Annecy, France

Annecy

Canals, flower boxes and one of the clearest lakes in Europe, ringed by mountains.

  • All year
  • 2 nights
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
Gran Paradiso (Cogne)Italy · Nature spotGran Paradiso (Cogne)101 kmLyonFrance · CityLyon101 kmGruyèresSwitzerland · Hidden townGruyères106 kmZermattSwitzerland · Popular townZermatt126 kmOeschinenseeSwitzerland · Nature spotOeschinensee140 kmTurinItaly · CityTurin152 kmBernSwitzerland · CityBern154 kmLauterbrunnenSwitzerland · Nature spotLauterbrunnen157 km

Things to do

2 days in Annecy

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk the old town canals and the Palais de l'Isle, the prison on the water.
  2. AfternoonSwim at the Plage d'Albigny, or rent a bike and ride the lakeside path.
  3. EveningHave dinner by the canals, then walk the Jardins de l'Europe at sunset.

Day 2

Take a boat around the lake, or drive up to the Col de la Forclaz viewpoint.

What to eat

Tartiflette and reblochon cheese.

Local tips

Make the most of Annecy

Beat the crowds

The old town canals are busy on summer afternoons. Early mornings are perfect for photos.

Best photo spot

The Palais de l'Isle in the canal is the classic. For the lake and mountains, go to the Semnoz viewpoint above the city.

Getting there

Trains from Geneva and Lyon. A bike path runs all around the lake.

Don't miss nearby

Talloires and the Gorges du Fier are both under 30 minutes away.

Good to know

The lake is very clean and great for swimming in summer. Market days in the old town are Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Annecy

Our most hidden places around Annecy: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Annecy to take with you.

55 km away
57 km away
81 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Annecy

Getting there

  • Annecy Meythet airport (NCY)4 km away
  • Geneva Airport (GVA)40 km away
  • Lyon100 km away
  • Turin150 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypePopular town
Good forNature, Old towns & architecture
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountryFrance

Questions

Annecy: good to know

Is Annecy worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature and historic old towns. Canals, flower boxes and one of the clearest lakes in Europe, ringed by mountains.

How many days do you need in Annecy?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Annecy?

You can visit all year. The old town canals are busy on summer afternoons. Early mornings are perfect for photos.

How do you get to Annecy?

The nearest airport is Annecy Meythet airport (NCY), about 4 km away. Trains from Geneva and Lyon. A bike path runs all around the lake.

What is there to see near Annecy?

Nearby hidden places include Gran Paradiso (Cogne) (101 km), Lyon (101 km) and Gruyères (106 km).

More hidden places in France (72)