Finest Issues To Do In Annecy, France (A Journey Information)

1: Discover Annecy’s Outdated City

One of many causes Annecy is so picturesque is the community of canals that make their means via the outdated city. It’s typically known as the “Venice of France”. Annecy’s canals are shallow, and probably not used for boating, but it surely nonetheless offers the city an enthralling really feel.

Mixed with the colourful outdated buildings, cobblestone streets, and flower packing containers, a stroll via the Outdated City neighborhood of Annecy is all the time a deal with.

You’ll catch glimpses of the mountains and lake within the distance, whereas having fun with the city’s many street-side eating places, cafes, and ice cream outlets.

2: Boating On Lake Annecy

Arguably Annecy’s prime spotlight is Lac d’Annecy, a surprising massive blue lake situated proper on the sting of city. Lake Annecy is France’s third largest lake and often receives accolades for being the freshest lake in Europe (on account of snow soften from the Alps).

The lake is surrounded by mountains, and whereas chilly, is an ideal place to chill off in the summertime warmth. There are biking paths round it, loads of seashores, and lots of alternatives to go boating!

• Lease A Pedal Boat – You’ll discover every kind of pedal boats obtainable to hire alongside the lake’s edge at Jacquet Promenade. The boats price about €15 EURO for half-hour, relying on measurement. Some even have slides or diving boards hooked up!
• Lease A Motor Boat – Small 4-5 individual motor boats may be rented, and also you don’t want a ship license both. Some have sunshades, and leases price about €65 EURO for an hour.
• Be a part of A Lake Tour – There are some massive tour boats that may take you across the lake whereas describing key factors of curiosity. You possibly can even guide a desk for dinner on the boat!
• Go Waterskiing – Waterskiing is a well-liked pastime on Lake Annecy, and it’s potential to guide a visit with one of many native water-skiing firms.
• Take A Crusing Lesson – You possibly can hire a small sail boat to cruise across the lake, or take a newbie crusing lesson too!

3: Stroll Throughout Lover’s Bridge

Pont des Amours is an additional fairly and well-known bridge on the sting of Lac d’Annecy that spans the Vassé canal and connects the Jardins de l’Europe with the Jacquet Promenade.

Native legend says that lovers who kiss on the bridge will keep collectively for all times.

The bridge has two nice views. One trying on the lake itself with mountains within the background, and for those who flip round, you’ll take pleasure in a tree-lined canal with wood boats moored on both sides.

4: Picnic At Jardins de l’Europe

When the climate is sweet, strolling or biking right down to Jardins de l’Europe is a superb household pleasant exercise. This large park sits on the sting of the lake, with massive inexperienced fields, boardwalks, and playgrounds.

There’s even an outdated wood Carousel, initially in-built 1871, for teenagers to journey.

The park is well-liked for late afternoon picnics — simply deliver down some wine, cheese, and bread from the markets and a blanket to benefit from the mountain views. A French expertise you simply can’t miss!

5: Discover Annecy Fortress

Château d’Annecy is a fort within the coronary heart of Annecy, situated on a hill above the city. Initially constructed as a residence for the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours from the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries.

Lately the Chateau homes a museum (Musée-Château d’Annecy), that includes native sculpture, artwork, and a nature exhibit of animals and fish which might be discovered across the lake. The fort additionally has some good views of the lake and city from the sting of its partitions.

Entry tickets price about €5 EURO for adults, and are free for teenagers beneath 12.

6: Stroll The Promenade du Thiou

The Promenade du Thiou is a pleasant simple stroll via the outdated city of Annecy alongside the crystal blue Thiou River, that progressively will get extra wooded and secluded as you progress out of city. There are paths on either side of the river.

The path is bike and stroller pleasant too. It’s a beautiful option to spend an hour or two, having fun with nature (and getting away from the busy tourist-filled metropolis heart). There are some playgrounds, sitting areas, and bridges unfold out alongside the tree-shaded path.

Promenade du Thiou begins across the Quai des Cordeliers (simply previous the well-known Le Palais de I’Île), within the heart of Outdated Annecy and also you merely stroll up river from there.

7: Go to Annecy le Vieux

Annecy le Vieux is a special a part of city, a residential space raised up on a hill overlooking the remainder of the lake. It contains a good park, outdated buildings and church buildings, some eating places & bars, and is mostly a extra relaxed place in comparison with the busy outdated metropolis down beneath.

