12 unusual romantic weekends in Annecy
Nicknamed the ‘Venice of the Alps’, Annecy offers an idyllic setting for memorable romantic getaways. Nestling between a crystal-clear lake and majestic mountains, the Savoyard town abounds with opportunities for unusual romantic weekends away. Whether you’re looking for the authenticity of a traditional chalet, the originality of a tree house or the luxury of a private spa, Annecy and the surrounding area promise exceptional moments for couples looking to get away from it all. Discover our selection of 12 ideas for unusual romantic weekends in Annecy, perfect for celebrating your love in one of France’s most beautiful settings.
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DownloadSee also the Annecy guide :
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- Top 10 most beautiful villages to visit around Annecy
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- Discovering Lake Annecy, an overview of activities
- Hiking on the Col de la Forclaz above Lake Annecy
1. In a tree house with private spa
For a truly unique romantic weekend in Annecy, opt for a treehouse with jacuzzi and private sauna. Nestling 6 metres up, the Mont-Blanc tree house offers a breathtaking view of the eponymous mountain range. With its 20m² terrace, bubbling jacuzzi and sauna, it’s the perfect accommodation for a romantic getaway away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The experience begins as soon as you arrive, with the ascent to your perched love nest. Once you’ve settled in, you’ll enjoy an authentic Savoyard setting while benefiting from modern facilities. In the evening, relax in the jacuzzi while gazing at the stars, then warm up in the sauna before spending an unforgettable night lulled by birdsong.
2. In a charming hotel in the heart of the old town
The Hôtel du Palais de l’Isle (9 rue Perrière, 74000 Annecy, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 1200 reviews) plunges you into the heart of Annecy’s history. Set in a 15th-century building, this charming establishment offers rooms overlooking the picturesque canals, the medieval castle or the old town. There’s no better place to visit Annecy!
Each room tells a story and invites you to take a trip back in time. In the morning, wake up to the sound of flowing water in the canals and set off to discover the Venice of the Alps directly from your accommodation. Let yourself be guided by theNavaway itinerary so you don’t miss a thing of the city’s wonders.
3. In a transparent bubble under the stars
Enjoy a unique experience at Les Bulles de Savoie, where you’ll sleep in a transparent bubble with a 360° view of the surrounding countryside. This revolutionary concept allows you to watch the stars from your bed while remaining perfectly protected from the elements. The accommodation has a large Jacuzzi for five people, perfect for intimate moments under the starry sky.
This unusual romantic night in Annecy is guaranteed to leave you with lasting memories. By day, explore the surrounding hiking trails, then in the evening, soak in your private Jacuzzi as the sun sets over the Alps. At night, fall asleep watching the Milky Way through the transparent dome of your bubble.
4. Take to the skies with a paragliding flight
Treat yourself to a tandem paragliding experience over Lake Annecy. This romantic and sporting activity will allow you to discover the region from a completely new angle. Flights are made in tandem, which means that even novices can enjoy this magical experience in complete safety.
Take off from the summit and let the thermal currents carry you over the turquoise waters of the lake. The panoramic view of Annecy, its lake and the surrounding mountains is simply breathtaking. To add to the excitement, round off your unusual weekend with a night in one of the region’s charming accommodations before continuing your exploration on the Navaway audio tour.
5. In a romantic chalet facing the mountains
Escape to an authentic Savoyard chalet high above Annecy, with breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. These traditional accommodations offer the perfect cosy atmosphere for a romantic weekend, with their exposed beams, crackling fireplaces and refined mountain decor.
Download the audio tour to discover Annecy on foot and on your own
Make the most of your stay and discover Annecy’s hidden treasures on the Navaway audio tour. This 2.6 km route takes you through 20 of the town’s major points of interest in just 1 hour’s walk. From the canals of the Thiou to Lake Annecy, via the famous Palais de l’Île, let the audio commentary guide you on a rewarding and romantic tour of the Venice of the Alps.
6. In a Mongolian yurt in the heart of nature
Set off on an adventure with a stay in a traditional yurt nestling in the Bauges massif, near Annecy. These nomadic dwellings offer a complete change of scenery while retaining all the modern comforts you need for a successful romantic weekend. The experience transports you into a warm, authentic world, perfect for reconnecting with nature and your partner.
The yurt usually has a central wood-burning stove, creating an intimate atmosphere ideal for cosy evenings. During the day, make the most of the many hikes directly accessible from your accommodation, then come back and warm up in your cosy nest overlooking the surrounding mountains.
7. In a historic lakeside hotel
L’Impérial Palace (Allée de l’Impérial, 74000 Annecy, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 2100 reviews) embodies French elegance on the shores of Lake Annecy. This historic hotel dating from 1913 has retained all its Belle Époque charm while offering modern facilities of the highest standard. Its rooms overlooking the lake promise a magical awakening facing the crystal-clear waters.
The hotel is home to the Cristal Spa, the perfect place for couples to relax for a while longer. Relaxing treatments and moments of pure pleasure in the wellness area will make your unusual weekend an enchanted interlude. To discover the wonders of Annecy from this privileged location, follow the recommendations of the Navaway guide.
