Visiting Annecy in France: Tips from a Local

This article will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Annecy, from where to stay and where to eat, to what activities are the best.

Annecy is a pretty lake town in the Haute-Savoie region of France. The town is surrounded by mountains on the edge of the Swiss border, just half an hour away from Geneva and nearby popular French ski resorts.

I spent a few months living in Annecy a few years ago and recently moved back again (basically, I know what I’m talking about!). The town has a big international community because lots of people choose to live there and commute to Geneva.

Best Time To Visit Annecy

There’s really no wrong time to visit Annecy, but personally, I would suggest avoiding March to early May. The weather is unpredictable in that area, and it can rain a lot. The snow is partially melted, so winter activities aren’t always an option, but summer hikes and spring activities aren’t open yet either.

Summers are busy as it’s Annecy’s high season. It can get very crowded, especially on weekends and mid-days when many tourists visit Annecy as a day trip while traveling through Switzerland.

Spoiler: the lake is cold all year round, don’t be fooled by people swimming it! Many do, but even on the hottest day, it was still way too cold for me.

Any other time is a fantastic time to visit Annecy is late August for the fireworks festival, along with September when you can witness leaves changing colors. In October, there’s a fun Return Of The Alpine Pastures Festival. Winter months bring skiing and gorgeous snow-capped mountains. In early March, there’s a big carnival (Venetian style) and plenty of fun!

Where To Stay In Annecy

Annecy, France is located 44 km West of Geneva (Switzerland), about a 40-minute drive away. Most people get to Annecy after flying into Geneva International Airport, and then driving over the border. Annecy actually has more options for arriving in the winter, as some smaller airports in the region operate in the winter for the ski season. – like Grenoble or Chambery.

The best areas to stay in Annecy are near the old town for easy access to the markets and the lake. I see a lot of blog posts recommending places that are very far away from actual spots, so be aware of that.

• Le Splendid Hotel Lac D’Annecy – Most famous hotel in Annecy. The location is ideal next to the old town and lake.

• Un lieu unique Le Bohème – Super cute apartment right in the heart of the old town.

• Impérial Palace – Secluded, yet close to bike paths and within walking distance to the old town, offering more intimacy with a view of the lake.

NOTE: Do not confuse the Annecy-le-Vieux with the old town, despite the name. Annecy-le-Vieux is named vieux (Eng: old) because the first inhabitants settled there, but it’s to the east of the picturesque old town you know from photos. You need to stay in Annecy, not Annecy-le-Vieux to be near main attractions.

There are also plenty of apartments for rent in Annecy. I would say that anywhere in the old town, Centre Ville. Areas like Seynod may seem close, but I think it’s too far for an average tourist to get a bus or 20 minutes into town.

Do You Need a Car in Annecy?

Whether you need a car or not depends on what you want to do. Annecy can be walkable and bikeable for tourists, but you want to take excursions outside of town, for which you need a car.

If you want to explore the surrounding mountains and other things like even paragliding, renting a car is necessary. If you just want to visit other larger towns in the area, taking the train is fine, but do yourself a favor and drive around.

Parking in Annecy is hard to find, so keep that in mind, but certain streets offer free street parking and there are a few covered car parking – this one is the biggest.