Lake Annecy holidays

On the shore of an alpine lake, holidays to Lake Annecy are just the thing if you fancy mixing outdoor activities with some authentic French culture.

Canal-lined streets and tasty treats

Nicknamed ‘Venice of the Alps’, you’ll find a photo op around every corner in Annecy. Leafy parks overlook the lake, and from here you can count the bridges that criss-cross the canals as you wander towards the medieval centre. Buildings painted in shades of yellow and orange line the streets – and this is France, so you’re never far from tasty bite. Freshly baked croissant? Yes please.

Beaches, boats and bikes

Whether you’re a lay-back-and-relaxer or like to keep active, Lake Annecy has got you covered. Grassy lidos and sandy beaches dot the shoreline, including three just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town. There are plenty of watersports on the cards too, from pedalos and stand-up paddleboarding to sailing and scuba diving. Or if you prefer sticking to dry land, you can hire an e-bike and take in those lake views as you wheel along the shoreside cycle path.

Towers and turrets

There’s heaps of history on show in Annecy. Walk over the Perrière bridge in the centre to snap a pic of the little Palais de l’Île, or island castle, which stands guard in the middle of the canal. Then stroll through the Old Town to the 35m-high walls of Annecy Castle. The battlements are a go-to for views across the rooftops, lake and the peaks beyond, and inside you can wander through the great hall and upstairs apartments to see frescoes, paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages.

More to explore

Whether it’s by bus or boat, it’s easy to explore the other spots on the lake. First up is Duingt, a little place midway down the western shore. With its traditional stone buildings and turreted waterside chateau, it’s a picture-perfect village with a peaceful vibe. Directly opposite is the hamlet of Talloires – another sleepy spot that’s bound to get your camera finger clicking. And just next door is chic Menthon-Saint-Bernard, with its stylish hotels and impressive lakefront villa.

Out and about

  • Lakeside promenade
  • Lake bathing
  • Boat trips
  • Rowing boats
  • Local ferries
  • Bike hire
  • Lakeside cycle path
  • Sailing
  • Guided mountain walks
  • Wildlife park
  • Waterfalls
  • UNESCO Site
  • Guided walking tours
  • Castle
  • Museum
  • Art gallery
  • Minigolf
  • Segway tours
  • E-bikes
  • Cycle routes

Popular hotels in Lake Annecy

Top things to see and do in Lake Annecy

Beaches

Spoilt for choice

You’ll find 12 beaches dotting the shore of Lake Annecy, ranging from quiet coves to picks packed with extras like showers and watersports equipment to hire. Plage d’Albigny is your go-to swim spot near Annecy town. Strolling distance from the centre, the sand slopes gently into the water and there are plenty of shaded spots for a picnic after your dip.

Sandy shores

Feel the sand between your toes at Plage municipale de Saint-Jorioz on the west side of the lake – jump on the 50 bus from the Hotel de Ville to get there in around 20 minutes. There’s plenty of space to spread out your towel on the wide beach, and when it’s time to cool off, you can jump into the water from a diving platform in the middle of the bay.

Games and activities

Take the number 60 bus to the beach in nearby Talloires if you like to keep active. The grassy lido has volleyball courts and table tennis, and you can borrow a boules set for some classic French fun. Also on the beach is a watersports centre with paddleboards, kayaks and row boats for hire.

Shopping

Bargain buys

There’s a market most days in Annecy, but the one on Tuesdays is the one to visit for foodies. Local producers set up their stalls on Rue Sainte Claire, so head down to nibble on cheeses, cured meat and pastries as you stroll along the street

Mid-range buys

There’s a decent range of shops in Annecy, from small boutiques to high-street chains. Browse for souvenirs in the craft shops clustered around the medieval centre, or if you need holiday essentials like swim costumes and sun hats, try the modern Courier shopping centre a few streets away.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

For a few low-key drinks, try La Cave – a tucked-away wine bar on Passages des Échoppes. There are over 40 local vintages to try, and you can pair your drinks with a platter of charcuterie or seafood too.

Lively evenings

From bar hopping along Rue Sainte Claire to catching some live music at Le Brise Glace concert hall, you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to nights out in Annecy. There’s even a casino if you’re feeling lucky.

Food & drink

Eating out

From popping into patisseries and cafés for pastries, cakes and coffees, to tucking into alpine faves like a cheesy tartiflette, Annecy serves up everything that’s great about French food. And with a lake on the doorstep, it’s no surprise you'll find lots of fish on menus too.

Classic dishes at Le Chalet

From frogs legs to escargot, it doesn’t get more French than this. And for something to share, try pierrade and cook your own ingredients on a heated stone at the table. Inside, there’s a rustic look to match the menu and you can sit on the terrace to get a view of the canal too.

Deli delights at Tete de Cochon

This deli-cum-café in the centre of the Old Town is always a popular lunch spot. Go for a tartine to get a local take on a toastie that’s loaded with grilled cheese and cured meat – simple and delicious. Sweet tooth? Try their gooey, melt-in-the-middle chocolate pudding.

Mountaintop lunches at Le Balcon du Lac

At the southern end of Lake Annecy is this scenic restaurant. Perched 1,157m up on the slope of Col de la Forclaz mountain, the big outdoor terrace has some of the best lake views around. Stroll along walking paths and pop in to munch on traditional alpine fare as you watch paragliders take to the air from the nearby meadow.

Getting about

Buses

Line Y51 links Annecy with all the towns and villages on the western side of the lake, and it takes around 30 minutes to get from one end to the other. To visit spots on the opposite shore, you’ll need to take the number 60 bus which runs every 30 minutes from the centre of town.

Ferries

The Navibus ferry service runs three times a day from Annecy and stops at the main towns and villages dotted around the lake. And you can book sightseeing trips too, where you’ll set sail with a guide who’ll share facts and stories about the local area.

Trains

Annecy’s station is on Avenue de Brogny, 10 minutes’ walk from centre of town. From here, you can get to Geneva in around 90 minutes for a day of city sightseeing in Switzerland. Trains leave every hour, so you should find one to fit your plans.

On foot

Annecy’s a compact place, so it’s easy to get around on foot. Canals criss-cross the car-free medieval centre, and in between are winding alleys and little courtyards to explore, with plenty of cafés and bars where you can pause for a pick-me-up in the sun. Don’t miss Rue Sainte Claire, where there are market stalls to browse most days.

Walking

Walking

There are heaps of walks around Annecy, from lakeside strolls to trails up to mountain viewpoints. Download the ViAnnecy app to see a collection of all the routes in the area, along with facts and tips on what to look out for along the way. Or if you prefer a paper version, pop into the Tourist Office and pick up the special hikers’ map for a few euros.

Sentier de découvertes nature trail

Head to nearby Saint-Jorioz for a leisurely 4.5km amble along the lakeshore. The flat route takes you through a nature reserve and along the way you can see lots of different types of bird flitting among the reed beds. Then once you get to the end, you can hop on a bus back to Annecy.

Summit views from Mont Veyrier

There are some steep sections on this walk, but the 360° views over Annecy, the lake and the Aravis mountains make it worth every step. The trail starts from near the lakeside promenade on the eastern side of town, from there you follow winding gravel paths to the top – you’ll know you’re nearly there when you can see the remains of old cable car station. It takes around an hour and half to get the top, and once you're there you can't miss snapping a few pics before heading back down.

Average Weather in Lake Annecy

Facts about Lake Annecy

Currency
Euro
(EUR)
Language
French
Time zone
GMT+1
Flight duration
1 hour 20 minutes from Heathrow

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

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