Annecy is by far one of the most charming towns I have visited during my travels to Europe. The city combines winding cobblestone streets from old European villages, with a lakefront position that highlights the natural beauty of the alps. Annecy brings together all my favourite elements in one place.
How to get to Annecy
Annecy is a great day trip from Geneva. I decided to drive over from my base in Annemasse (located just outside of Geneva in France) and the journey took approximately 30 minutes. There is an underground public parking available just outside the old town in Annecy that is reasonably priced.
If you don’t have a car, you can take a bus (1.5hrs, ~10 EUR) or train (2hrs, ~50 EUR) from Geneva.
I visited Annecy on a Monday and quickly discovered that many of the shops were closed. Something to keep in mind when planning your trip.
Visit Chateau d’Annecy (1 Place du Chateau)
The first stop during your visit to Annecy has to be the Chateau d’Annecy. It requires a bit of steep walk up to the castle, but I think the views are well worth it.
The Chateau d’Annecy was originally used a residence in the 13th century until it was abandoned in the 17th century and went on to serve as a military hall until the late 1940s.
The castle is now home to a museum that provides temporary exhibitions related to medieval art, archeology, cinema and much more. Check out their website ahead of time to know what is currently on display.
The highlight for me was the courtyard that leads to a balcony overlooking the town and the lake. The panoramic view is superb and provides a great juxtaposition of terracotta roofs, blue water, and green mountains.
Of note, there is a an entrance fee of 5.50 EUR for adults and 3 EUR for children.
Go for a Swim
Lake Annecy has clear waters that are perfect for cooling off on those hot summer days. There are a number of public beaches around the lake and many you can access for free. I would recommend checking out Albigny beach even though it’s a bit far from the Annecy old town. Most beaches have a small sandy beach and larger grassy area where you can layout on a blanket. While the beaches are nice, don’t expect any frills from those places.
If you want a more upscale experience you can visit Moon Plage at the L’Imperial. There is a charge of 15 EUR per person to access the facility. The water slide into the lake will definitely be a hit with children.
Journey on the Lake
If the weather is not great for swimming, than another great option is to rent a paddle boat from one of the many vendors that line the lake. Most offer rentals for 1hr or 4hrs. Expect the prices to be pretty similar between vendors.
Heading out on the lake provides a new vantage point and you can appreciate the size of the lake.
Another option, is to rent a bike or just walk the perimeter of the lake. There is a multipurpose path that makes it easy to enjoy a waterfront stroll.
Sample Sweet Treats
If there was one thing I noticed when I got to Annecy was how many chocolate shops there were for such a small town. If you have a sweet tooth, you can definitely spend your day sampling all types of chocolate concoctions from award-winning chocolate makers. No judgement here!
I recommend stopping by Rose des Neige Patisserie (2 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau) home of Philippe Rigollot, a world pastry champion. You won’t be disappointed. I would also check out Glacier Perrière (24 Quai Perrière) with 70 ice cream flavours. Guaranteed to find one that you will enjoy!
Walk on the Pont des Amours
Le Pont d’Amour, translated as the ‘lovers bridge’, gives views of the canal du Vassé on one side and frames the turquoise Lake Annecy on the other. Legend has it that couples who share a kiss on the bridge will stay together for life… [spoiler alert: I can personally attest to the fact that it’s more myth than fact lol]
Palais de l’Île (3 Passage de l’Île)
The Palais de l’Île (Island Palace) is located on Thiou canal and is primarily known as a prison dating back from the 7th century. It was under restoration when I was there so I did not get to visit. However, it is now home to a museum of architecture and history of Annecy. You can also visit one of the old prison cells, to get a sense of what it was like when the prison was operational.
Feeling Hungry?
Annecy has some great places to eat and there are many options that line the different canals. But my personal preference is to check out the local shops and make yourself a picnic to enjoy by the lake. There are so many amazing local products like cheese, pastries, and breads that will have you won’t feel like your missing out on any epicurean discoveries.
Here are shops to check out if you decide to go that route: Aux Quatre Saisons (14 Rue Filateri) and Saveur d’ici et la located right next door.
