Top things to do in Annecy

Annecy, nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps”, is a charming town situated on the shores of Lake Annecy and surrounded by spectacular mountains. The town offers an idyllic setting for nature and heritage lovers, with its picturesque canals, medieval castle and cobbled streets. Here are some of the must-sees on your visit to Annecy.

Discover the old town and its canals

Annecy’s old town, also known as “Old Annecy”, is a real architectural gem. Its narrow, colourful streets are lined with historic buildings with flower-bedecked facades, and are criss-crossed by numerous canals. Among the sites not to be missed in this picturesque area:

• The Palais de l’Isle: this former 12th-century prison, built on an island in the middle of a canal, is one of the town’s landmarks.
• The Château d’Annecy: this medieval castle, perched on a hill, offers exceptional views over the old town and the lake.
• Cathédrale Saint-Pierre: this 16th-century religious building has a richly decorated interior.
• The quays of the Thiou: these canal-side promenades offer a beautiful view of the colourful houses and bridges spanning the canals.

Strolling along Lake Annecy

One of the cleanest lakes in Europe, Lake Annecy is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. You can take a stroll along its shores, picnic in one of the many green spaces or swim in its crystal-clear waters. Activities not to be missed around the lake include

• Bike hire: several companies offer bikes for hire so you can explore the banks of the lake in complete freedom.
• Boat cruises: a number of companies offer sightseeing cruises on the lake, allowing you to discover the emblematic sites from the water.
• Water sports: Lake Annecy is a popular spot for water sports such as sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and scuba diving.
• The Bout-du-Lac nature reserve: located at the southern end of the lake, this reserve is home to some exceptional flora and fauna, which you can observe on your walks.

A gourmet getaway

The Annecy region has a rich culinary tradition, with Savoyard specialities such as fondue, tartiflette and diots. Here are a few ideas for a gourmet break during your stay:

• Local markets: several markets are held regularly in the town, including the Old Annecy Market and the Place des Romains Market. You’ll find fresh local produce to eat in or take away.
• Savoyard speciality restaurants: many establishments offer typical dishes based on local cheeses and charcuterie.
• Visit a cheese dairy: some of the region’s cheese dairies organise guided tours to discover the secrets of Savoyard cheese-making.

Take in Annecy’s cultural events

Annecy is also a city rich in cultural events throughout the year. Not-to-be-missed events include

• The Annecy International Animation Film Festival: this annual event takes place in June and brings together animation film professionals from all over the world.
• Les Noctibules: this street arts festival takes place every summer and offers free shows throughout the town.
• The Annecy Venetian Carnival: inspired by the famous carnival in Venice, this event attracts thousands of visitors with its sumptuous costumes and parades along the canals.

To sum up, Annecy is full of treasures to discover, whether for history and architecture lovers, nature enthusiasts or gourmets. So don’t wait any longer and let yourself be seduced by the charms of this Venice of the Alps!