The 16 things to do in Annecy

Visit Annecy: What are the best things to do and see in Annecy, one of the most beautiful cities in Haute-Savoie?

The reasons to visit Annecy are not missing. It must be said that between its lake, its old town and its exceptional alpine setting, the city offers a rare holiday. To such a point that the city has become one of the flagship tourist destinations of French.

But visiting Annecy is also discovering its past, which dates back to the Prehistory, its traditions and its regional culture.

If you also expect a small stay in the Venice of the Alps, we invite you to discover our selection of the 16 essential things to do in Annecy.

1. Cycling around Lake Annecy

Very borrowed by travellers and locals in Annecy, the bike is practiced both in the historic centre and in the vicinity of the lake. A must-see activity is to go on the day or half-day, to take the lake by bike.

A green track runs along the western shore of the lake and then escapes towards Ugine. It is possible to continue on the East shore to turn the lake. In the centre of Annecy, there are allowing you to find the right bike according to your needs (family, sports, electric bikes...).

Are you crazy about cycling but still want to practice other sports around Lake Annecy? We advise you to visit "Explora Project" , the agency that offers you unforgettable escapades. With their stay “Multi-sport roaming around Lake Annecy” , you will dive into the heart of Haute-Savoie. Accompanied by a local guide, it is a small onion program that awaits you: beautiful hiking trails, paddle and electric bike ride. Unbelievable!

2. Making a boat trip on Lake Annecy

Considered as the most beautiful and pure of Europe, the Lake Annecy is a true jewel of nature. One of the unmissable things to do in Annecy during the beautiful days is to take a boat ride! What better to appreciate the purity of the lake than to come and get lost in the middle of its 27km2, for an absolutely magical swim moment?

For more freedom, you can rent a boat to spend an afternoon or a day on lake.

The activities on the lake are numerous, with the discovery of Hidden beaches d’Annecy, stuffing, swimming, diving, water sports, fishing (with permits)...

3. Hiking on the heights of Annecy

Annecy is one of the paradises in France for hiking. There are for all levels. One of the most famous hikes in the region is that of The Tournette ( see the trace ). With an altitude of 2,350 metres, the Tournette is the highest peak of the Bornes massif.

If hiking is one of your favorite activities, discover our selection of 10 more beautiful hikes to make in Annecy . Most of them offer stunning views of Lake Annecy.

4. Overfly Annecy Lake in Paragliding

The best way to visit Annecy Lake remains to fly! From the heavens, the lake will reveal itself in the most beautiful ways, surrounded by the highest mountain peaks. The Forclaz and Planfait are the two classic take-off sites for paragliding baptisms.

Trained by graduate instructors, fly smoothly for 40 to 45 minutes over the crystal clear waters of Lake Annecy. You will be surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Alps, including Mont Veyrier, Parmelan or Tournette.

To enjoy this activity, go to one of the the valley. The monitors then take you to the dedicated spot, where they will equip you with helmet and seat harness. A few steps to take off and it’s gone! Free flight or more sporty, you will finally understand why birds like to plan as much.

5. Walking around the alleys of Annecy’s Old Town

Annecy owes her nickname “Vice of the Alps” to her little cobblestone streets, canals and timeless charm. Over time, the old city is an invitation to the journey: walk through its paved, let yourself stroll in the air along its cosssy buildings, along its beautiful canals through the arched passages.

Then take a break in one of its picturesque cafés and attract your curiosity in the typical small shops that the old town houses.

A real postcard, the city with 4 bell towers hosts some architectural treasures that it would be a shame not to discover if you are looking for what to do in Annecy. From the Palais de l’Isle, at the Conservatoire d’Art et d’Histoire, to the famous Château d’Annecy, discover a heritage rich in History!

6. Walk along the Thiou Canal

Its colourful facades and houses call for curiosity. Its clear waters also make its beauty. From the old town, the Thiou Canal offers many walking trails and invites you to go down to the lake before discovering the Gardens of Europe .

