Annecy, the Alps Venice: A Guide for Essential Travellers

Annecy, the scenic mountain town near the Swiss border, has long been a favorite in France for its beautifully preserved medieval old town crisscrossed by canals and stone footbridges—earning it the nickname “Venice of the Alps.” The capital of Haute-Savoie is the gateway to swanky ski towns like Chamonix and Megève, as well as the namesake Lake Annecy, which is an unreal shade of turquoise is so captivating, it inspired masterpieces by the likes of Paul Cézanne.

Outside of Europe, however, this part of France’s southeast is off the tourist track. France is the most popular country in the entire world. However, many people don’t venture beyond Paris. Mark Bonte. French Side Travel. “Annecy, a French destination that is often overlooked by visitors from abroad, is the perfect example.”

Franck Derouet, of Le Clos des Sens Jean Sulpice L’Auberge du Père Bise—both of whom place local and Savoyard-specific ingredients on a pedestal. “Savoie has all the beauty of everything people love about Switzerland—green mountains, alpine cheeses, crystal-clear lakes, cows—but at a fraction of the price,” adds Paris-based Catherine DownThe James Beard Award nominated food and travel journalist and culinary tour leader visits Annecy for cheese-based pilgrimages.

As a writer who has lived in France for more than a decade, this is a city that continues to surprise me—and one that can truly check off all the boxes, whether that be culture and cuisine or outdoor adventure spanning from lakeside beaches to the mountains. A quick getaway from Paris, here’s everything you need to plan a trip to Annecy—plus insider tips from local experts.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Impérial Palace

Hovering on the edge of the lake a short stroll away from Annecy’s city center, the Belle Époque beauty is a favorite in summer, when you can dip in the nearby Plage d’Annecy or catch jazz and classical concerts on the lakeside terrace. It was a favorite of sultans, princes, Charlie Caplin, and Winston Churchill during its heyday. Impérial Palace is still the place to be more than a century later—and the views don’t get better than the top floor Imperial Suite, where a terrace shows off 360-degree vistas of Lake Annecy.

Le Clos des Sens

Historic manor-turned-hotel is located in leafy Annecy-le-Vieux, not to be confused with the old town of Annecy. Le Clos des Sens The rustic-chic resort has just 11 rooms, all arranged around a pool with a view of Lake Annecy. The eponymous, three-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Franck Derouet is a destination in itself, paying homage to the natural surroundings with a meat-free menu heavy on fish from local lakes.

L’Auberge du Père Bise

Relax at Lakeside Retreat L’Auberge du Père Bise Talloires can be reached by boat from Annecy. The former Savoie family home is now a must-visit for visitors to Savoie, thanks to the two-Michelin starred restaurant, delicatessen, and bistro that are run by Jean Sulpice, a chef, and his wife Magali. Bonte says, “I often choose properties that are outside the heart of the action because it gives visitors the opportunity to relax after a hectic day in a peaceful setting.” “L’Auberge du Père Bise is the perfect example—just 25 minutes south of Annecy, guests can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding French Alps with Lake Annecy right at their feet.”

Cottage Bise

The sister spot to L’Auberge du Père Bise, neighboring Cottage Bise Les Terrasses is a panoramic hotel on the shores Lake Annecy that has been gastronomically oriented since its inception. The 36 rooms and suites of this family-run resort are spread across three homes that overlook the water.

Abbaye de Talloires

The ancient, 1,000-year old Abbaye de Talloires, tucked along Talloires Bay, claims past guests like Mark Twain and Paul Cézanne, whose painting of the lake currently hangs at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. Allison Gay, cofounder of Paris’s Atelier de la Mode, grew up in Annecy and recommends that you check out the temporary exhibitions inside the hotel. Blossom Art Agency. “The restaurant also serves great locally inspired cuisine that’s not too expensive for a three-course ‘bistronomique’ menu.”

The Best Things to do

Cruise Lake Annecy

Cruise under the sea Pont des Amours (Lovers’ Bridge) in a sleek mahogany electric boat on an hour-long tour through the tree-encased Vassé Canal and into Lake Annecy, where you can eye waterfront villas lining the shore. “For just €30, it’s a great way to learn a bit of local history while soaking up the sights, skimming across Lake Annecy with only 11 others,” Down says.

Visit the Musée-Château d’Annecy.

The restored Château de Genève, once the home of the Counts in the 14th and 13th centuries. Musée-Château d’Annecy stands tall over the old town and blends medieval and Renaissance architecture—the result of its shifting state from a residence to military barracks. Gay suggests that you enjoy the view of the city while spending time in the museum which combines history with contemporary art. She also recommends a trip to the former prisons located in the ship-shaped Palais de l’Ile.

Stroll Vieille Ville.

Vieille Ville, with its cobbled streets and pastel-colored buildings, is a place worth getting lost in as you discover its history through landmarks and areas like the five bell towers district and Le Pâquier, considered the “Central Park of Annecy.” You can also pick up local souvenirs, such as Opinel folding knives and cheese in the fromageries. Le Glacier des AlpesGay says that is the best restaurant in town.

The Lake Annecy Greenway is a great place to cycle.

The lakeside route, one of France’s oldest, runs for nearly 20 miles between Annecy & Val de Chaise. You can cycle, rollerblade, walk or even skate along this greenway. Enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains, or stop at a small village or beach. Stop at the beach if you are visiting during the summer. Prieuré de TalloiresGay calls it “a hidden gem” that not many people know about. You can take a tour there, attend an exhibition, or enjoy a concert during July and August.

