Annecy, a jewel between lake and mountains
Annecy, nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps”, is a picturesque town located on the shores of one of Europe’s purest lakes, nestled among majestic mountains. With its canals running through the old town, breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage, Annecy is an ideal destination for holidaymakers seeking nature, adventure and discovery.
In addition to our article What to see in Annecy, here is an introduction to the town.
Geographical location
Annecy is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of Haute-Savoie, about 40 km south of Geneva and 100 km from Lyon. Nestled on the shores of Lake Annecy, the town is surrounded by mountains such as La Tournette, Semnoz and the Aravis range, providing an exceptional natural setting. This ideal location allows visitors to enjoy both the lake’s water activities and mountain pursuits throughout the year.
The town of Annecy had around 131 715 inhabitants in 2021, known as Annéciens and Annéciennes. It has been part of the Grand Annecy metropolitan area since 2017, which had around 215,286 inhabitants in 2023, spread across 34 municipalities.
The town’s history and heritage
Annecy’s history dates back to Roman times, but it was during the Middle Ages that the town truly flourished, becoming the capital of the Counts of Geneva.
Annecy is famous for its rich heritage, including iconic landmarks such as the Palais de l’Isle, a boat-shaped former prison in the middle of the Thiou River, and the Château d’Annecy, the former residence of the Counts of Geneva, which overlooks the town.
The Basilica of the Visitation, built in the 20th century, is another attraction, with its stunning views over the lake and town.
Cultural facilities
The Annecy Castle Museum
Housed in the château, the museum features collections of ancient and modern art, archaeology and animated film.
Pathé Annecy Cinema
A modern multiplex offering a wide selection of films, from blockbusters to art-house movies, in a comfortable setting.
Bonlieu Theatre
Located in the heart of the town, this theatre hosts dance performances, plays and concerts throughout the year.
Bonlieu Media Library
This vibrant cultural space offers thousands of books, DVDs and other media, as well as exhibitions and workshops for everyone.
Cultural events
Annecy offers a host of cultural events throughout the year:
- The International Animation Film Festival: World-famous, it attracts professionals and animation enthusiasts every year.
- The Lake Festival: Every summer, except in 2024 due to the Olympic Games, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the sky above the lake, attracting thousands of visitors.
- The Return from the Alpine Pastures: A traditional celebration of the costumes, music and trades of yesteryear, held on the second Saturday in October.
- The Noctibules: A street arts festival featuring nighttime performances throughout the town.
- The Venetian Carnival: Featuring sumptuous costumes and masks reminiscent of those in Venice.
- And many more…
Must-see places to visit in and around the town
Lake Annecy
One of Europe’s cleanest lakes, with beaches, water activities and walking trails all around it.
Read: Lake Annecy in detail: activities, beaches, hikes →
The Palais de l’Isle
A former medieval prison located on a small island in the middle of the river, it is now a museum tracing the town’s history.
The Château d’Annecy
Perched above the town, this medieval castle offers stunning views over Annecy and houses a museum.
The Basilica of the Visitation
A majestic building on the heights above the town, offering panoramic views of Annecy and its lake.
Semnoz
This mountain near the town is ideal for hiking in summer and skiing in winter, with slopes for beginners.
See more must-see places to visit in Haute-Savoie
Top-rated hotels
Annecy offers a wide choice of accommodation to suit every budget. Here are some of the town’s best hotels, along with our selection:
Impérial Palace
An iconic 4-star hotel on the lakeshore, with a spa, casino and fine-dining restaurants.
Address: Allée de l’Impérial, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 09 30 00
Website: https://www.hotel-imperial-palace.com/
Le Splendid Hôtel
Located in the town centre, this hotel offers modern rooms with views of the lake and mountains.
Address: 4 Quai Eustache Chappuis, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 10 15 66
Website: https://www.hotel-annecy-lac.fr/
Les Trésoms Lake & Spa Resort
A charming hotel with a spa, swimming pool and fine-dining restaurant, nestled by the lake.
Address: 15 Boulevard de la Corniche, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 51 43 84
Website: https://www.lestresoms.com/
Hôtel du Palais de l’Isle
A charming hotel in the old town, offering a historic setting and picturesque views of the canals.
Address: 13 Rue Perrière, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 45 86 87
Website: Visit the website
Hôtel Beauregard
Located right by the lake, this hotel offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
Address: 691 Route d’Albertville, 74320 Sévrier
Phone: +33 4 50 52 40 59
Website: https://www.hotel-beauregard.com/
Our selection
Some must-visit restaurants
Annecy is also known for its gastronomy, with many restaurants where you can sample Savoyard specialities.
Le Clos des Sens
A Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined cuisine made with local produce.
Price range: €€€€
Address: 13 Rue Jean Mermoz, 74940 Annecy-le-Vieux
Phone: +33 4 50 23 07 90
Website: http://www.leclosdessens.com
La Boussole
This restaurant serves inventive cuisine in a welcoming setting, with international influences.
Price range: €€
Address: 2 Quai Perrière, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 51 07 80
Le Freti
Specialising in fondue and raclette, Le Freti is the perfect place to try typical regional dishes.
Price range: €€
Address: 12 Rue Sainte-Claire, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 51 29 52
La Ciboulette
A fine-dining restaurant serving elegant, flavourful dishes in an intimate setting.
