Activities and outings in Annecy, Haute-Savoie

When you arrive in Annecy, there’s a wide range of activities to choose from. We’d like to help guide you, depending on what takes your fancy, with the following suggestions. Depending on the season and your preferences, there are plenty of activities on offer: festivals, culture and folklore. It’s up to you to choose the best time to visit Annecy.

The 10 must-do activities

Your holiday’s coming up – are you wondering what to do and see in Annecy? We’ve picked out the 10 activities most sought after by holidaymakers, as well as by locals.

Exploring the town

There are several ways to explore the ‘Little Venice of the Alps’, depending on your interests: guided or self-guided tours of the Palais de l’Île, the Château d’Annecy Museum, the Animation Film Museum or the Basilica of the Visitation. Gourmet tours are recommended to discover the delicious traditional dishes of Haute-Savoie cuisine. Finally, all you need to do is choose your favourite mode of transport to explore Annecy: bus, bike, Segway, the Annecy City Tour, the little train, a scooter or a boat.

Guided tours of Annecy

To discover the town, its history and its mysteries, qualified tour guides offer a range of discovery tours: a tour of the Palais de l’Île (also known as the Vieilles Prisons), a tour of the Château d’Annecy Museum, a tour of the Animation Film Museum and a tour of the Basilica of the Visitation. It is best to book your guided tour in advance.

Gourmet tour

Gourmet stops are highly recommended to discover culinary specialities from here and further afield. Almost every cuisine from around the world is represented by a restaurant in Annecy. All you have to do is take your pick. We suggest some unmissable Savoyard recipes and a selection of restaurants approved by the guide.

Cultural events

Annecy’s cultural calendar is packed with events that will appeal to a wide family audience. A varied programme of events is on offer throughout the year – it’s up to you to choose between local festivals, cultural events, exhibitions, Alpine folklore and the magic of Christmas.

The surrounding mountains

Whether in summer or winter, you can go hiking in the mountains surrounding Lake Annecy. In winter, numerous ski resorts welcome you to enjoy the thrills of skiing amidst landscapes that are sometimes breathtaking. Le Semnoz is the favourite mountain and resort of Annecy’s residents as it is less than 30 minutes away.

Sports

A sporting region par excellence, the Annecy area offers a wide range of options. By the lake, you can enjoy: cycling along the cycle path, diving, water skiing, wakeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding; whilst in the mountains, there’s skiing, paragliding, mountain biking, walking, rock climbing, snowshoeing and even ice climbing.

Shopping

Whether you’d like to take a little piece of Haute-Savoie home with you or are looking to buy a specific item, the town of Annecy, with its shops, markets and shopping centres, welcomes you all year round. Shops in the town centre, markets selling local produce almost every day, shopping arcades and shopping centres are all at your disposal.

Activities for children

At the moment, tree-top adventure courses and escape games are all the rage in Annecy. But the town offers parents and their children a wide range of options, such as playgrounds and laser tag. Summer tobogganing at Le Semnoz and the many beaches equipped with water slides are a real hit with children.

Nightlife

The town boasts a wealth of venues for a great night out. The guide offers its selection through articles and news updates. Bars and nightclubs provide entertainment to the sound of the latest music.

What to do in winter?

Winter is the perfect time to come and enjoy an unforgettable holiday in Haute-Savoie. The natural surroundings are ideal for most winter sports. The town of Annecy offers plenty of events, such as the traditional Christmas market and the very photogenic Venetian Carnival.

What to do when it rains?

If it looks like it’s going to rain, don’t panic – Annecy has plenty of great ideas to ensure you still have a wonderful holiday. Indoor swimming pools, cinemas and libraries are all activities that let you explore the town. Annecy Castle offers a chance to discover the history of the Savoie region.

What to do on a Sunday?

If you’re a fan of shopping, flea markets or street markets, you can enjoy these activities on Sundays in Annecy. There are plenty of other things to do to keep you busy on Sundays. Here’s a list of activities and shops that are open on Sundays.

Top 5 family outings

Annecy and the surrounding area offer countless activities for a great time with the family. Here’s a selection of outings to enjoy during your holiday. From picnics and swimming to mountain walks, there’s plenty to choose from for a wonderful family holiday in Annecy.

Tourist maps and plans

To help make your holiday a success and find your way around easily, we offer: printable maps and plans, and an interactive map of Annecy. It’s easy to find your way around using the lake, the castle, and the Veyrier and Semnoz mountains as landmarks.

What is there to do in Annecy?