Annecy is known as the Pearl of the French Alps. It’s the largest city of the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region of Southeastern France. It’s just across the border from Geneva and lies in the northern tip of Lake Annecy, against a majestic Alpine backdrop.

What to do in Annecy?

Annecy has earned the reputation as “Ville d’Art”, and you can see why by strolling through the old town or “Vieille Ville” where you can find 21 historical monuments. Annecy is also playing host to the Annual International Animated Film Festival in June.

The Vieille Ville

The medieval core on the Thiou River is really charming. Canals and arcaded pedestrian streets trimmed with pretty flowers attract tourists from all over the world.  On Tuesdays, the food market in the heart of the old center adds colors and animations to the quaint town. On Friday and Saturday mornings, there are more products such as handicrafts added to the Old Town market…

In front of the city hall, you can find the Jardins de l’Europe. It’s a wonderful place to sit down on a bench and feast your eyes on the lake and the peaks beyond.

Palais de l’Ile

On Pont Perrière, you have a great view of this fortified palace in the middle of the Thiou. It was built in the 1100s, and throughout the centuries, this palace became a prison, a home for veterans, a warehouse. Now it’s the venue to exhibit Annecy’s architecture and heritage.

Lake Annecy and Pont des Amours

The Lake Annecy is known as one of the clearest lakes in France, and it’s wonderful to walk along its banks, go on a boat ride, or even hire a kayak.

There are many picturesque bridges in Annecy, such as Pont des Amours over the Vasse canal and connects the Jardins de l’Europe with the Jacquet Promenade, with gorgeous views of the lake and mountains.

Shop Splash Wines’ Curated Cases with selections starting at $105

Legend has it that if a couple kisses on this bridge, their love will last forever…

If you have an extra day to spend in Annecy, you can plan a visit to Chateau d’Annecy, Chateau de Montrottier, and the Gorges du Fier.

Annecy for Foodies

Annecy is blessed with many artisanal shops, cheese and charcuterie shops, bakeries, chocolates shops and ice cream parlors offering delicious, authentic products.

Philippe Rigollot, who won the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France, France’s most prestigious craftsmen award has a pastry shop tucked under a building in Place Georges Volland.

You could spend hours browsing around the food shops, sipping coffee or enjoying a glass of wine at one of the many cafes…

One of the traditional ice cream parlors offers 70 flavors!

There are many charming restaurants along the canals where you can enjoy delicious French gastronomy

Annecy is famous for cheese dishes, like Tartiflette, Fondue Savoyarde, Raclette, Crozets, and Diots…

Burgundy (Bourgogne) which is North of the Rhone-Alpes region where Annecy is located has influenced the local cuisine. There are many restaurants in Annecy specialized in Boeuf Bourguignon: https://restaurantguru.com/boeuf-bourguignon-Annecy-m6982

Please check my Boeuf Bourguignon recipe here…

Are you planning a trip to France? A great itinerary would include Burgundy and Rhone-Alpes regions…

We hope you love the products we recommend. Just so you know we may collect a compensation from the affiliate links on this page if you decide to shop from them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.