8. A romantic retreat in a former abbey
Talloires Abbey welcomes you to an exceptional setting steeped in history. This former 11th century Benedictine abbey, transformed into a charming hotel, has welcomed prestigious personalities such as Mark Twain, Paul Cézanne and Jean Reno. Its thousand-year-old walls now house refined bedrooms and a gourmet restaurant.
The hotel boasts a modern spa nestled in the old vaulted cellars, creating a unique atmosphere for romantic moments of relaxation. The lakeside terrace provides a romantic setting for candlelit dinners. This historic retreat is the perfect base from which to explore the region, following the advice of the Navaway tour.
9. On the water with a night on a barge
Enjoy a unique nautical experience by staying aboard a barge on Lake Annecy. These floating accommodations offer a unique perspective on the Venice of the Alps, with the constant rocking of the lake’s waters as a natural soundtrack. The intimacy of this aquatic cocoon creates an incomparably romantic atmosphere.
In the morning, wake up to a breathtaking view of the mountains reflected in the lake. You can dive straight into the crystal-clear waters from your floating room or set off on a nautical exploration. This unusual experience allows you to discover Annecy from a totally different angle, perfectly complementing your land-based visit with theNavaway audio guide.
10. In a design hotel at Les Trésoms
Les Trésoms Lake and Spa Resort (15 Boulevard de la Corniche, 74000 Annecy, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 1800 reviews) combines contemporary design with an exceptional natural setting. Perched high above Annecy, this 4-star hotel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and mountains. Its modern lines contrast harmoniously with the wild beauty of the Alps.
The establishment houses the Michelin-starred restaurant “La Rotonde”, run by chef Éric Prowalski, as well as a 1,200m² spa with a balneotherapy pool. The designer rooms with private terraces create a contemporary atmosphere perfect for an unusual and romantic weekend. To explore Annecy from this privileged position, let yourself be guided by the Navaway audio tour.
11. In a glass igloo with a view of the stars
Discover the ephemeral igloo villages installed during the winter in the ski resorts near Annecy. These glass structures provide perfect thermal insulation while allowing you to admire the night-time spectacle of the stars. The experience combines polar adventure with modern comfort, creating unforgettable memories for couples in search of originality.
These temporary accommodations often offer facilities such as reindeer skins, a built-in heating system and sometimes even an outdoor Jacuzzi to warm up under the snowflakes. The experience is usually accompanied by winter activities such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, perfect for creating a bond between the two of you in a magical setting.
12. In a suite with private spa at Les Sources du lac
Les Sources du lac d’Annecy offers top-of-the-range suites with private spa, jacuzzi and personal sauna. These exceptional accommodations offer absolute privacy for couples wishing to combine luxury and romance. Each suite has its own terrace with views of the lake and mountains, creating an exclusive cocoon of well-being.
The hotel stands out for its tailor-made services and personalised attention. With duo massages, private gourmet dinners and privileged access to the lake, your unusual romantic weekend in Annecy will feel like a honeymoon. To discover Annecy’s treasures on your own from this luxury setting, follow the Navaway trail and its 20 immersive audio guides.
In conclusion, Annecy and its region offer an exceptional range of unusual accommodation for memorable romantic weekends. From tree houses to luxury suites with private spas, from transparent bubbles to authentic chalets, each option promises a unique experience set against the breathtaking scenery of the Alps. These unusual getaways are the perfect way to discover the Venice of the Alps, thanks to the Navaway audio tour, which reveals all the secrets of this exceptional destination. Whether you choose the aerial adventure of paragliding, the serenity of a night under the stars or the refinement of a historic palace, Annecy offers the ideal setting to celebrate your love in one of France’s most beautiful settings.
FAQ : Unusual romantic weekends in Annecy
What’s the best time of year for an unusual weekend in Annecy?
Annecy can be visited all year round, but each season has its own special features. Summer (June to September) is the time to take full advantage of the lake, with swimming and water sports. Autumn (October-November) offers magnificent colours and fewer tourists. Winter brings the magic of snow and accommodation such as igloos. Spring (March-May) brings the rebirth of nature and mild temperatures.
Do I need to book in advance for unusual accommodation?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to book several weeks or even months in advance, especially for the most original accommodation such as tree houses or transparent bubbles. These types of accommodation are often unique and very much in demand, especially at long weekends and during school holidays.
What are the average prices for an unusual weekend in Annecy?
Prices vary considerably depending on the type of accommodation and the season. You can expect to pay between €150 and €300 a night for a tree house, between €200 and €500 for a spa suite, and between €100 and €250 for a boutique hotel. Rates are generally higher in summer and during local festivities such as the Lake Annecy Festival.
How easy is it to visit Annecy from these unusual accommodations?
Most of the unusual accommodation is within a 30-minute radius of Annecy. Some, like the charming hotels in the town centre, can be visited on foot. For others, a car is recommended. The Navaway audioguide tour is the perfect way to get the most out of your visit to Annecy, whatever your starting point.
Are activities such as paragliding accessible to beginners?
Absolutely! Tandem paragliding requires no previous experience. You fly with a qualified instructor who takes care of all the piloting. Weather conditions are carefully checked before each flight. It’s a safe activity that’s accessible to everyone, perfect for sharing thrills and spills as a couple over the magnificent Lake Annecy.
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