Everyone has heard of Lake Annecy. But this gorgeous little pearl of the Alps isn't the only treasure to be discovered in this must-see town in Haute-Savoie. Castles, canals and other parks have 1001 surprises in store for you. Enjoying Annecy to the full, whether for a romantic weekend or a family getaway, doesn't happen in just a few hours! Find out what to do in Annecy over a 2- or 3-day weekend.
Day 1: Palais de l'Isle and Château d'Annecy
Full of color and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Annecy, nicknamed "the Pearl of the Alps", is just waiting to reveal its treasures. Your weekend in Annecy begins in the old town, a magnificently preserved witness to the past. A city of art and history, Annecy boasts a rich heritage, sprinkled with numerous annual festivities.
Morning: Palais de l'Isle and a stroll through the old town
Put the car down and set off to discover Annecy's old town, where the treasures of the past are just waiting to amaze you. The picturesque charm of the narrow streets immediately immerses the curious visitor in the typical atmosphere of Annecy, whose canals lined with colorful buildings delight the senses. A boat trip on the Thiou canal is a bucolic way to discover colorful Annecy and its 1001 wonders. You can also book a guided walking tour to discover Annecy's history and some of the old town's most unusual spots.
One of Annecy's must-see weekend attractions is, of course, the Palais de l'Isle, standing proudly in the canal. With its rich and eventful history, it is now mainly used as an exhibition space. However, it is possible to visit its old prisons: an unusual visit lasting around an hour, 100% recommended! Nearby, let yourself be carried away by the magic of the Pont des Amours. It is to Annecy what the Pont des Arts is to Paris: a moment of pure bucolic magic! Annecy is one of the most beautiful places to visit in spring, when nature comes back to life. The already colorful town is adorned with 1001 flowers, each more colorful than the last. From the Pont des Amours, the view is more magical than ever!
It's time to relax in a good local restaurant, or treat yourself to an enchanting picnic at the Jardins de l'Europe.
Afternoon: the Château d'Annecy and its must-see religious buildings
After a fine meal in Annecy, head for the medieval Château overlooking the city. Unsurprisingly, it's one of the 17 must-see things to do in Annecy over a weekend. Pushing open the doors of this historic monument leads to the discovery of fascinating exhibitions. At the heart of this jewel of heritage, now a château-museum, you'll combine the discovery of the past with a "cultural moment". Allow around an hour for this tour, which gives you plenty of time to visit some of Annecy's must-see religious buildings. There's a wide choice to choose from:
- saint-Pierre Cathedral,
- notre-Dame de Liesse church,
- the Basilique de la Visitation (not far from the château),
- saint-Maurice church,
- saint-François de Salles church.
Let yourself be guided by the mood of the moment, as you discover the old town. You can also book this guided Segway tour of Annecy to discover all the city's must-see places.
Day 2: Lake Annecy, Annecy's must-see weekend destination
Is the second day of your weekend in Annecy a Sunday? Start it off at the Rue Sainte-Claire market! Stock up on local produce and gourmet souvenirs, before heading off to the pearl of Annecy.
Morning: a magical lake for family relaxation
After your stroll around the local market, head for a must-see part of your weekend in Annecy: its famous lake! In fine weather, its beautiful emerald green/blue color is a pure delight for the senses. The enchanting scenery, with its lush greenery, mountains and crystal-clear oasis, offers you a day of total change of scenery. While the lake is a pleasant place to stroll around, it's also a great place to spend the day, with so many activities on offer. A boat trip or a stand-up paddle outing on Lake Annecy will delight young and old alike.
Fancy doing nothing? Simply enjoy one of the lake's beautiful beaches, including the Plage de l'Impérial, ideal for children, with its water attractions. The Marquisats, Albigny and Sévrier beaches are also great for relaxing.
Afternoon: around Lake Annecy
After a picnic by the lake, or a fine meal in one of the lakeside restaurants - such as Comptoir du Lac - set off to explore the surrounding area. With nature as your theme, it's sure to be a magical day. The mosaic of colors shimmering on the lake from various vantage points will leave you with lasting memories. Travel photo enthusiasts, get ready to rock the Insta-sphere! The area around Lake Annecy can be explored by bike or, very conveniently, by taking the free shuttle bus in summer. It takes curious visitors to Saint-Jorioz and the lake's eco-museum, to name but a few. On the other side of the lake, the Angon waterfall provides an enchanting backdrop for a leisurely stroll, while the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard reveals itself to history buffs. And why not end the day with a round of golf, in a setting more exceptional than ever?
