- Day 1: old town + lake + Savoyard dinner.
- Day 2: hiking in the mountains + excursion to the Gorges du Fier or Col de la Forclaz.
- Do you have 3 days? Add Talloires, Duingt, and Menthon-Saint-Bernard for an unforgettable tour of the lake.
A weekend in Annecy is well deserved: and needs preparation. The town is small, but it concentrates an absurd amount of things to see: medieval alleys, turquoise lake waters, mountains within reach. In 2 well-organized days, you will see the essentials. In 3, you will fall in love.
Day 1: Old town, lake, and gastronomy
Morning: dive into the old town
Start early. From 8:30 AM, the cobbled alleys of the old town still belong only to the bakers and the cats. That’s where the magic happens: before the terraces fill up and selfies in front of the Palais de l’Île multiply.
The Palais de l’Île, precisely: this old fortified house from the 12th century seems to literally float on the Thiou canal. Impossible to walk past without taking out your phone. Inside, the museum traces the local history and medieval architecture of Annecy: count on 45 minutes for the visit.
On Saturday mornings, don’t miss the old town market. Cheeses from Savoie, cold cuts, mountain honey, flowers… It’s noisy, colorful, and smells wonderful. A good chance to pick up some supplies for a picnic on the lake shores a little later.
Afternoon: the lake, finally
After lunch: a terrace in the old town or a sandwich from the market: head to the lake shores. The Promenade du Paquier runs along the banks for several kilometers, between gardens, fountains, and breathtaking views of the mountains. Cross the Pont des Amours (yes, you have to go there), then let yourself be carried to the Albigny beach.
In summer, the water of Lake Annecy easily reaches 22 to 23°C: a swim is a must. Off-season, the walk remains magnificent: the light on the Alps in autumn or spring beats all Instagram filters.
If you have energy, rent a bike or a paddleboard to explore the shores from the water. Several providers offer rentals directly at the lake edge.
Evening: the true Savoyard dinner
Annecy abounds with typical restaurants where fondue, tartiflette, and raclette are elevated to an art form. A few addresses that everyone agrees on:
- Le Freti (old town): the institution for comté fondue in a warm mountain setting
- L’Étage (old town): revisited regional cuisine, well-highlighted local products
- L’Auberge du Lyonnais: bistro ambiance, generous menu, good value for money
Be sure to reserve on Friday or Saturday evening: the best tables are fully booked weeks in advance during high season.
Day 2: Mountains, nature, and excursion
Morning: gain altitude
The second day of a weekend in Annecy is when you leave the town to seek panoramic views. Two options depending on your current fitness:
Hiking option: Mont Veyrier From the Pré Vernet parking lot, the Ridge Trail climbs up to Mont Veyrier (about 2 hours round trip, moderate elevation). At the summit, the lake stretches below in all its splendor, framed by the Tournette, the Bauges, and, on a clear day, Mont-Blanc on the horizon. It’s one of the most popular panoramic hikes around Annecy: and for good reason.
More sporty option: La Tournette For experienced hikers, La Tournette (2,350 m) is the must-see summit of the Bornes massif. Count on a full day from Talloires-Montmin. 360° views guaranteed.
Effortless option: Semnoz The Semnoz plateau is accessible by car up to 1,700 m altitude. Vast forests, alpine pastures, panoramas over the lake and the Alps: ideal for a family walk without technical constraints.
Afternoon: Gorges du Fier or Col de la Forclaz
Two short excursions, two radically different atmospheres: choose according to your desires.
The Gorges du Fier (10 km from Annecy) In Lovagny, the Fier torrent carved a spectacular canyon over 20,000 years. Since 1869, a 252 m footbridge suspended 25 m above the river allows crossing this dizzying gorge. Count on 1 hour visit, accessible to all, without elevation change. Open from mid-March to mid-October. Perfect for a half-day with family or friends.
Read more: Les Gorges du Fier
The Col de la Forclaz (~20 km from Annecy) At 1,157 m altitude, this viewpoint offers a plunging view of the turquoise waters of the lake, framed by the Bornes and Bauges massifs. It is also one of the most renowned paragliding sites in Europe: in midsummer, there can be up to 2,000 take-offs per day. Even without flying, the spectacle of paragliders launching into the void is hypnotic. Tandem baptisms with a certified instructor can be booked online: flight duration ranges from 15 to 45 minutes depending on the chosen formula.
