Annecy owes its nickname of "Pearl of the Alps" to its exceptional location, at the foot of the Semnoz mountain, on the shores of Lake Annecy, with an exceptional panoramic view of the lake and the mountains of the Bauges and Aravis massifs. A magnificent photograph, worthy of the most beautiful postcards! Above all, it is a perfect gateway to go and put on your skis and enjoy the superb winter sports resorts of the area.
Annecy, "the little Venice
Very popular with visitors, Annecy is nicknamed "Little Venice" with its canals and sluices, built and designed by the engineer Sadi-Carnot in 1874 and which regulate the course of the Thiou and the level of its famous lake. Bordered by reed beds and wooden pontoons, dotted with boats, Lake Annecy is a jewel where the mountains are reflected. The Palais de l'Isle, built on a natural island, is one of the most photographed monuments of the old Annecy and the castle which overhangs it offers one of the best panoramas on the city.
You should then stroll through its cobbled streets, cross the small bridges over the canal, browse through old buildings and tempting shops and stop in the good restaurants of the city. Because the Haute-Savoie savoir-vivre is above all expressed in the dishes! One can appreciate a local cuisine served on wooden tables covered with red and white checkered tablecloths. Watered down with local wines, the mountain charcuterie slowly smoked in the drying rooms of the high altitude chalets and the platters of alpine cheeses are enough to make us happy. But in a less caloric version, there are also the local fish: the river trout in all its states, meunière, with blue cheese, green sauce, with almonds. The large lake trout is prepared stuffed or in soufflé. The lavaret is served whole with butter or in a filet with sorrel... Its cousin the féra, plump like a small lake salmon, is presented in a fillet, flaky or in a crust. But the king of local gastronomy remains the Arctic char, the jewel of Lake Annecy. Very popular, the small fried fish just lemony remains the emblematic dish to share with friends.
After these sweet excesses, it will be time to go to the winter sports resorts of the area. They are numerous, famous and each one, according to its desires, will be able to find its happiness there.
Megève, the pioneer ski resort
Located at the junction of the Val d'Arly and the Sallanches basin, Megève was one of the first international winter sports resorts in Haute-Savoie. This authentic mountain village, which has become one of the most exclusive resorts in the Alps (along with Courchevel), has managed to preserve its initial charm by combining the harmony of its typical architectural style - despite the outdated image of sleighs and carriages for chic customers and the flashy décor of luxury stores - with the authenticity of its landscape. You can discover it at the bend of a rustic alley, a steep ascent or from a stone bridge under which a torrent rumbles through a preserved nature.
Megeve can be enjoyed in winter, with the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area which links Saint-Gervais, Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce, Combloux... Here, the great names of skiing have been known: Emile Allais, Adrien Duvillard ... They have contributed to making Megeve a renowned alpine resort. And the mountain activities, golf on snow, polo, field hockey, dog sledding ..., on the field of Mont-d'Arbois and Rochebrune, are varied.
And if Megève, in high season, may seem a little "pretentious", let yourself be surprised (a few addresses at reasonable rates) by the authenticity and charm, under the worldly veneer, of a village that cares about its environment.
Avoriaz, the authentic ski resort
On a plateau facing south, in the heart of the immense Portes du Soleil domain (between France and Switzerland), the resort ofAvoriaz, at an altitude of 1,800 meters, dominates the Morzine valley. Its wood and stone architecture, with sloping roofs, blends in perfectly with the natural surroundings. A preserved site forbidden to cars! In summer, you can get around on foot, by bike or rollerblade... in complete safety on the paths that wind through the resort, or even by small train. In winter, horse-drawn carriages replace cabs and the paths become toboggan runs! This integrated resort is unique and has a strong architectural personality that has earned it a place in the inventory of 20th century heritage in the Rhône-Alpes region. Since last winter, an igloo village located on the Arare offers unusual moments in the sculpted cave, around the ice bar, or for a dinner and a night in the ice hotel.
La Clusaz, the gourmet ski resort
Gourmets will climb to La Clusaz to discover Savoyard specialties. Indeed, the resort is the cradle of the Reblochon cheese, a treasure of our gastronomic heritage, which benefits from an AOC since 1958. At the end of a busy day of skiing, what a pleasure it is to go and discover one of the many farms in the resort! The visit will end with a tasting session which, once your palate is awakened, will make you want to go to one of the excellent restaurants in the resort. For a delicious moment, head for the Confins plateau and its breathtaking panorama. Above the snow-covered lake surrounded by a majestic circus of mountains, Le Chalet du Lac will welcome you with simplicity, in a timeless atmosphere, to enjoy a pan of caillons or a chicken with three vinegars. In the city center, you can head to La Scierie for a lamb mouse or a tartiflette, around a large fireplace.
Morzine, the family ski resort
To please the whole tribe, Morzine, labeled "Famille Plus Montagne", has been able to equip itself with remarkable infrastructures, adapted to all ages and all desires. The youngest will go sledding, while the older ones will perfect their skills on skis, before trying laser biathlon, bubble soccer, snowmobiling, Nordic courses... And you can even try an escape game with friends. During your well-deserved rest periods, you can visit the cheese factory or the barn in the village of Les Nants with your charming little ones. As for skiing, the Portes du Soleil ski area, which links Morzine, Avoriaz and many other resorts in the Chablais massif, will delight the most demanding holidaymakers.
Smart info
When to visit? Annecy can be enjoyed all year round. For the resorts, the season generally opens the weekend before Christmas and closes in early or mid-April.
How to get there. By car, by plane (Annecy airport) or by train (direction Annecy or Albertville).
Find your flight at the best price - Compare
Rent your car at the best price - Compare
Useful. To prepare your trip in the best way.
SAVOIE MONT BLANC - More information on the website
Book your accommodation at the best conditions - Compare
Find a cultural or sport activity - Find
Get a tailor-made trip with a local agency - Request a free quote
