Best of Annecy

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Annecy

Sometimes called “the Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is a mountain-backed city nestled in France’s Haute-Savoie region. The Vieille Ville (old town) is lined with pastel-colored 16th- and 17th-century buildings, which look all the more striking amid the elegant bridges arching over the canals. Just west of the cobblestones, a promenade leads out to the Lac d’Annecy, a sparkling lake with the mountains in the backdrop.

A magnet for outdoor lovers, Annecy is the perfect base for a wide range of adventures: hiking, biking, paragliding, canoeing, canyoning, and of course skiing in winter. You can make the most of your time by taking a guided tour of medieval Annecy, or enjoying a private cruise out on the lake at sunset. You can combine history and nature on a hike with a historian at the Plateau des Glieres, an alpine valley that was an important place of the French resistance during World War II. Cyclists can enjoy bike tours with stops for wine tasting amid the vineyards of the Savoie.

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Annecy Essentials

Best Things to Do in the French Alps

With towering snow-capped peaks, charming alpine villages, some of Europe's best skiing, and epic hikes to famous spots like Mt. Blanc, there's always something to enjoy in the French Alps. Ride a cable car to catch impressive views across the mountain range, boat or stroll around crystal-clear lakes, explore cultural towns, and taste the delicious food that keeps the locals warm and full all year long (we're talking cheese) all while breathing in that crisp alpine air.

Top Active Experiences in France

France is an active traveler's dream, with sandy beaches in the north, the towering Alps in the southeast, several river valleys across its heartland, and a rocky southern coastline dotted with inlets, caves, and coves. You can easily spend your time cycling through vineyards and from one chateau to another, riding horses in the surf, kayaking the famous Calanques, and hiking in the mountains. Or, if you're more of a city person, add a bike tour or vineyard stroll to your exploration of hubs like Paris.

Best Things to Do in Lyon

Lyon often escapes the list of must-sees in France, but the city and its surrounding areas offer a lot to do, see, and experience. Spend your time exploring historic neighborhoods filled with Renaissance-era architecture and hidden courtyards, tasting the internationally recognized Lyonaisse cuisine, savoring historic sites like the Fourviere Basilica, and exploring the traditional world of silk. With more time, take a day trip to the surrounding vineyards or historic cities like Annecy.

Annecy Itineraries

A woman soaks up the views on the Jungfrau railway route

Luxury Winter Tour of France & Switzerland - 14 Days

This fabulous winter tour of France and Switzerland offers history, culture, and the incredible outdoors. Start in the French village of Annecy, where you'll learn about pastoral life at a dairy farm and sample fine Savoie wines. Then, you're off to Chamonix for snowshoeing, skiing, and a ride on the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Cross the border to Switzerland's Lavaux region for delicious wine, cheeses, and chocolates. Ascend the Jungfrau Railway in Grindelwald, ending with a lively folklore show in Lucerne.

Explore the Alpine highlights of France and Switzerland on this winter tour

Luxury Winter Wonderland in France & Switzerland: Annecy, Chamonix & Grindelwald - 10 Days

This lavish winter adventure takes you to the mountains of both France and Switzerland for history, gastronomy, and exhilarating Alpine winter sports. Start in the French village of Annecy with a foodie tour through the charming old town, then transfer to Chamonix for striking glaciers and snow-based adventures. Last but not least, hop over to Switzerland to ascend Europe's highest railway station and take to the slopes at stylish Zermatt.

Conquer multiple routes in the French Alps on this weeklong cycling trip

Cycle the French Alps: Annecy, Allemont & Aix-les-Bains - 7 Days

Smell the pine forests, hear the cowbells, and marvel at the snowcapped peaks as you cycle through the French Alps on this weeklong self-drive adventure. Touch down in Geneva and drive to Annecy to paraglide over the glacial lake and conquer two Alpine cycling routes. Explore the historic Old Town's canals and bridges before driving to Allemont for the legendary L'Alpe d'Huez climb and a ride around Lac du Verney. End your tour in Aix-les-Bains with a lunch cruise on Lac du Bourget and a thermal spa.

Eastern France Roadtrip: Paris, Dijon, & Annecy - 6 Days

Big city lights, resplendent chateaus, and medieval monasteries await you on this short but packed six-day road trip through eastern France. Start in Paris, then head south to Dijon — home of the famed mustard. Continue to Annecy for some time by the lake and a glimpse of snow-capped mountains.

