Annecy, between lake, town and mountains!
Sport, shopping, culture and nature
Annecy nestles on the shores of a lake surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Haute-Savoie Alps in France. This town has a charming, picturesque character. It is the ideal setting for tourists who love outdoor activities. Perfect for weekend getaways or extended holidays with family or friends.Every rainy days can be fun in Annecy.
Take time to appreciate the splendour of the mountains. Admire the crystalline waters of the lake. Savour the relaxing ambience. Annecy is the perfect destination. It combines sport tourism, culture, nature and shopping.
Sport, climbing a mountain or diving in the lake?
Hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, skiing: the town of Annecy and its immediate surroundings offer a large range of sporting activities for those who like open spaces and mountains, just a few steps from the Courier shopping centre!
The lake waters are also ideal for canoe-kayaking, pedalos, paddle-boarding, sailing, and swimming in fine weather. For a more unusual activity: those who enjoy diving can explore the shipwreck of The France, which lies 42 metres below the surface of the lake!
You can also leave the exquisite Lake Annecy and go wandering in the beautiful mountains of Savoie. The welcoming village of Veyrier-du-Lac lies at the foot of Mont Veyrier, which overlooks Annecy. The most intrepid visitors can take a tour of Mont Blanc, a legendary Alpine hike.
Annecy is nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps”, and in winter it enjoys a privileged position near the most well-known ski resorts of Savoie and Haute-Savoie in France. This area is a magnet for those who love the mountains. It offers a choice of winter sports such as skiing, dog sledding and tobogganing. Immersed in the heart of picturesque mountain villages, visitors can discover the essence of the Alps and the rich local culture. Surrounded by majestic mountains, they can experience the authentic flavour of Savoie, where tradition meets outdoor adventures.
In addition to this wealth of outdoor opportunities, the town of Annecy, with its lake and mountains, hosts famous annual sporting events which you can enjoy during holidays or weekends:
The Lake Annecy Marathon: come and run in the heart of the Savoie in the month of April. It stands out as one of the most beautiful marathons in France: its route along the lakeside offers spectacular views of the Alps! An original activity for unforgettable holidays in the Savoie.
Maxi Race: the Maxi Race takes over in the long weekends of May, guiding runners along the steep trails of the surrounding mountains. Indulge in a sporting holiday and admire views of the lake, towns and villages from the mountains. A guaranteed favourite.
Culture: brimming over around the lake!
Annecy and its surroundings are very rich in culture. Several museums, châteaux and palaces can be found in the heart of the old town. For example:
- The Museum of Animated Films attracts crowds of visitors every year.
- The Château d’Annecy exhibits a selection of contemporary art and historical objects.
- The Palais de l'Isle and the Basilica of the Visitation are also must-see sites.
- Saint Pierre Cathedral offers unrivalled architectural beauty.
- The Musée-Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard appeals to heritage enthusiasts.
- Finally, La Turbine Sciences arouses the curiosity of scientists both young and old
When it comes to event tourism, Annecy hosts festivals and events all year round. The most well-known is undoubtedly the International Animation Film Festival, which takes place every year in June and attracts artists from all over the world.
In summer, the Music and Heritage Festival of the Pays de Savoie stages concerts in historical sites. Come and enjoy an evening in a château or church.
Nature all around you...
Nestling in the heart of the Savoie mountains with the advantage of the beaches and crystal waters of the lake, Annecy enjoys a magnificent natural environment!
The trails are many and varied, ranging from gentle walks around Lake Annecy to more challenging hikes at high altitude.
The Massif des Bauges Regional Natural Park, located a few kilometres from the town, is also a true haven of peace with its forests, lakes and meadows.
In summer, you can spend a short, refreshing break on the Annecy beaches while enjoying the mountains and surrounding nature. You can witness the spectacular setting all around the lake.
An abundance of entertainment and leisure activities around Lake Annecy!
There is no shortage of recreational activities in Annecy. The town provides many places to unwind, whether by strolling through the old pedestrian streets in the town centre, enjoying the local cuisine in one of the many restaurants, or of course shopping in your local Courier shopping centre!
Water sports enthusiasts can hire boats to explore the lake, while those who enjoy a thrill can try bungee jumping from the Abîme bridge.
For the evenings, there are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants in the streets of the old town.
For cinema in Annecy, the Pathé Gaumont welcomes you in the heart of the Courier shopping centre!
Shopping, shopping, and yet more shopping
Are you planning a longer holiday? A romantic stay on the shores of the lake? Or a weekend in the mountains with friends? Shopping is the main activity. It immortalises your visit to the region.
Your stay is the perfect opportunity to explore the local boutiques, where you will find unique products that capture the spirit and beauty of the surrounding area. Between lake and mountains, each shopping experience is a chance to check out the local products and crafts, the perfect souvenir of the splendour of the region.
To make the most of your shopping experience, head tothe Courier shopping centre,
Ideally located just a short distance from the historic heart of the old town. It's the perfect place to meet your shopping needs, enjoy a refreshing bubble tea or simply indulge in a stroll among the centre's 40 eclectic boutiques. The Courier shopping centre invites you to an unparalleled shopping spree, where fashion, delicious refreshments and recreation combine to enrich your visit.
Our top 5: What to see and what to do in Annecy Our Top 5
- Lake Annecy. This is, of course, one of the main tourist attractions in the town of Annecy. You can take a cruise on the lake, hire a pedalo, or simply stroll along the lake edge and enjoy the view. Why not go hiking in the mountains and admire the lake view from Mont Veyrier?
- The old town. An historic neighbourhood filled with charming cobbled streets, colourful houses, and water canals that have earned it the name “Venice of the Alps". Don’t miss the Palais de l’Île, an historic building typical of the town!
- Château d’Annecy. A former fortress perched on a hill, the castle offers breathtaking views of the town, the lake and, of course, the mountains. Nowadays, the château hosts the museum of Annecy, which recounts the history of the town and region.
- The gardens of Europe. A public park on the edge of the lake, offering magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. An ideal place for relaxation, walking, or picnics.
- Outdoor sports. Annecy stands out as a true El Dorado when it comes to outdoor activities! Hiking, climbing, cycling, paragliding, skiing, snowboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, swimming and even diving: all you have to do is decide which activity to choose!
