In April, Annecy comes alive with spring, and offers a host of activities and places to discover. Whether you’re a lover of nature, culture or gastronomy, the Venice of the Alps has everything to seduce you! This is the ideal time to enjoy the town before the crowds and the heat of summer, even if the lake is still cool at this time (except for the bravest!).
The weather in Annecy in April
April in Annecy is a cool month, with daytime temperatures averaging around 17 degrees, while nights remain cooler at around 6 degrees. Rainfall is not left behind, with around eight days of rain during the month. So to make the most of your stay and the activities on offer, it’s best to pack warm clothes and something to protect you from showers!
Book a hotel in Annecy for April
Events in April in Annecy and the surrounding area
Numerous events, both sporting and cultural, are organised every year in Annecy and the surrounding area. Some of them are internationally renowned, such as the Lake Annecy Marathon, which is held every year in April.
The Lake Annecy Marathon
Since its creation in 1980, the Annecy Marathon has gone from strength to strength, attracting runners from all over France and even abroad. Held at the end of April, it now ranks as one of the top 10 marathons in France, thanks to its exceptional course and the performances it allows runners to achieve. In addition to the marathon, several formats are available to suit all profiles: half-marathon, 10km race, duo race and even events dedicated to youngsters aged 7 to 15. The main route passes through the superb towns and villages along the lake – Annecy, Sevrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt and Doussard – alternating between roads and cycle paths. Registration usually opens in September, and the event quickly sells out!Info: Free for spectators.
The Radio meuh circus festival
At the beginning of April, in the heart of the Alps, the resort of La Clusaz vibrates to the rhythm of the Radio Meuh Circus Festival, a not-to-be-missed event for fans of contemporary music. Organised by the famous independent web radio station Radio Meuh, the festival has a unique atmosphere and a varied programme.
Over four days, eight stages welcome almost thirty artists, with concerts under a big top, free shows in the centre of the village and open-air DJ sets on the resort’s slopes. True to the spirit of Radio Meuh, the musical selection highlights emerging talent, independent labels and groups with a unique sound.
Tickets are available every year online from the festival’s official website, so it’s a not-to-be-missed opportunity to discover new sounds in an exceptional setting.
Info: From €10 – Online ticketing.
Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc International Fair
The Foire Internationale de Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc in La Roche-sur-Foron is a not-to-be-missed spring event in Haute-Savoie. For 10 days each year, almost 500 exhibitors welcome visitors, covering 15 sectors of activity, from leisure and construction to gastronomy, housing, agriculture, automobiles, commerce, fashion and well-being.
There’s plenty of entertainment on offer at the same time, with shows and activities on stage or in the aisles of the Fair. Not forgetting the culinary delights to be savoured in the various catering areas.
Info: Full price €6.50 – Online ticketing.
Ideas for activities in April in Annecy
Whether indoors to escape the frequent April showers and still chilly temperatures, or outside, well equipped, to enjoy the fresh air before the summer, here are some ideas for activities to discover in Annecy and the surrounding area in April:
Brewery tour and beer tasting
In the early 2000s, small local breweries sprang up all over Savoie and Haute-Savoie. Aline and Manu, brewer-distillers, welcome you to discover theirs. The tour begins with a presentation of the brewery and the production process, and ends with a tasting of four beers, each accompanied by a Savoyard cheese.
Creating a Savoyard bell
In this workshop, you’ll have the chance to create your own Savoyard bell, an authentic symbol of local culture, alongside Audrey, one of France’s last bourrelières. After a chat with Audrey, you’ll get to work on creating your own bell, choosing the model, cutting and decorating the leather, then assembling it. A hot drink will be provided.
Segway ride in Annecy
On this one-hour Segway tour, accompanied by a guide, you’ll discover Annecy’s most emblematic landmarks. Following the cycle path leading to Sevrier, you’ll skirt Lake Annecy and enjoy magnificent panoramic views. The guide will also share fascinating anecdotes about the region along the way.
See more activities in Haute-Savoie
What to visit in Annecy in April?
In April, when the weather gets milder, Annecy becomes even more pleasant to explore. You can stroll around the lake and the old town, enjoying the first warmth of spring while admiring the view of the mountains. Ifhistory is your passion, be sure to visit the Château d’Annecy. Perched high above the town, it offers uninterrupted views and houses an art and history museum. A stone’s throw away, the Palais de l’Isle, with its stone facades and canals, is a must-see, bearing witness to the town’s medieval past. For the more sporty, a cycle trip around the lake or a hike, such as to Mont Veyrier or the Grotte des Sarrasins, are a must for enjoying the magnificent views and discovering the beauty of the region.
If the weather turns a little cooler, you can also take refuge in one of the museums in and around the town, such as the Musée Paccard de la Cloche in Sevrier or the Écomusée du Bois et de la Forêt in Thônes, which is well worth a visit for the curious.
For a gourmet break, be sure to try a delicious fondue, tartiflette or raclette in one of the many Savoyard restaurants in the old town. After all, this is Haute-Savoie, and it would be a shame to leave without trying one of the region’s cheese-based specialities!
Some ski resorts near Annecy offer reduced rates on day passes in April, ideal for spring skiing. Why not take advantage of this during your stay in Annecy and spend a day on the slopes? Of course, resort opening times vary according to snow conditions, so be sure to check before you go.
Book a hotel in Annecy for April