Lyon, Annecy & Chamonix - 10 Days

This 10-day adventure combines three of France's easternmost gems, starting with the nation's capital of gastronomy: Lyon. While here, indulge in its outstanding dining scene, visit nearby vineyards, and meet farmers and artisans. Then travel to Annecy, a storybook medieval town so gorgeous it's nicknamed the "Venice of France," before finishing in Chamonix and hiking the tallest peak in France—Mont Blanc.

Eastern France Roadtrip: Paris, Dijon, Annecy, & Lyon - 7 Days

Spend an adventurous week driving through eastern France, starting in the city of lights. You'll see the Eiffel Tower and other Parisian highlights, then head to Dijon, stopping along the way to see several resplendent countryside chateaus. Continue to Annecy to spend some time by the lake, then end in medieval Lyon, where history and wine tasting await.

Eastern France Roadtrip: Paris, Dijon, Beaune, Annecy, Lyon - 10 Days

Take ten days to drive from Paris to Lyon on this adventurous road trip itinerary. Start in the city of lights, then make your way to the countryside for art, history, and resplendent chateaux. Stop in Annecy to spend time on the lake and go hiking, then end in Lyon to explore the city's medieval streets and historic architecture.

Visit Lyon, France's capital of gastronomy, with the whole gang

French Cities, Mountains & Food for Families: Paris, Annecy & Lyon - 10 Days

There's no need to choose between French cities, mountains, or culinary attractions—this 10-day family-focused itinerary covers everything. Starting in Paris, you'll enjoy a jaunt up the Eiffel Tower and a treasure hunt in the world-famous Louvre. Continue to Annecy to climb the Alps by cogwheel train and sample fondue in an underground cave. Learn the secrets to Lyon's famous gastronomy with a family cooking class, then take to the skies to see the vineyards of Beaujolais by hot air balloon.

It's all about the adventure on this luxury tour of France that begins in Lyon

Luxury & Outdoor Adventure in France: Lyon, Annecy & Chamonix - 7 Days

This weeklong tour through France offers top-notch luxury, active adventures, and the best in culture and cuisine. Start in Lyon, visiting the Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse market and trying its delicious food and wine. Then, you're off to the French Alps to explore Savoyard cuisine and coast around Lake Annecy via e-bike. Continue to Chamonix and see the cemetery where mountaineers were laid to rest, ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car, and end with a hike along glacier trails to Montenvers.

Eastern France Roadtrip: Paris, Dijon, Beaune, Annecy, Lyon - 11 Days

Start this eleven-day road trip in Paris to see the Eiffel Tower and big city lights, then hit the road for mustard and art in Dijon. You'll see a 12th-century monastery and taste traditional wine, enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Meursault, discover the medieval streets of Lyon, and more on this adventurous itinerary.

Christmas market along a canal in Annecy

Highlights of Eastern France: Reims, Strasbourg, Colmar & Annecy - 8 Days

Explore Eastern France in eight days of outings on this itinerary. Sip Champagne in Reims, scope out the Germanic influence in Strasbourg, and cruise the canals of Colmar before you end your trip, sampling Alpine cheese on the banks of Lake Annecy.

Eastern France Roadtrip: Paris, Dijon, Annecy, & Lyon - 8 Days

From the big city lights of Paris to peaceful countryside chateaux, this eight-day road trip itinerary through Eastern France has it all. Start in the capital city, then make your way to Dijon for art, culture, and history. Continue to Annecy for some time on the lake, then end in historic Lyon for time in the medieval city center.

Eastern France Roadtrip: Paris, Dijon, Beaune, Annecy, & More - 12 Days

Take twelve days to explore the eastern side of France on this comprehensive road trip itinerary. You'll start in Paris to hit see the Louvre, then continue to Dijon for history and the best mustard in the world. Head to Annecy for a sunset sail with wine, then end your trip in the French Riviera for seaside relaxation.

Highlights of Eastern France: Paris, Strasbourg, Colmar, Annecy, Nice, & More - 16 Days

Spend 16 days on a saunter through some of Eastern France's most scenic towns and landscapes. You'll stroll the streets of Paris, indulge in Champagne tastings on the Avenue of Champagne, admire the colorful houses and canals of Alsace, and cycle along the shores of Lake Annecy.

