This alpine city sits beside a crystal-clear lake, with medieval canals winding through its old town of pastel houses. Home to the 12th-century Palais de l'Île and local Savoyard cuisine.
Annecy, a city in southeastern France, sits at the northern tip of Lake Annecy in the French Alps. The city is known for its winding canals, colorful old town, and alpine setting. In Annecy, you can visit the 12th-century Palais de l'Île, cycle around the lake, or taste Savoyard specialties at local markets.
Exploring Annecy's Old Town
The heart of Annecy is its medieval old town, crisscrossed by canals and narrow cobblestone streets. As you walk through the Vieille Ville, you'll see pastel-colored houses with flower boxes adorning their windows. The most photographed spot is the 12th-century Palais de l'Île, a former prison that sits on a small island in the Thiou River. This distinctive building now houses a local history museum. On Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, the old town hosts a market where you can buy fresh produce, local cheeses, and handicrafts.
Activities on Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy is known for its clean, turquoise waters. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, or pedal boats to explore the lake at your own pace. For a more relaxed experience, take a cruise around the lake. A 42-kilometer cycling path surrounds the lake, allowing you to see the mountains and lakeside villages. In summer, the beaches around the lake fill with swimmers and sunbathers.
Hiking in the Surrounding Mountains
The mountains surrounding Annecy have numerous hiking trails. One challenging route leads to the summit of La Tournette, the highest peak overlooking the lake. The hike takes about 5-6 hours round trip and gives you extensive views of the lake and the Alps. For an easier option, try the trail to the Cascade d'Angon, a waterfall about an hour's walk from the village of Talloires.
Savoyard Cuisine
In Annecy, you'll find many hearty mountain dishes typical of the Haute-Savoie region. At restaurants like L'Étage or La Ciboulette, you can try local specialties like tartiflette, a rich dish made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons, and onions. Fondue savoyarde, a communal dish of melted cheese served with bread for dipping, is available at places like Le Freti. For dessert, visit local patisseries to sample treats made with local honey or génépi, an herbal liqueur made in the Alps.
Getting to Annecy
The nearest major airport is in Geneva, Switzerland, about 40 kilometers away. From there, you can rent a car or take the Transdev SAT bus service to Annecy, which runs several times daily. If you're coming from within France, there are direct train connections from Paris (about 3.5 hours) and Lyon (about 2 hours). Once in Annecy, you can explore the old town and lakefront on foot. The Sibra bus network covers the wider city area, while bike rentals are available for exploring the lake path.
