Best Day Trips from Annecy

There are so many incredible day trips from Annecy you could take during your time in this charming alpine city. This article day trips to take from Annecy with kids.

Looking for things to do in Annecy with kids? Most tourists only pass by for a day, but there are plenty of things to do in Annecy if you choose to spend a few days in Annecy: from lake cruising, bike rides, outdoor playgrounds, castles, to farmers’ markets.

I highly recommend basing yourself in Annecy for a few days, as there are many things to do in town as well.

Things to Do Outside of Annecy

Chateau de Menthon-Saint Bernard

Chateau de Menthon is an impressive medieval castle right outside Annecy. Home to the same family for over 100 years, it’s open to visitors from April to October on weekends.

I do recommend visiting, but I will say that it’s gorgeous from the outside with a view and the castle grounds are nice to explore as well as there’s also a small garden along with sheep, pigs, and peacocks.

Guided tours of the inside of the castle are in French only and last about an hour. If you don’t speak French, then skip the guided tour and if you speak French butare coming with kids also skip it – guides are super sensitive to anyone even taking a step or making the tiniest little noise while they go on and on about the castle’s history and you can’t go freely to the next room.

If you’re visiting the castle, stop for dinner at La ferme de la Charbonnière. It’s a cute restaurant based over cow sheds, where you can see the cows while you eat.

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Gorges du Fier 

Classified among the greatest geological curiosities of the Alps and discovered 150 years ago, these gorges are a result of water erosion on rocks. Gorges du Fier can be visited thanks to the footbridges installed along the torrent. 

It’s a short walk in a nice natural site at about 10 km from Annecy – both my kids did it without issues at ages 1 and 3 at the time.

The site is closed in the winter from October to March and is then open everyday.

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Yvoire

Yvoire, a pretty medieval village listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. You will be able to discover its castle and small local craft shops.

The majestic shape of the Yvoire Castle is still standing as a sentinel on lake Geneva and during the spring and summer don’t miss the Labyrinth – Garden of Five Senses.

Cascade d’Angon

Cascade d’Angon is a 35m tall waterfall fronted by a smaller waterfall forming an arch through which its cliff-hugging trail passes behind near Annecy, France.

It can be reached with a 20-minute walk, but you must have good shoes because sometimes the path is slippery and steep at the end (but easy for the most part).

Cirque de Saint-Même

This cannot be missed, trust me! The Cirque de St Meme is a gateway to the Hauts de Chartreuse Nature Reserve and its scenery is unbeatable.

A natural park with trails suitable for all hikers, from beginners to experts. A super easy one to the first waterfall (doable with small kids), and more sporty ones to the higher cascades. You can also chill near the river after your hike.

Farm Chosal

If you’re up for a fun kids’ activity near Annecy, drive out to Farm Chosal. While the farm is cute and kids can pet bunnies, chickens, goats, and other animals, the best part of this spot is their nature sensory walk.

You walk barefoot through the forest and watery paths, learning to step on different textures from sheep’s wool, pine cones, and other obstacles.

Mont Saxonnex

The area of Mont Saxonnex is a beautiful area with multiple hiking and biking trails and meadows full of cows. You don’t need to go to the Italian lake Braises, because you can just stop by Buvette du Lac and experience way less crowds.

With kids, the most fun attraction in the area is called Roule Ma Boule. It’s a little trail full of different “marble runs”. It’s free of charge, but you need to buy the wooden ball (for 5 EUR) at the vending machine. Kids had a blast for an hour racing their balls and watching how they fall. There is also a small ropes course and a spot to do some rock climbing for kids.

If you visit this spot in the morning, you can stop on the way back at Le Grand Bornard.

Le Grand Bornard

Le Grand Bornand is my favorite spot near Annecy for skiing in the winter, but the area also doesn’t disappoint in the summer. First, there’s a fun waterfall you swim in (Cascade Mystérieuse). The hike is short and easy, but note that it’s not accessible with a stroller.

Then you can visit La Source, a small park offering sensory activities and exploration. Children can spend hours playing, experimenting, and observing. There are also workshops and little rides you can participate in.

There’s even more in the area! Grand Bornard also offers the coolest carousel in the world (at least proclaimed by my kids). The carousel is full of unique things to ride on, like a suspended plane, guitar, a submarine, pterodactyl bones, or ship steaming as it rocks.

The rocket that crosses the ceiling is, without a doubt, the most sought-after, and therefore, the queue dedicated to it is a very good idea, so children wait in line instead of rushing and pushing to get on. There’s also a little covered sandbox for kids to plan on nearby, which is perfect when siblings don’t want to wait in line fo the rocket.

The carousel is reasonably priced, starting at 2 EUR per ride. Just note that it closes for lunch break between 1-4pm so plan accordingly.

Jardins Secrets

I remember when I first looked into visiting I read a review: “Swiss woodworking meets a Moroccan riad, through a Persian garden and a decent slice of The Lord of the Ring”. It’s a pretty accurate one.

Lovely gardens (best visited in mid-spring) with a place for a family visit and a nice walk among lounges, patios, galleries and restaurants. Many spots to take beautiful photos and don’t forget to eat the oriental pancakes there!

Geneva

Located less than an hour from Annecy via bus or car, Geneva is a fun and easy day trip to take from Annecy. Geneva is known for being the headquarters of many organizations, including the World Health Organization, United Nations, World Trade Organization, and more.

Go wander around Lake Geneva and spot the Jet d’Eau, a huge water spout in the lake. Explore the old town, Palace of Nations – the United Nations office in Geneva, and find the broken chair statue outside, which was built to honor those who have lost limbs due to land mines.

Chamonix

Located about 1.5 hours via car or bus from Annecy, you could visit Chamonix to see the mountains up close and enjoy some stunning views. The road itself leading from Annecy to Chamonix is just stunning!

Hop on a train to see Mer de Glace glacier or take a cable car to Aiguille du Midi Skywalk to see the ground below your feet! 

Note: If you’re coming with little kids, you won’t be let on Aiguille du Midi. Kids under 2 aren’t allowed to go on high elevations in France (they are in Italy and Germany, though!). It was a surprise for us, so something worth mentioning.

If you have kids with you, hit the alpine coaster! I must say, my husband had just as much as my son on this coaster, so it might not be just for the kids.

Perouges

Discover France’s most picturesque historical villages It’s a perfectly preserved gothic treasure. With about 100 inhabitants who call the double-walled village home, Pérouges has several restaurants, gift stores and craft artisan shops, wineries, as well as places to stay that cater to the visitor. 

I think I liked it much more than the popular villages around Colmar. Especially if you consider lower tourist crowds.

As you traverse the cobbled streets, you can admire tiny doors and easily feel transported back in time.