Flower lined bridge along the canals of Colmar

Highlights of Eastern France: Paris, Strasbourg, Colmar, Annecy, Nice, & More - 17 Days

Seventeen days of stellar sights await you with this excursion through Eastern France. Gaze at the artworks of the Louvre, vineyards of Epernay and Alsace, and charming village pathways. Make your way to the lakeside and mountain views surrounding Annecy before you head off on a quick getaway to the beaches of the Riviera.

Eastern France Roadtrip: Paris, Dijon, Beaune, Annecy, Lyon - 9 Days

Spend nine adventurous days driving through eastern France on this road trip itinerary. Start in Paris to see the main highlights, then head to Dijon and Beaune to learn about art, culture, and history. Continue to Annecy for some time by the lake, then end in Lyon, where the city's medieval streets and Beaujolais wine region await.

Highlights of Eastern France: Reims, Strasbourg, Colmar, Annecy, & More - 9 Days

Kick off a nine-day tour of the knockouts of Eastern France as you follow this itinerary. You'll taste Champagne in grand estates, wander through half-timbered villages, and sample wine and cheese on the banks of Lake Annecy as you explore in the company of expert guides.

Paris and the Eiffel Tower—Olympics style

Summer Olympics 2024: From Switzerland to Paris - 10 Days

Got Olympic fever? Let this 10-day journey across Europe get you in the mood for the 2024 Games. It begins in scenic Switzerland on Lake Geneva with a visit to the Olympic Museum, followed by a trip to France and more grand tours in Paris, where the Olympics will be held. In between, you'll enjoy food tours in Lyon, wine tastings in Burgundy, boating on Lake Annecy, and many other cultural and culinary adventures.

Eastern France Roadtrip: Paris, Dijon, Beaune, Annecy, & More - 13 Days

Spend thirteen adventurous days on the road on this Eastern France road trip. Star the journey in Paris, where you'll hit the highlights and take a day trip to Champagne. Continue to Dijon to see Lison Springs and explore art, then head to Annecy for a hot air balloon trip and relaxation by the lake. End the trip in the French Riviera for sun, wine, and sailing.

Street lights along the canals in Colmar

Highlights of Eastern France: Paris, Strasbourg, Colmar, Annecy, Nice, & More - 18 Days

Take a new excursion every day of this 18-day Eastern France itinerary. You'll stroll the streets of Paris and sample your way down the Avenue of Champagne before riding in a VW Kombi through the vineyards. Follow it with Alsatian villages, cycling and cheese tasting in Lake Annecy, and three nights in the fabulous French Riviera.

Highlights of Eastern France: Paris, Reims, Strasbourg, Colmar, Annecy, & Nice - 14 Days

Traverse Eastern France for two weeks as you travel through this tour. After two days of exploring Paris, you'll sip Champagne in Reims and wine in the Alsace and Lorraine. Saturate yourself in the scene of Lake Annecy with wine and cheese tastings and a cycling tour before you unwind on the Riviera with two nights in Nice.

Eastern France Roadtrip: Paris, Dijon, Beaune, Annecy, & More - 14 Days

Spend two weeks exploring the best of the French countryside on this road trip itinerary. Start in Paris for excursions to the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, then head to Reims to go wine tasting in Champagne. Continue to Dijon for history and art, then make your way to the coast for some of the best that the French Riviera has to offer: wine, sunset views, and seaside relaxation.

Highlights of Eastern France: Reims, Strasbourg, Colmar, Annecy, & More - 10 Days

Float through Eastern France on a bubbly Champagne cloud as you follow this 10-day route. After you make your way through the Champagne houses of Reims, you'll traverse the German influences of Strasbourg, cruise the canals of Colmar, and stroll the shores of Lake Annecy and promenades of Nice.

La Grande Fontaine de 1850 at dusk in Saint Paul de Vence

Highlights of Eastern France: Paris, Strasbourg, Colmar, Annecy, Nice, & More - 15 Days

Frolic for 15 days through France's eastern hotspots as you follow your expert new friends along this route. From pastries in Paris and Champagne in Reims, to Alsatian wines and Alpine cheeses, down to the glittering indulgence of the French Riviera, you're sure to leave fully sated.

