France

Things to do in Annecy

Going to Annecy is like stepping into a fairy tale due to its castle, canals, snow-capped mountains, and pretty pastel coloured houses. With all its beauty there are so many must visit places in Annecy. By the end of this guide you will know all the top things to do in Annecy including the best places to eat and stay in Annecy as well as the most dog-friendly places, family friendly places, and most Instagrammable places too.

Located between the French Alps and Geneva, you can reach this beautiful destination in 8 hours from Calais by car, and the drive is so scenic that it will feel like part of your holiday.

Although it is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and watch the world go by, there are plenty of things to do in Annecy when you visit. However, we guarantee that you will spend most of your trip simply admiring your surroundings.

To give you more freedom and see all the places to visit in Annecy you want to see when you travel with your car, why not upgrade to one of our Flexi tickets when booking our ferries to France? Allowing you to take the scenic route home and not have to rush back, our Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi tickets gives you greater flexibility to your departure time!

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Annecy Old Town
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Eating in Annecy
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Lac d'Annecy
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Gardens in Annecy

Things to do in Annecy

Visit Annecy Old Town

One of the best places to visit in Annecy and one of the most popular parts of the city to visit is its Old Town. When you see how picturesque it is you will understand why. The whole area is pedestrianised so you can explore the narrow streets and crooked alleyways with ease, and you’ll soon notice the unusual combination of medieval buildings and pastel coloured homes which make this place so unique. Here its natural landscapes amongst a mixture of medieval buildings and pastel colours makes it one of the beautiful places in Annecy to visit, something which the whole family will enjoy.

Some of the best things to do in Annecy are free so why not take time to wander past lemon, pistachio, and rose facades, discover crumbling churches, and stumble across secret gardens, as there really is something amazing hidden around every corner in Annecy. Another fun thing to do in Annecy is going to see the Palais de l’Isle, a castle that sits on an island in the river.

Don’t forget to make your way to the Perrière Bridge which is the most photographed spot in Annecy, so why not enjoy the beauty of the city and visit the most instagrammable place in Annecy. The bridge crosses over the River Thiou connecting the Quai de I’lle with the Quai des Vielles Prisons and is the city’s most famous footbridge.

Best places to eat in Annecy

You will be spoilt for choice when trying to find pretty places to eat in Annecy as there are a number of lovely bistros and cozy cafés lining the waterways, many of which offer the chance to sit outside and eat when the weather allows.

Annecy delicacies include tartiflette, fondue, bilberry tart, and lavender ice cream, and as the city is located so near to Switzerland you will also find many Swiss specialties, including raclette, a round cheese which is warmed and served with dried meats, potatoes, gherkins, and pickled onions. So after visiting the many things to do and see in Annecy why not enjoy a variety of local delicacies too.

If you fancy cooking up a local treat or two for yourself, one of the best places to visit in Annecy is the outdoor market, where you can buy anything from garlic frog legs to cheese. The market also has a number of takeaway options for those on the go, such as sausages or stew.

Fun things to do in Annecy - Lac d’Annecy

A must do in Annecy is visiting the purest urban lake in Europe, the glacial Lac d’Annecy. Here this lake is protected by strict environmental guidelines which ensures that the water continues to look beautifully clean despite the number of people that spend time there.

With its mountain backdrop and mesmerizing azure water, this lake offers another perfect photo opportunity, making it one of the most instagrammable places in Annecy. You can choose to walk, cycle, or Segway around it to see as much as possible. Cyclists can travel around the lake using cycle paths which span 50km, and many like to have a dip in the water to cool off afterwards.

Those looking for something a bit more active, more unusual things to do in Annecy but adventurous and fun include paragliding, water-skiing, or wakeboarding on the lake, or you can opt for a luxurious boat ride if you’d prefer to just sit back and admire the view.

Top things to do in Annecy - Gardens in Annecy

Annecy boasts a number of gardens and green spaces where you can either walk or sit down and relax. The most famous gardens are the Jardins de l’Europe which face the lake and are home to plantations which are over 100 years old. As one of the most relaxing and free things to do in Annecy, you’ll often see painters here using the view to inspire them, and each year the park is home to the Little Lost Ball which is held under the trees.