In the middle of the flowers, this beautiful green setting will take you to the famous Pont des Amours before finishing with the Paquier, the 7-hectare esplanade with a superb view. Meet locals like visitors, the Paquier calls for relaxation and moments of sharing the time of a picnic.

7. Visit Isle Palace

Siegeing on a triangular island on the channel of the Thiou, the Palais de l’Isle Intrigue with his fancy turrets.

Built in the 12th century, it was first a seigneurial residence before becoming a courthouse, and finally... A prison (sucky prisoners!).

This famous monument is today an exhibition site on the architecture and heritage of Annecy, allowing you to learn more about the history of the city.

8. Rent a stand-up paddle for a session on the lake

Taking height is not your thing? What if you enjoy the exceptional panorama of Lake Annecy by floating quietly on its waters?

Among the nautical activities to be noted, the stand-up paddle enjoys a certain reputation. And because of its relaxation and zen philosophy, it invites to paddle quietly with the beauty of the places while practicing a sporting activity.

9. The Château d’Annecy

What to do in Annecy as part of a historic walk? Apart from its architecture and other heritage treasures, the city of Annecy is also recognized for its castle. Overlooking the old town, the Château d’Annecy was once the home of the Counts of Geneva.

Dating from the 12th century, the Queen’s Tower today became a symbol of the place, is the oldest witness of its past. Its museum, for its part, invites you to a discovery tour where traditional savoyard art, craftsmanship and natural history of the Alps honour the origins of the Venice of the Alps.

10. The Conservatoire d’Art et d’Histoire

Former seminary of the 17th century, the Conservatoire d’art et histoire offers an enriching parenthesis. Formerly Major Seminary, he housed the departmental archives before becoming, in 1974, Conservatoire d’Art et d’Histoire.

Inscribed to the Inventaire Supplementaire des Monuments Historiques for almost 50 years, he now houses the cultural services of the Conseil départemental de la Haute-Savoie, various collections (paintings of the 17th century), a rehearsal room for the Orchestre des Pays de Savoie, a permanent exhibition on animation cinema, the Ecole des Gobelins and finally an EPI antenna (Institut d’Etudes Politiques).

Note: access to the conservatory is free for all.

11. Annecy’s religious sites and buildings

If you ask Annecy to make the time of an esoteric visit, you should know that the city is home to many historical churches and religious buildings, mostly dressed in Gothic architecture.

Today, many churches open their doors to visitors:

The Basilica of the Visitation

Overlooking Annecy from the crêt du Maure, the Basilica of the Visitation is the sacred witness of the city. Consisted by Cardinal Tedeschini of the Vatican in 1949, it also protects a monastery that dates back to the 1600s.

The Church of Notre-Dame-de-Liesse

Completed in 1851, the church Notre-Dame-de-Liesse is located near the Thiou Canal. Conscious to the Virgin Mary, she has become a sanctuary over time in which the Counts of Geneva buried their families there.

With its turn of the clock dating from the 16th century and its Gothic stained-glass windows of the 15th century, the sacred place enjoys a conservation that makes it all its beauty.

Saint-Pierre Cathedral

Originally, St. Peter’s Cathedral was a chapel erected for Franciscan nuns in the 16th century. From the Renaissance style, it was desacralized a time before becoming a cult place and being baptized as a Cathedral and wearing a Gothic style within it.

Discreet from Jean-Jacques Rousseau Street, the Saint-Pierre Cathedral attracts the curious. Inside, her choir, her organ (classified Monument Historique), her rosace and her desks portray a small jewel of Annecy.

The Church of Saint-François-de-Sales

On the lake, the Saint-François-de-Sales Church shelters the remains of his homonym, patron saint of journalists and writers.

Built in the 15th century by the Dominicans, the church enjoys a beautiful light that highlights its Baroque character traits. Inside, there is a rather simple religious building with a discreet charm.

12. A segway tower

Interested activity and for the least original, the segway ride allows to visit Annecy otherwise. From its old town around, the City Tour en gyropod promises you a fun and rewarding ride for one to two hours of your time!