Take a tour of the food in the city.

Bonte says that Annecy, the capital of Haute-Savoie is known for its wines and fondue. It would be a shame to not taste them during your visit. Fromagerie Gay This is a place not to miss, as you can sample some of the most famous cheeses in the region like Reblochon and Beaufort. “We can elevate this experience by organizing for a sommelier to introduce you to some of the wines typical to the region, including aromatic and fruity whites like Jacquère, Altesse, Roussette de Savoie, and Chignin-Bergeron or red wines like Mondeuse or Pinot Noir.”

Down also suggests stopping by a local wine shop to get a taste of the wines in this region. Java des Flacons. Sample the delicious fromage as well. crozetsbuckwheat square-shaped pasta. For one of the best boulangeries in town, look no further than Pan & GatôPerfect for picnics and strolls to the lake.

Best Restaurants

Bloomer

The following are some of the ways to get in touch with each other BloomerA mid-century bistro in the vicinity of the train station with a simple credo:Boire, manger, boire” (drink, eat, drink). It’s easy to do that with the wide selection of wines from around the region, including some bottles from Switzerland. Plates feature some of the finest local and seasonal ingredients in shareable dishes such as white asparagus with pickled strawberry and goat cheese, or bluefin with garden peas, grilled padron and pil pil sauce.

Galopin

Take a seat at one of the wooden tables by the expansive windows, where sun bathes the Scandinavian-inspired cave à manger Natural light Galopin’s menu is heavy on plant-based plates inspired by chef-owner Julien Pradinaud’s local producers—all designed to be shared and washed down with a bottle of natural wine. Fiona Perrin of the modern Champagne brand, based in local, recommends “grab a bottle for take-out, as the restaurant doubles up as a shop”. Champagne Rendez-Vous.

La Table de Yoann Conte

There are many restaurants in the area that have been rated as stars, but one of them is consistently ranked at the top. La Table de Yoann Conte Veyrier-du-Lac is nearby. Perrin says the chalet-like area overlooking Lake Annecy is a hidden jewel for those who are interested in understated elegance and culinary excellence. “The chef delivers a masterful interpretation of the region’s terroir—each dish is a thoughtful homage to local flavors, crafted with precision and passion.”

Choral

Choral’s chef-sommelier team Alban Chanteloup and Aymeric Velluz have passed through the starred kitchens of Le Clos des Sens and L’Auberge du Père Bise, so plates and pairings are elevated, yet still feel approachable. The neobistro wine menu is natural and affordable, featuring playful twists like oysters topped with kimchi and grilled green bean paired with green almonds.

Mazette!

You can take a short break from fine-dining when you are ready. Mazette!’s traditional bistro fare like homemade pâté en croûte and sausage with green lentils does the trick. There are seasonal plates on the ever-changing menu. But you will always find classics, like sausages with green lentils. tourte de volaille (chicken pie) andouillette (tripe sausage).

The Best Time to Visit

Ask a local and they will tell you that the best time to go is between May-September. From June onward, the lake is warm enough for swimming or basking on the beaches, and the list of summer sports is nearly endless—wakeboarding, kayaking, and catamaran sailing are just the start. June is also when one of the annual highlights, the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, takes place with open-air movie screenings near the lake at Pâquier Park.

How to get there

If you’re planning to fly, Geneva International Airport is the closest option—about a 35-minute drive without traffic—and offers easy access to Annecy by bus in less than an hour or via direct train, which takes a little over 90 minutes. If you are flying, you can get a cab at the airport. Or you can reserve a ride with an app like Uber.

Tickets as low as $14 are available for direct trains or buses from Lyon. I have flown to Paris but I prefer the direct high-speed TGV INOUI, which takes less than four-hours and tickets start at $44. You can easily walk into the heart of the city once you’ve arrived.

Lake Annecy Villages To Visit

Talloires

Talloires is a tiny lakeside village that Down loves even more than Annecy. Talloires is a small lakeside village that has a high concentration of restaurants, including Jean Suplice. L’Auberge du Père Bise You can also find out more about the following: Auberge de Montmin.”

Book sister spot for a cheaper taste of Sulpice’s cuisine The 1903You can enjoy hearty shared plates and panoramic lake views while dining at the restaurant. You can also visit the shop to pick up something sweet, like homemade ice-cream, and enjoy it on a bench near the water.

Menthon-Saint-Bernard

“Annecy is an incredibly beautiful city, with its colorful houses in the historic town, but the villages around the lake are the places you shouldn’t miss,” says Gay, citing Menthon-Saint-Bernard as one of her top picks. “The scenery is spectacular, and this is where you will find the most authentic experiences,” says Gay.

Dominated by the namesake château, which has been inhabited by the same family since the 11th century and is said to have inspired the castle in Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty,” Menthon-Saint-Bernard sits on the edge of Lake Annecy and is a favorite for its views—especially from the gardens of five-star hotel Le Palace de Menthon.

Pérouges

Bonte says that travelers from France’s culinary center, Lyon, often stop in the medieval city perched on a hill. One of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages in France), Pérouges’s architecture dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries and is some of the best-preserved in the country. The town has become just as famous for its storybook-like buildings as its namesake, butter- and sugar-slathered galette pastry, only found in Pérouges.

How to Get Around

Annecy’s best way to explore the city is by bike. There are more than 80 miles dedicated cycling trails in the region and around the lake. You’ll also find many rental shops located right in the town. It’s okay to choose an electric bike if it allows you to spend less time pedaling and more enjoying the scenery.