Day 3: Fairytale hikes around Annecy
Nature in all its splendor awaits you around Annecy. Whether on foot, donkey, horseback or mountain bike, there's a whole host of wonderful walks to choose from. We particularly recommend this electric mountain bike excursion , which will take you through the magnificent Semnoz forest, a veritable "coulé verte" that starts at 1700m altitude and ends at the edge of Annecy's old town.
Morning: hiking or paragliding, the best things to do in Annecy over the weekend
After a good night's sleep in the heart of the Alps, your morning begins with a hike around Annecy. The surrounding mountains, such as La Tournette, Le Parmelan, Mont Veyrier and Le Taillefer, are perfect spots to discover Annecy from the air, offering exceptional panoramic views along the way. The Col de la Forclaz, with its panoramic view of the Alps, is a perfect example. It's also a popular spot for paragliding enthusiasts: hear, hear!
Afternoon: a relaxing family outing
Your last afternoon is an opportunity to take a leisurely stroll along the educational trail of the Bout-du-Lac nature reserve in Doussard, less than 20 km from Annecy. Children and parents alike will delight in the rich biodiversity preserved between wet meadows, forests and peat bogs. This rejuvenating waterside experience is the perfect end to a holiday that's all about getting away from it all!
Where to stay in Annecy? Our selection of the best hotels
Annecy's old town, with its many points of interest, lies between the Parc des Enfants on Ile Saint-Joseph and the Jardins de l'Europe. It's the ideal area to spend your vacation! Or would you prefer the bewitching charm of the shores of Lake Annecy?
- The best value for money
Take out your compass and steer a course for the Hôtel du Nord, a charming 2-star hotel at an affordable price , which you can book right here. The cosy rooms provide a pleasant cocoon for visitors looking for a peaceful change of scenery in Annecy.
- The best location
Right in the heart of Annecy, you'll find the Icone Hotel, an establishment offering services that are as high quality as they are affordable. Located in the historic center, it offers easy access to the castle, the lake and the train station. The owner's warm welcome is a welcome bonus! Click here to to book your stay in just a few clicks.
- The most bucolic
Here's the perfect address for a Valentine's weekend getaway in Annecy! At Hôtel Les Terrasses, you'll enjoy comfortable rooms and communal areas, but that's not all! Right in the heart of the city, you'll have the chance to enjoy lunch outside, in an enchanting setting of lush greenery. Don't you just love the romantic atmosphere? It's pure enchantment and a real "coup de coeur"! then click here for rates and availability!
Against all odds, Annecy is one of the ideal destinations for a cheap weekend break in France. Hotels here are as affordable as they are pleasant. More adventurous in spirit? Treat yourself to one of France's most unusual accommodations: a night on a cliffside above Lake Annecy. We call it portaledge: will you try one of the most unusual activities in the world?
What to do with the family on a weekend in Annecy?
Of course, the superb lake, with its many leisure activities, is one of the places to go when you visit Annecy for a weekend with children. The beaches offer great family fun, with swimming, boat trips and other water sports. How about a bike ride around the lake? Combining relaxation and sporting activities with your children is the perfect way to create lasting family memories!
Children and parents can also enjoy a trip on the Thiou in a small boat. It's a great way to show children around a town, without making them feel tired or bored. The La Grande Jeanne animal park is another point of interest not to be overlooked when visiting Annecy with the family. Here, free of charge, deer roam freely, offering families the chance to immerse themselves in nature, up close and personal with the animals.
Travelling at the end of August? The whole family can enjoy the Festival du Lac, with its dazzling fireworks display! If you're visiting Annecy in winter, the Morzine ski resort is your ideal base. With its "Famille Plus Montagne" label, it's ideal for children.
Always dazzling, Annecy can be visited in summer as well as spring. Even more surprisingly, autumn is an ideal time to visit Annecy, when the area around the lake takes on a natural look of reds, ochres and yellows. A pure wonder! Accessible by train from Paris in less than 4 hours, this Alpine jewel never ceases to amaze. And while Annecy is an ideal destination for romantic and family weekends, it's also the perfect place to organize a memorable EVJF! Annecy is one of the trendiest destinations of 2024: don't hesitate, discover the Pearl of the Alps without moderation.
