Annecy, a jewel between lake and mountains
Annecy, nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps,” is a picturesque town located on the edge of one of the purest lakes in Europe, nestled in a setting of majestic mountains. With its canals running through the old town, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Annecy is an ideal destination for holidaymakers seeking nature, adventure, and discoveries.
In addition to our article What to visit in Annecy, here is a presentation of the city.
Contents
1. Geographical location
2. History and heritage
3. Cultural facilities
4. Cultural events
5. Must-see places to visit in the city or nearby
6. Top-rated hotels
7. Some must-visit restaurants
8. Sports in Annecy
9. Unusual activities
10. Natural heritage
11. School groups
12. City markets
13. Public transport
14. Town Hall
15. Skiing nearby
Geographical location
Annecy is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in Haute-Savoie, about 40 km south of Geneva and 100 km from Lyon. Nestled on the shore of the Lake Annecy, the city is surrounded by mountains such as la Tournette, Semnoz, and the Aravis, offering an exceptional natural setting. This ideal location allows visitors to enjoy both the water activities of the lake and mountain activities throughout the year.
The city of Annecy has approximately 131,715 inhabitants in 2021, known as Annéciens and Annéciennes. It has been part of the Grand Annecy urban area since 2017, which includes around 215,286 inhabitants (in 2023) spread across 34 communes.
History and heritage of the city
The history of Annecy dates back to Roman times, but it was in the Middle Ages that the city truly flourished by becoming the capital of the Counts of Geneva.
Annecy is famous for its rich heritage, particularly with iconic monuments such as the Palais de l’Isle, a former prison shaped like a boat in the middle of the Thiou river, and the Annecy Castle, former residence of the Counts of Geneva, overlooking the city.
The Basilica of the Visitation, built in the 20th century, is another point of interest with its breathtaking view over the lake and the city.
Cultural facilities
The Annecy Museum-Castle
The museum, located in the castle, offers collections of ancient and modern art, archaeology, and animated cinema.
The Pathé Annecy Cinema
A modern complex offering a wide selection of films, from blockbusters to art house, in a comfortable setting.
The Bonlieu Theater
Located in the heart of the city, this theater hosts dance performances, plays, and concerts throughout the year.
The Bonlieu Media Library
This dynamic cultural space offers thousands of books, DVDs, and other media, with exhibitions and workshops for all.
Cultural events
Annecy offers a multitude of cultural events throughout the year:
- The International Animation Film Festival: Famous worldwide, it attracts professionals and animation film enthusiasts every year.
- The Lake Festival: Every summer, except in 2024 due to the Olympics, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the sky over the lake, attracting thousands of visitors.
- The Return of the Alpine Pastures: A traditional festival celebrating costumes, music, and trades of the past, taking place on the second Saturday of October.
- The Noctibules: A street arts festival with nighttime performances across the city.
- The Venetian Carnival: Featuring sumptuous costumes and masks reminiscent of Venice.
- And many more…
Must-see places to visit in the city or nearby
The Lake Annecy
One of the cleanest lakes in Europe, offering beaches, water activities, and walking trails all around.
The Palais de l’Isle
A former medieval prison located on a small island in the middle of the river, it is now a museum retracing the city’s history.
Annecy Castle
Perched on the heights of the city, this medieval castle offers an amazing view over Annecy and houses a museum.
The Basilica of the Visitation
A majestic building located on the city’s heights, offering a panoramic view of Annecy and its lake.
The Semnoz
This mountain near the city is ideal for hiking in summer and skiing in winter, with slopes for beginners.
See other must-see places to visit in Haute-Savoie
Top-rated hotels
Annecy offers a wide variety of accommodations for all budgets. Here are some of the best hotels in the city, along with our selection:
Impérial Palace
An iconic 4-star hotel on the lakeside with spa, casino, and gourmet restaurants.
Address: Allée de l’Impérial, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 09 30 00
Website: https://www.hotel-imperial-palace.com/
Le Splendid Hôtel
Located downtown, this hotel offers modern rooms with views of the lake and mountains.
Address: 4 Quai Eustache Chappuis, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 10 15 66
Website: https://www.hotel-annecy-lac.fr/
Les Trésoms Lake & Spa Resort
Charming hotel with spa, pool, and gourmet restaurant, nestled on the lakeside.
Address: 15 Boulevard de la Corniche, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 51 43 84
Website: https://www.lestresoms.com/
Hôtel du Palais de l’Isle
Charming hotel in the old town, offering a historic setting with picturesque views over the canals.
Address: 13 Rue Perrière, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 45 86 87
Website: Visit the website
Hôtel Beauregard
Located immediately near the lake, this hotel offers a warm and family-friendly atmosphere.
Address: 691 Route d’Albertville, 74320 Sévrier
Phone: +33 4 50 52 40 59
Website: https://www.hotel-beauregard.com/
Our selection
Some must-visit restaurants
Annecy is also known for its gastronomy, with many restaurants where you can taste Savoyard specialties.
Le Clos des Sens
Starred restaurant offering refined cuisine with local products.
Price range: €€€€
Address: 13 Rue Jean Mermoz, 74940 Annecy-le-Vieux
Phone: +33 4 50 23 07 90
Website: http://www.leclosdessens.com
La Boussole
This restaurant offers inventive cuisine in a warm setting, with international influences.
Price range: €€
Address: 2 Quai Perrière, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 51 07 80
Le Freti
Specializing in fondues and raclettes, Le Freti is the ideal place to taste typical local dishes.