13. Taste of regional specialities

Some will tell you that local gastronomy is no doubt better reason to visit Annecy. Between the cheeses (the Reblochon, the Tome and others), dry sausages, terrines, savoyard fondue or tartiflette, your taste buds wake up and do not know where to start.

Visit one of Annecy’s restaurants to enjoy local specialities. Some of them even propose to taste fish caught in the morning in the waters of the lake!

14. Overcoming with a canyoning session

Annecy is one of the best outdoor destinations in France, which gathers several canyoning spots like canyoning or .

Ideal activity to escape the summer heat, explore the canyons on foot, through the watercourses, jump, swim and slide! A beautiful discovery in the vicinity of Annecy.

15. Discover other unusual activities in Annecy

If you like to experience strong sensations like canyoning or paragliding, you will also like the activities listed below:

Air balloon flight

Flying in a hot air balloon between the lake and the mountains is an experience that will transport you to a world of fairytale and tranquility. The balloon is only 2 metres above the water of the lake, and is 10 minutes later at the top of the pine trees in the surrounding forest.

You can admire the Alps and Mont Blanc from the nacelle. The flight lasts from 45 minutes to 1 hour, for a usually morning trip.

Deltaplane overflight

Many deltaplane schools offer flights to varying difficulty, for a clientele from 4 to 104 years old. You will be accompanied on the two-seater deltaplane by a state graduate monitor, for a bird-flight descent placed under the sign of discovery.

Professionals usually give you an appointment at school, then take you on board shuttles. The take-off track privileged by local professionals is located in Col de la Forclaz. Finally, they will land you near the parking lot, where you left your vehicle.

Helicopter overflight

Take advantage of a flyer commented by a pilot to discover all the natural riches of the region. You will follow the Parmelan, a summit that peaks at 1,856 metres above sea level.

Then you will arrive at the Glières Plateau, with a view of the National Monument of Resistance, where you can admire the picturesque communes of Petit Bornand and Entremont. Then you will fly over the slopes of the Chinaillon and Lake Annecy before leaving to your starting point.

Semnoz descent in mountain biking

is a great mountain bike classic. This long descent (1300 meters of negative denial) in the undergrowth is a good opportunity to spend. In addition, you will be entitled to an exceptional panorama at about 1700 meters above sea level on Lake Annecy.

Participate in a workshop

Discover local crafts through workshops. Among the best workshops to do in Annecy , we advise you in particular , a day in the skin of a or realize your .

16. Attend events in Annecy

In addition to its unique places, some come to visit Annecy at specific times. Indeed, it allows you to enjoy the annual events that contribute to the city's reputation:

• In June, Festival international du film d’animation takes place in the city with lectures and a competition between animation films of various techniques (immediates, cut paper, model paste etc.);
• In July, Landscape Festival presents works based on an idea of creating and realizing an artistic or landscape installation in the public space. Educated by students in arts and landscape schools, but also by young design school graduates, these students enable Annecy to support and encourage emerging creation;
• On the first Saturday of August, the Baie d’Albigny becomes the enchanting setting of the largest pyrotechnic show in Europe, the Lake Feast.

How to get to Annecy?

By car

The car reveals itself as the most practical but especially the most economical way to reach your destination.

Coming with your own vehicle, forget the travel constraints and enjoy your autonomy. Attention, however, Annecy being a tourist city, parking are therefore mostly paid.

By train

Another popular way to visit Annecy: the train. Practical and accessible from several cities (more expensive from Paris), he will take you to the nearest heart of Annecy. The platform Trainline offers many trains to Annecy.

By plane

The Geneva airport is closest to Annecy, where flights are offered daily by many companies. You can book your flight on our French partner's website Ulysses .

Once on site, to reach the centre of Annecy and enjoy its surroundings throughout your stay, you can opt for it car rental . Otherwise, bus, shuttles and taxis offer you transfers from Geneva .

Where to stay in Annecy?

Annecy is not an extremely extensive city, but the ideal remains to stay in the old centre, which is very authentic. Our article on best areas to stay in Annecy will help you choose the location of your accommodation. Annecy has a wide choice of accommodation among hotels , Airbnb , campings, gîtes... You may find your happiness.