Why Annecy
Nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps” for its canals, Annecy offers an old town of pastel façades, the Palais de l’Isle (a former prison on its little island), the castle of the Counts of Geneva and flower-lined quays. Lake Annecy, renowned for the purity of its water, is ringed by a 40 km cycle path.
Things to do
- Stroll through the old town and along the Thiou quays; market on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
- Swim at the lakeside beaches (Marquisats, Albigny, Talloires) from June to September.
- Hire a bike or a pedalo; cycle round the lake on the greenway.
- Take a boat cruise, or drive up the Col de la Forclaz for the view (paragliders).
- With children: Jardins de l’Europe, Pont des Amours, the Pâquier.
Practical information
- By road: about 2 hours via the A43 and A41 (tolls); in summer, traffic around the lake is heavy at the end of the day.
- Park-and-ride car parks on the outskirts with buses to the centre, the easiest option at weekends.
- A long day: set off early, or spend a night there if you want to make the most of the lake.