Price range: €€
Address: 12 Rue Sainte-Claire, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 51 29 52
La Ciboulette
A gourmet restaurant offering elegant and flavorful dishes in an intimate setting.
Price range: €€€
Address: 10 Rue Vaugelas, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 45 74 15
Brasserie Saint-Maurice
Traditional French restaurant with a nice selection of regional dishes and a pleasant terrace.
Price range: €€
Address: 9 Rue de la Gare, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 45 10 11
Sports in Annecy
Annecy is a paradise for sports enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities throughout the year.
- Hiking: Many trails surround the city, especially on the nearby mountains such as Semnoz or la Tournette, offering breathtaking panoramas.
- Water sports: Lake Annecy is an ideal place for sailing, paddleboarding, canoeing, or diving.
- Cycling: Annecy has several bike paths, including one along the lake, perfect for family rides or more experienced cyclists.
- Skiing: In winter, Semnoz and nearby ski resorts offer slopes for all levels, from beginners to experts.
Unusual activities
- Paragliding initiation: Fly over the lake and mountains for a unique and unforgettable experience.
- Ice diving: In winter, discover the fascinating world beneath the ice of Lake Annecy, accompanied by professionals.
- Canyoning: Explore the surrounding gorges and waterfalls by canyoning in nearby waterways.
- Hot air balloon: Gain height and admire Annecy and its mountains from the air.
- Escape Game: A fun activity par excellence, come live thrilling stories in total immersion during an escape game in Annecy.
Natural heritage
The city of Annecy, located in the heart of the Alps, is renowned for its exceptional natural heritage. Here are some key elements of this heritage:
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy is one of the purest in Europe, with its crystal-clear waters of intense blue. It is surrounded by mountains, offering magnificent panoramas. The lake is a privileged place for many outdoor activities such as swimming, sailing, paddleboarding, or scuba diving.
The surrounding mountains
Annecy is nestled between several mountain ranges, notably the Bauges massif and the Aravis mountains. These mountains are ideal for hiking, climbing, skiing, and offer spectacular views of the region.
- Semnoz: a mountain easily accessible from Annecy, very popular for walks, hiking, and winter sports.
- La Tournette: at 2,351 meters altitude, it is one of the highest peaks around Annecy and offers a fairly difficult hike, but the view from the summit is breathtaking.
Natural reserves
The Annecy region is home to several protected areas:
- The Roc de Chère Nature Reserve: located on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy, it offers hiking trails through varied vegetation, with limestone cliffs providing splendid views over the lake.
- The Bout du Lac Nature Reserve: at the southern tip of the lake, this wetland area is a refuge for many animal and plant species and can be explored via an educational trail.
Rivers and canals
Annecy is nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps" because of its canals running through the old town. These canals, fed by springs and rivers from the mountains, add to the picturesque charm of the city.
The Bauges Regional Natural Park
Annecy is located close to this natural park, which is a true haven of biodiversity. It hosts a great diversity of fauna and flora, as well as numerous hiking trails to discover preserved landscapes.
The natural heritage of Annecy is thus marked by a strong presence of water, mountains, and preserved nature, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor activity enthusiasts.
School groups
Annecy has several educational institutions, including:
- Gabriel Fauré High School
- Berthollet High School
- Raoul Blanchard Middle School
- Quai Jules Philippe Elementary School
- Saint-Michel Elementary School
City markets
- Old Town Market: Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday from 7 am to 1 pm, Place Notre-Dame and surroundings. Local specialties and fresh products. It is probably the liveliest and most touristic market in Savoie.
- Novel Market: Thursday from 7 am to 1 pm, Avenue de France. Popular market with regional products and clothing.
See other markets in Haute-Savoie
Public transport
Annecy is well served by public transport:
- SIBRA: The bus network covers the entire city and surrounding communes. Shuttles are available for main tourist destinations.
- Vélonecy: A bike rental service that allows easy travel throughout the city.
- Trains: Annecy station offers direct connections to Lyon, Paris, and Geneva.
Town Hall
Address: City Hall, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 33 88 88
Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 12 pm / 1:30 pm - 5 pm
Lake Annecy Tourist Office
The Tourist Office informs you to discover the city and Lake Annecy, its cultural and heritage richness, its sports activities, its markets...
The Tourist Office offers the following services:
- Free WIFI,
- brochures on tourist sites to discover,
- sale of hiking books (IGN map, Haute-Savoie on foot...),
- sale of posters and the Annecy souvenir medal from the Paris Mint,
- sale of bus tickets for the SIBRA network,
Throughout the year, many ticket offices for shows, concerts, lake cruises, coach excursions in the region, discovery of Annecy by panoramic bus...
- Address: 1 rue Jean Jaurès, Centre Bonlieu, Annecy
- Access: SIBRA bus stop: Bonlieu - SIBRA bus lines: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15
- Phone: 04 50 45 00 33
- Website: Access the website
- Languages spoken: Italian, German, English, Spanish, French, Russian
Skiing nearby
Here are some ski resorts near Annecy:
- Le Grand-Bornand: 35 km away, a family-friendly resort with slopes for all levels.
- La Clusaz: 40 km away, famous for its extensive ski domain and panoramic views.
- Semnoz: 20 km away, ideal for a day of skiing close to the city.
- Manigod: 35 km away, a charming small resort, perfect for family skiing.