Welcome to Annecy!

Located on the edge of the lake that bears its name in the Haute-Savoie Alps, Annecy is a charming, picturesque town. With its mountains, crystal clear lake and relaxed atmosphere, it is the ideal destination for those who love sports, culture, nature, and leisure.

Sport, an essential part of life in Annecy 

Hiking, climbing, mountain biking and paragliding: the city and its immediate surroundings offer a wide variety of sporting activities for those who love the great outdoors! The lake is also an excellent place to go canoeing, pedal boating, paddleboarding, sailing, and swimming when the weather is good. Something unexpected: diving enthusiasts can go and explore the wreck of the France, which lies at a depth of 42 metres on the lake bed! Obviously, skiers flock to the region in winter; the city nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps" is within easy reach of the most beautiful resorts in Savoie and Haute-Savoie.

In addition to this wealth of sporting opportunities, the city hosts the famous Lake Annecy Marathon each year. The race is organised in April and stands out as one of the most beautiful marathons in France: its route runs along the lake and offers spectacular views of the Alps! In May, it’s the turn of the Maxi Race, where runners are led along the steep trails of the surrounding mountains.

Culture: it’s thriving !

Culture is another prominent feature of Annecy, with its many festivals and events throughout the year. The most famous is undoubtedly the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, which takes place every year in June and attracts artists from all over the world. In summer, the Festival of Music and Heritage in the Pays de Savoie presents concerts in historic venues such as castles and churches. Heritage enthusiasts can also visit the Château d'Annecy, which houses the Museum of Lakes and Mountains of Savoy. Finally, don't miss the Palais de l'Isle, the Basilica of the Visitation, Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the Château-Museum of Menthon-Saint-Bernard.

Nature, it’s all around us...

Nestling between the mountains and the crystalline lake, Annecy enjoys a magnificent natural environment! There are many varied hiking trails, ranging from leisurely walks to strenuous hikes in the high peaks. The Parc Naturel Régional of the Massif des Bauges, a few kilometres from the city, offers a true haven of peace among its forests, lakes and meadows.

Recreation for everyone!

There's no shortage of leisure activities in Annecy. There are so many ways to relax in this city, whether it’s strolling through the pedestrian streets of the city centre, tasting the local cuisine in a wide choice of restaurants, or of course shopping in the Courier centre! Water sports enthusiasts can rent rowing boats or pedal boats to enjoy the lake; swimming is also highly recommended in warm weather! And if you prefer to pedal on solid ground, the cycle tracks are as beautiful as they are numerous in Annecy and the surrounding area. A variety of bars, clubs and cinemas enliven the city centre at night.

Things to see and do in Annecy  – Our Top 5

1. Lake Annecy. This is of course one of the main tourist attractions in the city. You can take a cruise on the lake, rent a pedal boat, or simply stroll along the shore and admire the scenery.
2. The old town. An historic quarter full of narrow cobbled streets, colourful houses, and the waterways that gave it its nickname “Venice of the Alps”. Don't miss the Palais de l'Île, one of the city’s landmark historic buildings!
3. The château d'Annecy. An ancient, hill-top fortress with an unrivalled view of the city and lake. Nowadays, the château houses the museum of Annecy, which provides an account of the history of the city and region.
4. The jardins de l'Europe. A public park on the edge of the lake, which offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. The perfect place for relaxation, walks and picnics.
5. Outdoor sports. Annecy stands out as a real Eldorado of outdoor activities! Hiking, biking, paragliding, skiing, snowboarding, windsurfing, kite surfing or even diving: all you have to do is choose!