Commonly known as the “Venice of the Alps”, Annecy is a beautiful Alpine town not to be missed on your camping vacation at Lake Annecy in the French Alps! Its unique and magnificent setting on the shores of the lake makes it a privileged location. The town of Annecy is made up of two parts: the historic part, known as the “old town”, and the modern part with all the usual chain stores and a shopping mall. Here are our suggested itineraries for your day trip to Annecy:
Explore the Old Town
In the old town, you’ll find narrow pedestrian streets lined with picturesque buildings, perfect for taking in the sights on foot. The many little bridges crossing the canals and the small passages between the streets with their colorful walls are a photographer’s delight and a real reminder of a mini Venice!
Stroll the streets, explore the souvenir stores and discover the cafés and restaurants along the canals. Tip – If you’re looking for ice cream, the “Glacier des Alpes” (with a queue) is the best, open since the 1960s.
Take a photo at Palais de l’Îsle
The Palais de l’Îsle is Annecy’s most photographed landmark. It’s the place to be when you visit Annecy for the day. This former prison / courthouse / nursing home dates back to the Middle Ages and has served many purposes over the years. Today, it has been converted into a local history museum.
Explore “Le Paquier” and “Pont des Amours”.
Opposite the town and on the edge of the lake, there’s a large green park called“Le Paquier”, here you’ll find the “Jardins de l’Europe” (perfect for a lakeside picnic!) And the “Pont Des Amours” which crosses the Thiou river running alongside the old town. The Pont des Amours is so named because, apparently, if lovers kiss in the middle of the bridge, they’ll stay together forever! You can’t spend a day in Annecy without passing by and admiring the view!
From the Pont des Amours, you can enjoy magnificent views over Lake Annecy, with the magnificent Tournette, Lake Annecy’s highest mountain, in the background. On the other side of the bridge, you can enjoy the lovely Canal du Vassé.
Annecy market
When visiting Annecy for a day, we recommend a trip to the market to pick up some local produce to take home. Indeed, there are many markets in Annecy that operate during the week, selling mainly food products. The old town market on rue Sainte-Claire takes place on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Not to be missed if you’re a lover of fresh produce, local charcuterie and Alpine cheeses such as Reblochon and Tomme. Great souvenirs to bring back from your Alpine trip!
Climb the Château d’Annecy
A day trip to Annecy also includes a visit to the Château d’Annecy, located high above the old town and accessible by a steep path. This restored medieval castle dates back to the 12th century. Formerly inhabited by the Counts of Geneva, it is now a museum that can be visited to discover the history of Annecy and the Savoy region.
From the château, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Lake Annecy and the colorful rooftops of the old town.
Enjoy the lake
There are many water sports and outdoor activities available on and around Lake Annecy.
If you have time during your day in Annecy, don’t hesitate to book one of the many activities on offer to enjoy the waterfront: rent a pedalo or a boat and explore this end of the lake, rent bicycles and ride the cycle paths, go paragliding or simply discover one of Annecy’s most beautiful beaches, such as Angon or Saint Jorioz! And why not visit Switzerland when you stay at our campsite near Geneva!
Restaurants in Annecy & How to get to Annecy
Our restaurant recommendations in Annecy:
Tête de COCHON, 7 rue Sainte Claire, 74000,
Bar Roux d’Heure, 6-8 Rue Filaterie, 74000 Annecy
Une autre histoire 26 rue Royale 74000
Gluten-free food:
Liber art 41 Rue Vaugelas, 74000 Annecy – Gluten-free cuisine and Japanese canteen
L’heure Bio, 5 Passage des Cordeliers Place des cordeliers, 74000, Annecy France
La Bicyclette Rose, 29 rue Sommeiller, 74000, Annecy France
Shopping: The old town has small boutiques you can explore, on the other side you’ll find all the usual chain stores plus a shopping mall.
How to get to Annecy from our campsites in Doussard, Lac D’Annecy?
The best way to get to Annecy on your Annecy camping vacation is by boat from Doussard (1 hour each way) or by bike on the cycle path (20 km).
You can get to Annecy by car. All parking lots are chargeable. But we strongly advise against going to Annecy in high season – it’s stressful, there’s lots of traffic and taking the boat/cycling is quiet and much more interesting. In fact, the boat trip itself is well worth it, as you get a guided tour of all aspects of Lake Annecy.
