Visit Annecy
A former stronghold of the Counts of Geneva and Savoy, Annecy boasts the vestiges of an eventful history right up to its annexation to the Duchy of Savoy and France in the 19th century. Walking through Annecy’s canal-crossed old town, the Venice of the Alps seduces visitors with its pedestrian streets, maze of alleyways and famous traboules. Along the way, you’ll see the Palais de l’Isle, once a mint and prison before being converted into an interpretation center, the Château, home to the Musée d’Art Contemporain et d’Art Régional d’Annecy, the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre, the Basilique de la Visitation and the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Liesse. The city boasts several remarkable buildings, such as the Impérial Palace, as well as lakeside green spaces such as the Pâquier and Jardins de l’Europe. But it’s above all its mountain lake and mountains that give the prefecture of Haute-Savoie its special charm. Lake Annecy, one of the purest in Europe and the second-largest glacial lake after Le Bourget, is a delight for bathers and water sports enthusiasts alike. A number of water sports centers are located on its shores, and the lake boasts a number of well-maintained beaches.
What to do in Annecy
Housed in the castle’s Logis Vieux, a listed historic building, the Musée de l’Agglomération d’Annecy showcases works by local artists (paintings, sculptures) and fine furniture. The west shore of Lake Annecy is criss-crossed by a 35 km cycle path suitable for all ages. The Bornes and Aravis massifs that protect the lake are perfect playgrounds for hikers and experienced cyclists. If you reach the Col de la Forclaz, you can watch the departure of paragliders and microlights over Lake Annecy. Le Semnoz, one of Annecy’s closest ski resorts, offers sporting activities in all seasons. If you’re staying with your family at an Annecy campsite in summer, you can take your children down the toboggan run on rails and watch them drive a minikart. Around Annecy, there are several natural sites coveted by sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, including the Cascade d’Angon (a must-see canyoning spot), Mont Blanc and the Gorges du Fier (hiking). You can also rent a kayak, stand-up paddle or pedal boat to sail on Lake Annecy, and even go paragliding! Downtown Annecy also hosts the International Animation Film Festival. Just passing through Annecy? Check out our tips for visiting Annecy in 1 day!
On the shores of Lake Annecy in the Haute Savoie department, you can also visit Menthon Saint Bernard, Talloires Montmin, Veyrier du lac and several historic monuments!