pleasant ambiance, you’ll be able to spend many lazy afternoons exploring native retailers, snacking at recent meals markets, or take a picnic in one of many many parks.
We spent 2-months dwelling in Annecy as digital nomads with our two youngsters and cat, and completely beloved it! So listed here are a few of our greatest suggestions for actions and nice issues to do in Annecy, France.
My Annecy itinerary is totally free! I’ve labored laborious placing it collectively for you. Should you discover it helpful, please use my affiliate hyperlinks once you e-book resorts, rental automobiles or actions. I’ll receives a commission a small fee, at no additional value to you! Thanks.
France Journey Restrictions 2022
France is open to most vacationers once more, together with American vacationers. Nevertheless you do want proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a destructive take a look at consequence earlier than being allowed entry.
Many resorts, sights, and personal excursions are open with new well being & security protocols in place, and you continue to need to observe sure tips.
You could find the newest updates on touring to France right here.
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Annecy France Journey Information
1: Discover Annecy’s Outdated City
![Canals in Old Town Annecy](https://expertvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/old-town-annecy-france-900x600.jpg)
One of many causes Annecy is so picturesque is the community of canals that make their method by way of the previous city. It’s generally known as the “Venice of France”. Annecy’s canals are shallow, and not likely used for boating, however it nonetheless provides the city a captivating really feel.
Mixed with the colourful previous buildings, cobblestone streets, and flower containers, a stroll by way of the Outdated City neighborhood of Annecy is all the time a deal with.
You’ll catch glimpses of the mountains and lake within the distance, whereas having fun with the city’s many street-side eating places, cafes, and ice cream retailers.
2: Boating On Lake Annecy
![Boat on Lake Annecy](https://expertvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/lake-annecy-boat-900x600.jpg)
Arguably Annecy’s high spotlight is Lac d’Annecy, a shocking giant blue lake positioned proper on the sting of city. Lake Annecy is France’s third largest lake and recurrently receives accolades for being the freshest lake in Europe (as a consequence of snow soften from the Alps).
The lake is surrounded by mountains, and whereas chilly, is an ideal place to chill off in the summertime warmth. There are biking paths round it, loads of seashores, and lots of alternatives to go boating!
- Lease A Pedal Boat – You’ll discover all types of pedal boats obtainable to lease alongside the lake’s edge at Jacquet Promenade. The boats value about €15 EURO for half-hour, relying on measurement. Some even have slides or diving boards hooked up!
- Lease A Motor Boat – Small 4-5 individual motor boats could be rented, and also you don’t want a ship license both. Some have sunshades, and leases value about €65 EURO for an hour.
- Be a part of A Lake Tour – There are some giant tour boats that may take you across the lake whereas describing key factors of curiosity. You possibly can even e-book a desk for dinner on the boat!
- Go Waterskiing – Waterskiing is a well-liked pastime on Lake Annecy, and it’s potential to e-book a visit with one of many native water-skiing corporations.
- Take A Crusing Lesson – You possibly can lease a small sail boat to cruise across the lake, or take a newbie crusing lesson too!
3: Stroll Throughout Lover’s Bridge
![Lover's Bridge in Annecy](https://expertvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/annecy-love-bridge-900x600.jpg)
Pont des Amours is an additional fairly and well-known bridge on the sting of Lac d’Annecy that spans the Vassé canal and connects the Jardins de l’Europe with the Jacquet Promenade.
Native legend says that lovers who kiss on the bridge will keep collectively for all times.
The bridge has two nice views. One wanting on the lake itself with mountains within the background, and when you flip round, you’ll take pleasure in a tree-lined canal with picket boats moored on both sides.
4: Picnic At Jardins de l’Europe
![Gardens of Europe](https://expertvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/jardins-de-europe-900x600.jpg)
When the climate is sweet, strolling or biking right down to Jardins de l’Europe is an excellent household pleasant exercise. This huge park sits on the sting of the lake, with giant inexperienced fields, boardwalks, and playgrounds.
There’s even an previous picket Carousel, initially inbuilt 1871, for teenagers to trip.
The park is standard for late afternoon picnics — simply convey down some wine, cheese, and bread from the markets and a blanket to benefit from the mountain views. A French expertise you simply can’t miss!
5: Discover Annecy Fortress
![Annecy Castle](https://expertvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/chateau-annecy-castle-900x600.jpg)
Château d’Annecy is a fortress within the coronary heart of Annecy, positioned on a hill above the city. Initially constructed as a residence for the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours from the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries.
Today the Chateau homes a museum (Musée-Château d’Annecy), that includes native sculpture, artwork, and a nature exhibit of animals and fish which are discovered across the lake. The fortress additionally has some good views of the lake and city from the sting of its partitions.
Entry tickets value about €5 EURO for adults, and are free for teenagers below 12.
6: Stroll The Promenade du Thiou
![Promenade de Thiou Hike](https://expertvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/promenade-du-thiou-900x600.jpg)
The Promenade du Thiou is a pleasant simple stroll by way of the previous city of Annecy alongside the crystal blue Thiou River, that progressively will get extra wooded and secluded as you progress out of city. There are paths on either side of the river.
The path is bike and stroller pleasant too. It’s an exquisite option to spend an hour or two, having fun with nature (and getting away from the busy tourist-filled metropolis heart). There are some playgrounds, sitting areas, and bridges unfold out alongside the tree-shaded path.
Promenade du Thiou begins across the Quai des Cordeliers (simply previous the well-known Le Palais de I’Île), within the heart of Outdated Annecy and also you merely stroll up river from there.