Price range: €€€
Address: 10 Rue Vaugelas, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 45 74 15
Brasserie Saint-Maurice
A traditional French restaurant with a fine selection of regional dishes and a pleasant terrace.
Price range: €€
Address: 9 Rue de la Gare, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 45 10 11
Sports in Annecy
Annecy is a paradise for sports enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities throughout the year.
- Hiking: Numerous trails surround the town, particularly in the nearby mountains such as Semnoz and La Tournette, offering breathtaking views.
- Water sports: Lake Annecy is an ideal place for sailing, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking and even scuba diving.
- Cycling: Annecy has several cycle paths, including one that runs along the lake, ideal for a family ride or for more experienced cyclists.
- Skiing: In winter, Semnoz and the nearby ski resorts offer slopes for all abilities, from beginners to experts.
Unusual activities
- Paragliding tandem flight: Soar over the lake and mountains for a unique and unforgettable experience.
- Ice diving: In winter, discover the fascinating world beneath the frozen surface of Lake Annecy, accompanied by professionals.
- Canyoning: Explore the surrounding gorges and waterfalls by canyoning in nearby waterways.
- Hot-air ballooning: Take to the skies and admire Annecy and its mountains from above.
- Escape room : The ultimate fun activity—come and immerse yourself in thrilling stories with an escape room in Annecy.
Natural heritage
Annecy, located in the heart of the Alps, is renowned for its exceptional natural heritage. Here are some key features:
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy is one of the purest lakes in Europe, with intensely blue, crystal-clear waters. It is surrounded by mountains, offering magnificent panoramas. The lake is a favourite spot for many outdoor activities, including swimming, sailing, paddleboarding and scuba diving.
The surrounding mountains
Annecy is nestled between several mountain ranges, notably the Bauges Massif and the Aravis Mountains. These mountains are ideal for hiking, climbing and skiing, and offer spectacular views of the region.
- Semnoz: A mountain easily accessible from Annecy, very popular for walks, hiking and winter sports.
- La Tournette: At 2,351 metres above sea level, it is one of the highest peaks around Annecy and offers a fairly challenging hike, but the views from the summit are breathtaking.
Nature reserves
The Annecy area is home to several protected areas:
- Roc de Chère Nature Reserve: Located on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy, it offers hiking trails through varied vegetation, with limestone cliffs providing splendid views over the lake.
- Bout du Lac Nature Reserve: At the southern end of the lake, this wetland is a haven for many animal and plant species and can be explored via an educational trail.
Rivers and canals
Annecy is nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps” because of its canals, which run through the old town. Fed by springs and rivers flowing down from the mountains, these canals add to the town’s picturesque charm.
Bauges Massif Regional Natural Park
Annecy is close to this natural park, a true haven for biodiversity. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plant life, as well as numerous hiking trails for discovering unspoilt landscapes.
Annecy’s natural heritage is therefore defined by the strong presence of water, mountains and unspoilt nature, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Schools
Annecy is home to several schools, including:
- Gabriel Fauré High School
- Berthollet High School
- Raoul Blanchard Middle School
- Quai Jules Philippe Elementary School
- Saint-Michel Elementary School
The town’s markets
- Old Town Market: Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 7 am to 1 pm, at Place Notre-Dame and nearby. Local specialities and fresh produce. It is undoubtedly the liveliest and most popular market with tourists in Savoie.
- Novel Market: Thursdays from 7 am to 1 pm, Avenue de France. A popular market with regional products and clothing.
See other markets in Haute-Savoie
Public transport
Annecy is well served by public transport:
- SIBRA: The bus network covers the entire town and surrounding municipalities. Shuttle buses are available to the main tourist destinations.
- Vélonecy: A bike rental service makes it easy to get around the town.
- Trains: Annecy train station offers direct connections to Lyon, Paris and Geneva.
Town hall
Address: Hôtel de Ville, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 33 88 88
Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 8:30 am–12 pm / 1:30 pm–5 pm
Lake Annecy Tourist Office
The Tourist Office provides information to help you discover the town and Lake Annecy, its cultural and historical heritage, sporting activities, markets…
The Tourist Office offers the following services:
– Free WIFI,
– Information materials on tourist attractions to discover,
– Sale of hiking books (IGN maps, Haute-Savoie on foot…),
– Sale of posters and Annecy commemorative medals from the Paris Mint,
– Sale of SIBRA bus network passes,
Throughout the year, tickets are available for shows, concerts, lake cruises, coach trips around the region, panoramic bus tours of Annecy…
- Address: 1 rue Jean Jaurès, Centre Bonlieu, Annecy
- Getting there: SIBRA bus stop: Bonlieu – SIBRA bus routes: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15
- Phone: 04 50 45 00 33
- Website: Visit the website
- Languages spoken: Italian, German, English, Spanish, French, Russian
Skiing nearby
Here are some ski resorts near Annecy:
- Le Grand-Bornand: 35 km away, a family-friendly resort with slopes for all abilities.
- La Clusaz: 40 km away, famous for its extensive ski area and panoramic views.
- Semnoz: 20 km away, ideal for a day of skiing close to town.
- Manigod: 35 km away, a charming small resort, perfect for family skiing.
