Annecy, a jewel between lake and mountains
Annecy, nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps,” is a picturesque town located on the shore of one of the purest lakes in Europe, nestled in a setting of majestic mountains. With its canals crossing the old town, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Annecy is an ideal destination for holidaymakers seeking nature, adventure, and discovery.
In addition to our article What to visit in Annecy, here is an introduction to the town.
Contents
1. Geographical location
2. History and heritage
3. Cultural facilities
4. Cultural events
5. Must-see places to visit in the town or nearby
6. Top-rated hotels
7. Some must-visit restaurants
8. Sports activities in Annecy
9. Unusual activities
10. Natural heritage
11. School groups
12. Town 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 shores of Lake Annecy, the town is surrounded by mountains such as the Tournette, Semnoz and the Aravis, offering an exceptional natural setting. This ideal location allows visitors to enjoy both the water pleasures of the lake and mountain activities all year round.
The town of Annecy had approximately 131,715 inhabitants in 2021, called Annéciens and Annéciennes. It has been part of the Grand Annecy metropolitan area since 2017, which has around 215,286 inhabitants (in 2023), spread over 34 municipalities.
History and heritage of the town
The history of Annecy dates back to Roman times, but it was in the Middle Ages that the town really flourished by becoming the capital of the Counts of Geneva.
Annecy is famous for its rich heritage, notably 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 Château d’Annecy, former residence of the Counts of Geneva, overlooking the town.
The Basilica of the Visitation, built in the 20th century, is another point of interest with its breathtaking view of the lake and the town.
Cultural facilities
The Museum-Castle of Annecy
The museum, housed 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 arthouse movies, in a comfortable setting.
The Bonlieu Theater
Located in the heart of the town, this theater hosts dance performances, plays, and concerts all year round.
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 cinema enthusiasts every year.
- The Fête du Lac: Every summer, except in 2024 due to the Olympics, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the sky above the lake, attracting thousands of visitors.
- The Return of the Alpine Pastures: A traditional festival celebrating costumes, music, and trades of yesteryear, held on the second Saturday of October.
- The Noctibules: A street art festival with nighttime shows across the town.
- The Venetian Carnival: Featuring sumptuous costumes and masks, reminiscent of Venice.
- And many more…
Must-see places to visit in the town or nearby
Lake Annecy
One of the cleanest lakes in Europe, offering beaches, water activities, and walking trails all around.
To read: Lake Annecy in detail: activities, beaches, hikes →
The Palais de l’Isle
A former medieval prison located on a small island in the middle of the river, now a museum recounting the town’s history.
The Château d’Annecy
Perched on the heights of the town, this medieval castle offers a stunning view of Annecy and houses a museum.
The Basilica of the Visitation
A majestic building located on the heights of the town, offering a panoramic view of Annecy and its lake.
The Semnoz
This mountain near the town 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 range of accommodations for all budgets. Here are some of the best hotels in town, as well as our selection:
Impérial Palace
An iconic 4-star hotel on the lakefront with a 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 lakeshore.
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: See website
Hôtel Beauregard
Located close to the lake, this hotel offers a warm and family 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 enjoy 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 regional 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 fine 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 activities in Annecy
Annecy is a paradise for sports lovers, offering a wide range of activities throughout the year.
- Hiking: Many trails surround the town, especially in the nearby mountains like Semnoz or Tournette, offering breathtaking panoramas.
- Water sports: Lake Annecy is an ideal place to practice sailing, paddleboarding, canoe-kayaking, or even diving.
- Cycling: Annecy has several bike paths, including one along the lake, perfect for family rides or for more experienced cyclists.
- Skiing: In winter, Semnoz and the nearby ski resorts offer slopes for all levels, from beginner to expert.
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 altitude and admire Annecy and its mountains from the sky.
- Escape Game: A fun activity par excellence, come live thrilling stories in total immersion during an escape game in Annecy.
Natural heritage
The town 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 a deep 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.
- The Semnoz: a mountain easily accessible from Annecy, very popular for walks, hiking, and winter sports.
- The Tournette: with its 2,351 meters altitude, it is one of the highest peaks around Annecy and offers quite a challenging 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 east bank of Lake Annecy, it offers hiking trails through varied vegetation, with limestone cliffs offering splendid views of the lake.
- The Bout du Lac Nature Reserve: at the southern end 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 that cross the old town. These canals, fed by springs and rivers coming from the mountains, add to the picturesque charm of the town.
The Bauges Massif Regional Natural Park
Annecy is located near this park, which is a true biodiversity haven. It hosts a great diversity of fauna and flora, as well as many hiking trails to discover preserved landscapes.
Annecy’s natural heritage is thus marked by a strong presence of water, mountains, and preserved nature, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor activities.
School groups
Annecy has several educational establishments, including:
- Lycée Gabriel Fauré
- Lycée Berthollet
- Collège Raoul Blanchard
- École élémentaire Quai Jules Philippe
- École élémentaire Saint-Michel
Town markets
- Old Town Market: Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Place Notre-Dame and surroundings. Local specialties and fresh products. It is certainly the liveliest and most touristy market in Savoie.
- Novel Market: Thursday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., 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 town and surrounding municipalities. Shuttles are available for main tourist destinations.
- Vélonecy: A bike rental service that allows easy transportation throughout the town.
- Trains: Annecy station offers direct connections to Lyon, Paris, and Geneva.
Town hall
Address: Hôtel de Ville, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 4 50 33 88 88
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. / 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Lake Annecy Tourist Office
The Tourist Office provides information to discover the town and Lake Annecy, its cultural and heritage riches, sports activities, markets…
The Tourist Office offers the following services:
– Free WIFI,
– brochures on tourist sites to discover,
– sale of hiking books (IGN maps, Haute-Savoie on foot…),
– sale of posters and the Annecy souvenir medal from the Monnaie de Paris,
– sale of bus cards for the SIBRA network,
Throughout the year, many ticket offices for shows, concerts, lake cruises, coach excursions in the region, discovery of Annecy on panoramic bus tours…
- 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 resort with slopes for all levels.
- La Clusaz: 40 km away, famous for its extensive ski area and panoramic views.
- Semnoz: 20 km away, ideal for a day of skiing close to town.
- Manigod: 35 km away, a small charming resort, perfect for family skiing.
Some ideas for walks in Annecy and the surroundings
- What to visit in Annecy?
- Lake Annecy
- Discover Annecy and its metropolitan area
- Free flight map around Annecy
Article mis à jour le 21 August 2026