The Paquier is the other green space where you might like to spend time. It is one of the best things to do in Annecy with kids as its seven hectares is home to an old carousel and a little train which kids will love, and it is the perfect place to have a picnic or play games.

You will be spoilt for choice when trying to find somewhere pretty to eat in Annecy as there are a number of lovely bistros and cosy cafés lining the waterways.

Places to stay in Annecy

After exploring all the fun things to do in Annecy, another important thing to think about when planning your trip to France is where you will stay. Annecy offers a variety of places to stay. For a picturesque, historic feel, the Old Town (Vieille Ville) is perfect, with its canals, charming streets, and close proximity to restaurants and shops. Families may prefer the Lakefront area, where you'll find scenic views, parks, and playgrounds along with family-friendly hotels. For a quieter, nature-filled stay, the Semnoz or Col de la Forclaz areas offer a more tranquil vibe, with easy access to outdoor activities and hiking trails. The Cran-Gevrier area is ideal for budget-friendly options while still being close to the city centre.

FAQs:

1. What to do in Annecy?

There are plenty of activities to enjoy and places to visit in Annecy which are suitable for all ages. Whether you explore the Old Town and its medieval streets, visit the Chateau D’Annecy to overlook the town, or you enjoy a boat tour on Lake Annecy. With plenty of cycle routes in and around Annecy, why not travel with your bike and make the most of the scenic views around you. Travelling with a bike couldn’t be easier with P&O Ferries. Learn more about the passenger information you need to know when you travel with bikes on our Dover to Calais ferry.

2. Where is Annecy?

Annecy is located in the Eastern part of France within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Sitting at the edge of Lake Annecy and surrounded by the Alps, it is about 700 kilometres from Calais’ port, its scenic views make the perfect French road trip. Why not make the most of the journey and visit all the things to do around Annecy to break out the journey and see more of what France has to offer.

3. What to see in Annecy?

There are a lot of places to see in Annecy, some of the biggest must-see attractions include: exploring the Old Town, The Chateau D’Annecy, The Palais de L’Isle as well as the stunning views and landscapes surrounding the town. With so much natural beauty around finding the most Instagrammable places in Annecy really isn’t hard to find.

4. Where to stay in Annecy?

There are lots of places to stay in Annecy depending on the experience you are seeking. For a scenic and historic vibe, the Old Town (Vieille Ville) is ideal, offering charming streets, canals, and close proximity to attractions like the Château d'Annecy and restaurants. Families might prefer staying near Lake Annecy, where you can enjoy outdoor activities, parks, and lakefront views. If you're looking for a more tranquil experience, the Semnoz area offers quiet, nature-filled accommodations with stunning mountain views. Why not treat yourself to a bit of luxury and treat yourself to a more relaxing place to stay for the perfect night’s sleep and start treating yourself early by booking onto our Club Lounge and start your trip to France as you mean to go on.

5. What to do around Annecy?

Whilst driving to Annecy there are lots of things to do on the way. You can explore more of Lake Annecy with boat tours, cycling, and hiking, or visit the picturesque Gorges du Fier or hike up Semnoz for panoramic views of the Alps. For outdoor enthusiasts, La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand provide skiing and hiking opportunities year-round.

6. Where are the dog-friendly places in Annecy?

Annecy is known for offering many places that welcome pets. Here you can take your dog for a walk around Lake Annecy or in a variety of cafes and restaurants in the Old Town offering outdoor seating. Several hotels are also pet-friendly. For more information visit our Dogs-Ahoy page where you provide you with all the pet-friendly places to go in Annecy and beyond. At P&O we don’t want any members of the family to miss out on the fun, that’s why our pet-friendly ferries to France offer pet lounges so everyone can relax on our Dover to Calais crossing, even your furry friends.

With many places to visit in Annecy we don’t think that you will find anywhere as pretty as Annecy in Europe, so book your Dover to Calais crossing today and see if you agree with us.

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