Eastern France Roadtrip: Paris, Dijon, Beaune, Annecy, & More - 15 Days

From the big city lights of Paris to the quiet seaside of the French Riviera, this fifteen-day road trip itinerary hits all the highlights while still leaving time for small adventures off-the-beaten-path. You'll explore highlights of Paris, including Eiffel Tower & Louvre, learn to cook a traditional French meal, visit countryside Chateaux, and more.

Highlights of Eastern France: Reims, Strasbourg, Colmar, Annecy, & More - 11 Days

Follow eleven days of excellence along the excitement of Eastern France with this agenda. You'll stroll through the Champagne houses of Reims, streets of Strasbourg, and vineyards of the Alsace and Lorraine. Top it off with some Alpine cheese in Annecy and a dip in the waters of Nice before you depart.

Eastern France Roadtrip: Paris, Dijon, Beaune, Annecy, Nice, & More - 16 Days

Sixteen days is enough time to explore the best of Eastern France on this comprehensive road trip — including the highlights of Paris, Beaune, Cannes, and more. Learn to cook a traditional French meal, explore countryside Chateaux, see the home of Louis Pasteur, -go wine tasting in the Beaujolais Region, and more.

Eastern France Roadtrip: Paris, Dijon, Beaune, Annecy, Nice, & More - 17 Days

Take seventeen days to drive through Eastern France on this packed road trip itinerary. You'll see the big city lights in Paris, tour 12th-century monasteries, go wine tasting in Burgundy, and more as you wind your way through the countryside. Other highlights include a private tour of Monaco, a sunset sail on Lake Annecy, and a historic tour of Lyon.

Highlights of Eastern France: Paris, Reims, Strasbourg, Colmar, Annecy, & More - 12 Days

Keep Moët & Chandon in a pretty cabinet and eat cake just like Marie Antoinette on this 12-day itinerary fit for a queen. You'll sample the Parisian pastries of Le Marais, artworks in the glass of the Louvre, and elaborate architectural facades of Strasbourg, Colmar, and Alsace. Sip wine with cheese pairings in Annecy before ending the trip on the beaches in Nice.

Eastern France Roadtrip: Paris, Dijon, Beaune, Annecy, Nice, & More - 18 Days

Enjoy a new excursion every day of this 18-day Eastern France road trip itinerary: stroll through the cobblestoned streets of the city of lights, explore the beautiful art of Dijon, savor the local gastronomy at Annecy & discover the glamorous French Riviera. You'll drive through the French Countryside, taking your time as you explore all this and more.

Medieval streets in Kaysersberg in Alsace

Highlights of Eastern France: Paris, Reims, Strasbourg, Colmar, Annecy, & Nice - 13 Days

Find a lucky 13 days in Eastern France as you follow this route from Paris all the way to Monte Carlo. Cruise down the Seine, sip your way down the "Avenue of Champagne," and stroll the German-influenced streets of Strasbourg. Relax on the shores of Lake Annecy before you spend two days living large in the French Riviera in Nice and Monte Carlo.

Ultimate French Road Trip: Paris to the French Riviera - 21 Days

Eat and drink your way from Paris to the Mediterranean coast on this three-week, self-drive adventure. Start in Paris with wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting, move on to Annecy for lakeside cycling and fondue, then continue to the Alps to summit glacial peaks and soak in hot tubs. After touring the gastronomic capital of Lyon, Provence's "easy life" beckons before winding down with sailing and beach time along the stunning coastlines of Marseille, Le Lavandou, and Nice.

Other popular travel destinations in France
Paris · Provence · French Riviera · Nice · Aix-en-Provence · Loire Valley · Normandy · Bordeaux · Rhône Valley · Lyon · Marseille · Amboise · Bayeux · French Alps · Avignon · Brittany · Saint-Malo · Cannes · Tours · Dordogne · Sarlat · Verdon Gorge · Dijon · Burgundy · Champagne · Reims · Saint-Rémy-de-Provence · Alsace · Strasbourg · Colmar · Mont Blanc Region · Chamonix · Honfleur · Mont-Saint-Michel · Basque Country · Corsica · Saint-Louis

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