Some highlights right here embody the Clocher Roman Church, Parc Gabriel Fauré, and Les Quatre Gourmets Restaurant.

8: Store At The Farmer’s Markets

One in every of my favourite elements of residing in Annecy was the numerous contemporary meals markets that line the streets of the outdated city. You’ll discover a wide range of produce, cheese, sausage, wine, olives, bread, flowers, crafts, and extra.

The Annecy road markets occur each Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 7am–1pm. Be certain to attempt a few of the native reblochon cheese, utilized in many native dishes.

9: Chateau de Menthon-Saint Bernard

Chateau de Menthon is a formidable medieval fort simply exterior of Annecy. House to the identical household for over 100 years, it’s open to guests from April to October on weekends.

The fort towers over Lake Annecy, the Roc de Chère Nationwide Nature Reserve, and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, with great views of every.

Guided excursions of the fort (in French solely) are within the afternoons, and final about an hour. There’s additionally a small backyard together with sheep, pigs, and peacocks.

10: Bike Round The Lake

Annecy could be very bicycle pleasant, with many devoted bike paths and trails that may take you throughout the city. There may be great bike path that encircles the lake too, and it’s a good way to kill just a few hours whereas having fun with the mountain surroundings.

This 35 km paved greenway follows the outdated route of a railroad that related Annecy with Albertville, and stops in smaller villages alongside the best way like Sévrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt, Lathuile and Doussard.

You possibly can hire a motorbike from many outlets in Annecy, and even get a trailer for teenagers (like we did).

11: Palais de l’Île

Palais de l’Isle might be essentially the most postcard-famous spot in Annecy. A singular castle-like constructing that sits in the course of the Thiou River, surrounded by eating places and outlets in Annecy’s outdated city.

Typically described as a “home within the form of a ship” — the constructing has been a jail, a courthouse and an administrative heart. The unique construction was constructed within the twelfth century.

Lately it’s a museum (about €4 to enter), that includes an outdated courtroom, dungeon, jail cells and chapel you can go to. Probably the most well-known photographs are taken from the bridge out in entrance.

12: Go For A Hike

Annecy is situated on the base of the French Alps, and a terrific place to base your self for visiting the mountains. There are a lot of native hikes close by, in addition to day journeys to glorious snowboarding and trekking alternatives.

From simple walks, to excessive mountaineering, there’s one thing for everybody. Hikes round Annecy can embody waterfalls, mountain lakes, and wildlife sightings of ibex mountain goats.

Listed here are some well-liked climbing trails round Annecy:

• La Tournette – The very best peak close to the lake, La Tournette is a really tough hike. However the views are wonderful. About 6-hours round-trip. Skilled hikers solely.
• Mont Baron & Veyrier – A average 2-hour loop hike that visits two mountain peaks, with great views.
• Gorges du Fier – A straightforward stroll for the entire household, this hike takes you throughout suspension bridges in the course of a gorge.
• Cascade d’Angon – Lovely shaded waterfall hike that’s not too tough, and provides you good views of the lake. About 2-hours spherical journey.

Finest Time To Go to Annecy

March – Might

We visited Annecy within the Spring, primarily in April and Might. The climate on this a part of France may be unpredictable, and it snowed on us a pair instances. In between sunny days crammed with wildflowers. The mountains will nonetheless have snow on them, however the climate isn’t too scorching but on the town.

June – August

That is Annecy’s excessive season, and whereas lovely, it could get very crowded. Many vacationers go to Annecy as a day journey whereas touring via Switzerland, as a result of it’s so near the border. It’s tough to seek out lodging in the summertime, until you guide months prematurely.

September – November

That is in all probability the very best time to go to Annecy. A lot of the high-season vacationers are gone, the climate is cool, however the snow hasn’t come but. There’s additionally a terrific pageant in October known as the Return Of The Alpine Pastures Competition.

The place Is Annecy (Getting There)

Annecy, France is situated 44 km West of Geneva (Switzerland) a few 40-minute drive away. Most individuals get to Annecy after flying into Geneva Worldwide Airport, after which driving over the border.

Nonetheless it’s additionally potential to fly into Paris and take a prepare. Seek for the most affordable flights to Geneva on Skyscanner.com.

The place To Keep In Annecy

Lodging in Annecy can vary from backpacker pleasant to luxurious. As we have been staying there long-term, we rented a beautiful vacation condo from My Candy House Annecy that was near every little thing.

The perfect areas to remain in Annecy are close to the outdated city for straightforward entry to the markets and the lake.