Annecy is a perfect destination to visit all year round. March is a particularly pleasant month, offering just the right balance between the end of winter and the first signs of spring, while avoiding the summer crowds. If you’ve chosen this month to discover the Venice of the Alps, here are a few suggestions for activities not to be missed!
The weather in Annecy in March
March in Annecy is generally a cool month, with temperatures ranging from 7 to 13 degrees during the day, and around 2 degrees at night. On average, you can expect 8 days of rain over the month. To make the most of your stay and the activities on offer, it’s advisable to bring warm, waterproof clothing!
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Events in and around Annecy in March
Every year, Annecy and the surrounding area play host to numerous cultural and sporting events, some of which are internationally renowned. Here are the events not to be missed in March:
The Venetian Carnival
Annecy’s Venetian Carnival is a not-to-be-missed event every year, taking place on the second weekend after Mardi Gras. For two days, around 500 enthusiasts, dressed in their finest handmade costumes and masks, parade through the streets of the old town, along the canals, on the Pâquier, in the Jardins de l’Europe and by the lake. The carnival begins with a walk at dusk, followed by a light parade on Friday evening. On Saturday and Sunday, the masks wander freely through the town, while a podium by the lake gives visitors a chance to admire these artistic creations up close as the masks are presented. It’s a lively spectacle that attracts thousands of people every year, locals and tourists alike.Info: Free event.
Glisse en coeur
Every year, Le Grand-Bornand, just 40 minutes from Annecy, hosts the“Glisse en Coeur” charity event, a unique ski race combining solidarity and sport. For 24 hours, teams of skiers take it in turns on the slopes to rack up as many laps as possible, all with the aim of raising money for charity. The collection of donations begins several months before the event and continues during the race. Since its inception, over €4 million has been raised, and the race is accompanied by a wide range of events. Each year, a solidarity dinner is organised with a renowned chef. In 2024, Yoann Conte delighted over 450 guests. A solidarity concert on the snowfront also features performances by international artists: in 2024, Martin Solveig was on the bill. In addition, a host of partner stands offer a variety of entertainment and activities for young and old throughout the weekend.Info: There is a charge for the concerts and dinner, which must be booked in advance. Activities at the stands are free.
Ideas for activities in Annecy in March
In March, with temperatures still cool and snow becoming rarer in the resort, indoor activities are often an excellent choice in Annecy. However, if you’re well equipped, outdoor activities are still possible to make the most of the fresh air. Here are a few suggestions for things to do in and around Annecy during this month:
Private wine and cheese tasting
Annecy and its region are a real treat for lovers of good food! It’s impossible to talk about Haute-Savoie without mentioning cheese, charcuterie, fondues, raclettes… Cheese is a veritable institution here, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t savour it. If you want to combine a taste of our heritage with a treat for your taste buds, why not take part in a private wine and cheese tasting session? The icing on the cake? The workshop is run by a sommelier and a Meilleur Ouvrier de France Master Cheesemaker. The perfect opportunity to taste 5 wines and 5 cheeses emblematic of the Alps.
A treasure hunt to discover the city
Armed with a warm jacket and an umbrella in case of rain, a treasure hunt is an ideal way to discover the city in a new light. This self-guided outdoor escape game invites you to explore Annecy’s main monuments. In teams of 1 to 4 players, you’ll solve riddles, follow secret passages and explore the old town in 2 hours.
Private tour of Savoie wines
Chasselas, Roussette, Aligoté, Altesse, Gamay, Mondeuse… So many grape varieties to enjoy in our beautiful region. Accompanied by a private driver, who will collect you directly from your accommodation, you will explore the vineyards of the Combe de Savoie. During this 4-hour guided tour, you’ll meet local winemakers, discover unique sites and hear anecdotes about the region. To round off the tour, a well-deserved picnic awaits you. For wine lovers, this private tour is an experience not to be missed.
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What can you visit in Annecy in March?
If it’s raining, Annecy and the surrounding area offer plenty of indoor tours to discover its rich history. Start with the Château d’Annecy, which overlooks the town and offers spectacular views of the lake and the old town. Continue your exploration at the Musée-Château, a place where contemporary art blends with the region’s heritage. And don’t miss the Palais de l’Île, a true symbol of Annecy that plunges you into its medieval past. A little further afield, the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, which is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, is a real architectural gem. If the sun is shining, make the most of the mild weather in March for outdoor activities without the summer heat. Get on a bike and cycle around Lake Annecy, between the clear waters and the snow-capped mountains. For hiking enthusiasts, the Mont Veyrier and Semnoz trails offer sublime views and total immersion in nature.
Book a hotel in Annecy for March
