You come to spend a few days of holidays in Annecy. We have selected the 10 most popular activities for holidaymakers. This list will of course always be incomplete, but you already have a good programme to enjoy your stay.
Visit the Old Town of Annecy
Annecy is nicknamed“The little Venice of the Alps”, because the old town is criss-crossed by canals. Numerous alleys from the Middle Ages allow you to stroll around and discover emblematic monuments such as the Palais de l’Île, which is surrounded by the Thiou river, and the Château d’Annecy, which overlooks the city. The town has many churches of different styles. In summer, your visit will be pleasant in the shade of the many arcades.
Picnic on the shores of Lake Annecy
In Annecy, all the shores of the lake are open to the public. This allows you to take this magical walk which takes you from the Marquisats beach to the pontoons of Annecy-le-Vieux just before Veyrier-du-lac. This walk can be done on foot or by bike on the cycle track. We suggest an itinerary of the best places for a successful picnic.
Shopping in Annecy
Annecy’s markets are renowned for the quality of the local produce on offer: Reblochon, Tomme de Savoie, Beaufort, Savoy wines, apples, mountain charcuterie, fruit and vegetables from local market gardeners. The colours and scents blend together for an unforgettable souvenir. The Old Town market will delight you with the quality of the goods on offer. The Annecy market guide allows you to make your choice according to the day and the location.
Swimming in Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy is one of the purest lakes in Europe. And it is very pleasant to take a dip in summer or even out of season for the more courageous. There are many beaches all around Lake Annecy. Here are our favourite beaches. You can reach them by choosing your means of transport. And if you prefer swimming pools, Annecy has three.
Cycling around the lake
By electric bike or classic bike, the tour of Lake Annecy is a 40-kilometre loop, considered to be one of the most beautiful cycling tours in France. The Voie Verte is a former railway line that used to link Annecy to Albertville, and is the most touristic part of the ride. Find all our advice for a successful tour of Lake Annecy by bike.
See the Lake Annecy Festival
The Lake Annecy Festival is a grandiose and magnificent fireworks display. It is fired every year on the first Saturday of August to celebrate Napoleon III ‘s visit to Annecy after Savoy became part of France. This paid show can be seen for free at certain locations.
The pyrotechnic show lasts almost 90 minutes, the colours of the fire are reflected on the surface of the lake for the amazement of the greatest number. Find all the information to attend the Lake Festival.
Stroll through the Jardins de l’Europe
The Jardins de l’Europe in Annecy is a natural wooded park located between the Town Hall and Lake Annecy.
Long ago, it was an island that was developed in the 19th century during the Sardinian period. This space allows you to contemplate the lake and the mountains that surround Annecy.
The Jardins de l’Europe are also a popular spot for holidaymakers to take a break in the shade.
Taste good Savoyard dishes
The traditional gastronomy of Haute-Savoie is inspired by the way of life in the countryside. The winter was harsh, the food was not very varied, and the recipes had to “hold the stomach”.
You can enjoy good fondues, tartiflettes, gratins savoyards in the many restaurants of the Old Town of Annecy. We offer you a guide to Annecy’s culinary specialities, with three easy-to-make gourmet recipes.
Enjoy winter sports
The Annecy region and the Haute-Savoie department have many renowned ski resorts with quality snow and facilities. You can enjoy all kinds of winter sports: snowshoeing, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking, snowboarding and sledging. These resorts are often part of large ski areas of several hundred kilometres. Enjoy your skiing!
Discover the nature reserves of Lake Annecy
Two Nature Reserves have been set up on the shores of Lake Annecy: the Bout du Lac National Nature Reserve, where nature is totally preserved, and the Roc de Chère Nature Reserve, where you can meet salamanders for example. These walks will keep you busy during your holidays and leave you with beautiful memories of the fauna and flora of Haute-Savoie.
Depending on the season and your taste in cultural and festive events, choose the best time to come to Annecy.
During the health crisis, many activities are possible around Annecy.