7: Go to Annecy le Vieux
![Annecy Le Vieux](https://expertvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/annecy-le-vieux-900x600.jpg)
Annecy le Vieux is a special a part of city, a residential space raised up on a hill overlooking the remainder of the lake. It incorporates a good park, previous buildings and church buildings, some eating places & bars, and is mostly a extra relaxed place in comparison with the busy previous metropolis down under.
Some highlights right here embrace the Clocher Roman Church, Parc Gabriel Fauré, and Les Quatre Gourmets Restaurant.
8: Store At The Farmer’s Markets
![Farmer's Markets](https://expertvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/annecy-public-markets-900x600.jpg)
Certainly one of my favourite elements of dwelling in Annecy was the numerous recent meals markets that line the streets of the previous city. You’ll discover quite a lot of produce, cheese, sausage, wine, olives, bread, flowers, crafts, and extra.
The Annecy road markets occur each Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 7am–1pm. Make certain to attempt a few of the native reblochon cheese, utilized in many native dishes.
9: Chateau de Menthon-Saint Bernard
![Chateau Menthon and Valley](https://expertvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/chateau-menthon-castle-900x600.jpg)
Chateau de Menthon is a powerful medieval fortress simply outdoors of Annecy. Residence to the identical household for over 100 years, it’s open to guests from April to October on weekends.
The fortress towers over Lake Annecy, the Roc de Chère Nationwide Nature Reserve, and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, with great views of every.
Guided excursions of the fortress (in French solely) are within the afternoons, and final about an hour. There’s additionally a small backyard together with sheep, pigs, and peacocks.
10: Bike Round The Lake
![Bike Path in Annecy](https://expertvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/annecy-bike-paths-900x600.jpg)
Annecy may be very bicycle pleasant, with many devoted bike paths and trails that may take you throughout the city. There’s great bike path that encircles the lake too, and it’s a good way to kill a couple of hours whereas having fun with the mountain surroundings.
This 35 km paved greenway follows the previous route of a railroad that linked Annecy with Albertville, and stops in smaller villages alongside the way in which like Sévrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt, Lathuile and Doussard.
You possibly can lease a motorbike from many retailers in Annecy, and even get a trailer for teenagers (like we did).
11: Palais de l’Île
![Palais de l'Ile](https://expertvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/palais-de-lIle-900x600.jpg)
Palais de l’Isle might be probably the most postcard-famous spot in Annecy. A novel castle-like constructing that sits in the course of the Thiou River, surrounded by eating places and retailers in Annecy’s previous city.
Typically described as a “home within the form of a ship” — the constructing has been a jail, a courthouse and an administrative heart. The unique construction was constructed within the twelfth century.
Today it’s a museum (about €4 to enter), that includes an previous courtroom, dungeon, jail cells and chapel you can go to. Probably the most well-known images are taken from the bridge out in entrance.
12: Go For A Hike
![La Tournette Mountain](https://expertvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/hiking-in-annecy-900x600.jpg)
Annecy is positioned on the base of the French Alps, and a terrific place to base your self for visiting the mountains. There are a lot of native hikes close by, in addition to day journeys to wonderful snowboarding and trekking alternatives.
From simple walks, to excessive mountaineering, there’s one thing for everybody. Hikes round Annecy can embrace waterfalls, mountain lakes, and wildlife sightings of ibex mountain goats.
Listed below are some standard climbing trails round Annecy:
- La Tournette – The very best peak close to the lake, La Tournette is a really troublesome hike. However the views are wonderful. About 6-hours round-trip. Skilled hikers solely.
- Mont Baron & Veyrier – A average 2-hour loop hike that visits two mountain peaks, with great views.
- Gorges du Fier – A straightforward stroll for the entire household, this hike takes you throughout suspension bridges in the course of a gorge.
- Cascade d’Angon – Lovely shaded waterfall hike that’s not too troublesome, and offers you good views of the lake. About 2-hours spherical journey.
![Annecy from Above](https://expertvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/annecy-town-activities-900x600.jpg)
Greatest Time To Go to Annecy
March – Might
We visited Annecy within the Spring, primarily in April and Might. The climate on this a part of France could be unpredictable, and it snowed on us a pair occasions. In between sunny days stuffed with wildflowers. The mountains will nonetheless have snow on them, however the climate isn’t too sizzling but on the town.
June – August
That is Annecy’s excessive season, and whereas lovely, it will probably get very crowded. Many vacationers go to Annecy as a day journey whereas touring by way of Switzerland, as a result of it’s so near the border. It’s troublesome to seek out lodging in the summertime, except you e-book months upfront.
September – November
That is most likely the very best time to go to Annecy. A lot of the high-season vacationers are gone, the climate is cool, however the snow hasn’t come but. There’s additionally a terrific competition in October known as the Return Of The Alpine Pastures Competition.
![Boat on a Canal](https://expertvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/annecy-canals-boats-900x600.jpg)
The place Is Annecy (Getting There)
Annecy, France is positioned 44 km West of Geneva (Switzerland) a couple of 40-minute drive away. Most individuals get to Annecy after flying into Geneva Worldwide Airport, after which driving over the border.
Nevertheless it’s additionally potential to fly into Paris and take a practice. Seek for the most affordable flights to Geneva on Skyscanner.com.
![Buildings in the Old Town](https://expertvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/downtown-annecy-900x600.jpg)
The place To Keep In Annecy
Lodging in Annecy can vary from backpacker pleasant to luxurious. As we have been staying there long-term, we rented an exquisite vacation condominium from My Candy Residence Annecy that was near every part.
The very best areas to remain in Annecy are close to the previous city for straightforward entry to the markets and the lake.
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN ANNECY
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