Return to Annecy late afternoon. One last stroll along the quays, a drink on a terrace, and the weekend in Annecy ends as it began: facing the lake, with the mountains as a backdrop.
Extend to 3 days: the lake tour awaits you
Got an extra day? Devote it to the east shore of the lake: the most beautiful, the wildest, the part you don’t see from Annecy.
Talloires-Montmin is often considered the most beautiful village on the lake. Located in a magnificent setting between mountain and water, it invites walks along the bay, swimming, or a terrace break facing the peaks. The Auberge du Père Bise, Relais & Châteaux since 1973, is one of the most renowned tables in Haute-Savoie.
Duingt and its Ruphy castle on its peninsula: the absolute postcard of Lake Annecy. The castle was even painted by Cézanne in 1896. The late afternoon light on the peninsula is breathtaking: don’t forget your camera.
Menthon-Saint-Bernard and its medieval castle overlooking the lake for nearly 1,000 years, still inhabited by the same family. The guided tour reveals about sixty rooms and a library of over 12,000 books. Open daily in July-August, and on weekends in May, June, and September.
These three villages can be reached by car or by bike on the bike path along the east shore. Allow a full day to enjoy them without rushing.
Where to stay in Annecy: our selection by budget
Budget economy (from ~65-80 €/night)
- Ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville: 77 rooms 450 m from the Palais de l’Île, ideally located to explore the old town on foot. Free wifi, bar, buffet breakfast available.
- Ibis Budget Annecy Poisy: the most affordable option, 5 minutes by bus from the center. Good value for money, very positive customer reviews.
- Allobroges Park Hotel: 3 stars, 600 m from the old town, rated 9.2/10 on Expedia. Ideal for travelers seeking comfort without breaking the bank.
Mid-range (80-150 €/night)
- Hôtel des Alpes: Savoyard style, close to the lake, attentive service, and hearty breakfast appreciated by travelers.
- Hôtel Le Pré Carré: contemporary touch, spacious rooms, calm atmosphere. Perfect after a day of hiking.
- Moxy Annecy: design, well located, rated 8.6/10: the good compromise between style and controlled budget.
Charm & prestige (150 €+ / night)
- L’Impérial Palace ⭐⭐⭐⭐: the emblematic address of Annecy. Edwardian architecture, Cristal spa, casino, two restaurants, private gardens 5 minutes walk from the lake. The lake view from the prestige rooms alone is worth the trip.
- Rivage Hôtel & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐: contemporary art de vivre, Nuxe spa, rooms with lake view. 1.3 km from the Palais de l’Île.
- Hôtel du Palais de l’Isle: unusual and historic, located in a 17th-century building on the Thiou island. Rooms in traditional French style, view of the canal. A unique address.
💡 Practical tip: in July-August, prices soar and accommodations fill up weeks in advance. Book as early as possible, especially for weekends.
Read more: What to visit in Annecy
FAQ: Weekend in Annecy
How many days does it take to visit Annecy? 2 days are enough to see the essentials: old town, lake, a hike, and an excursion. With 3 days, you can add the lake tour and the villages on the east shore (Talloires, Duingt, Menthon-Saint-Bernard).
What should I do first in Annecy this weekend? Don’t miss the Palais de l’Île and old town in the morning (before 10 AM to avoid the crowds), the walk along the lake in the afternoon, and a Savoyard dinner in the evening. The next day, go up to Col de la Forclaz or hike Mont Veyrier for the panoramas.
What is the best time for a weekend in Annecy? May-June and September are ideal: fewer people, pleasant temperatures, lake already swimmable in late spring. July-August is magnificent but very busy: book accommodation and restaurants well in advance.
Can you do Annecy in 3 days without a car? Yes, for the town and lakesides. For the Gorges du Fier or Col de la Forclaz, a car (or taxi/rideshare) is recommended. Seasonal shuttles serve the Col de la Forclaz in summer.
Are the Gorges du Fier accessible with children? Yes, the route is flat (0 m elevation) and accessible at all ages. Count about 1 hour for the visit. Open from mid-March to mid-October.