Holiday in Annecy
City in France — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇫🇷
Country
France
Type
City
Best time to travel
May–September
Budget/day
100–170 €
Getting there from Germany
Flights to Geneva (35 km) or Lyon (140 km). TGV Paris–Annecy in 3 hours 40 minutes. By car, about 6 hours from southern Germany.
About Annecy
Annecy in Haute-Savoie rightfully carries the nickname "Venice of the Alps": crystal-clear canals weave through a picturesque old town with colorful houses, arcades, and medieval bridges. The Palais de l’Isle, a stone island building in the middle of the Thiou Canal, is the city's landmark and one of the most photographed sights in the French Alps. The old town (Vieille Ville) invites you to stroll with its winding alleys, boutiques, chocolateries, and cozy bistros. The market on Tuesday and Friday at Place Sainte-Claire is one of the most atmospheric in the region — Reblochon cheese, Savoy sausages, Berghonog, and fresh alpine flowers attract locals and visitors alike. The Château d’Annecy, a medieval fortress above the old town, now houses a museum and offers fantastic views over the rooftops and the lake. Lake Annecy begins right at the edge of the city and, with its crystal-clear water, is one of the most popular bathing destinations in the Alps. The Jardins de l’Europe, an English landscape park by the lakeshore, connect the city and the lake via the Pont des Amours (Lovers' Bridge). In June, the International Animated Film Festival takes place, and in August, the Fête du Lac features spectacular fireworks over the lake. Annecy combines alpine charm, historical substance, and excellent quality of life — no wonder the city is regularly voted one of the most livable in France.
Top 5 highlights in Annecy
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Old Town & Canals
The medieval old town with the Palais de l'Isle, the flower-decorated canals, and the arcades is a postcard idyll par excellence.
Lake Annecy
The turquoise alpine lake (cleanest lake in Europe) offers swimming, paddling, sailing, and a spectacular bike ride around the lake (42 km).
Château d'Annecy
The mighty castle above the old town houses a museum and offers a magnificent view over the rooftops, the lake, and the mountains.
Semnoz & La Tournette
The local mountains offer hikes with panoramic views over the lake and the Alps – in winter, cross-country skiing and tobogganing.
Gorges du Fier
The walkable gorge with walkways along the roaring Fier gorge is an impressive natural experience just 10 km from Annecy.
Hotels in Annecy
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Annecy
Recommended travel time
May–September
Summer
Warm, 20–28 °C, bathing season June–September
Winter
Cold, -3–5 °C, snow in the mountains
How much does a holiday in Annecy cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
50–75 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
100–170 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
200–450 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Annecy
Compare thousands of package holidays to Annecy and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Annecy
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Cycling around the lake (42 km, mostly flat) is the classic – you can rent e-bikes at the train station.
Swim at Plage d'Albigny or the quieter Plage des Marquisats – the water is crystal clear.
Visit the Tuesday market and the Sunday market in the old town for cheese (Reblochon, Tome des Bauges) and charcuterie.
For adrenaline: paragliding from Col de la Forclaz with a view over the entire lake.
Annecy is very crowded during the high season (July/August) – June and September are the perfect months.
Food & drink in Annecy
These specialties you must try!
