Annecy walking tour & city guide
The 'Venice of the Alps': canals, flowers and a crystal-clear lake.
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Annecy, in the French Alps near Geneva, is one of the prettiest towns in France. Its old town is laced with canals and flower-decked bridges, and it sits on the shore of Lake Annecy, often described as one of the cleanest lakes in Europe, surrounded by mountains.
The old town
The Vieille Ville is a maze of arcaded streets and pastel houses along the canals of the Thiou River. Its most famous landmark, the Palais de l'Île, is a 12th-century building shaped like a ship's prow in the middle of the canal; it has served as a prison and a courthouse and now houses a small museum.
On market days, the old town's streets fill with stalls selling Savoyard cheeses, sausages and local produce. The Château d'Annecy, on the hill above, offers fine views over the rooftops.
The lake
The Jardins de l'Europe, a lakeside park with giant trees, leads to the Pont des Amours, the Lovers' Bridge, with views along the canal and over the lake. In summer, people swim from the beaches, rent pedal boats and take cruises to the villages around the shore, such as Talloires.
A cycling path runs along much of the lake, and paragliders launch from the Col de la Forclaz above it.
Visiting tips
Annecy is about 45 minutes from Geneva airport. Summer is busy and perfect for the lake, while winter brings Christmas markets and nearby ski resorts. Each June, the city hosts a major international animation film festival.
Top sights in Annecy
- 1
Palais de l'Île
A ship-shaped medieval building in the canal.
- 2
Lake Annecy
A crystal-clear Alpine lake for swimming and cruises.
- 3
Pont des Amours
The romantic Lovers' Bridge by the lake.
- 4
Château d'Annecy
A castle museum overlooking the old town.
- 5
Jardins de l'Europe
A lakeside park with huge old trees.
- 6
Old town canals
Flower-decked canals and arcaded streets.
Food markets & where to eat in Annecy
Old town market
Savoyard cheeses, charcuterie and produce on market days.
Canal-side restaurants
Fondue and raclette on terraces by the water.
Lakeside cafés
Drinks with views of the mountains.
Fromageries
Cheese shops selling Reblochon and Tomme de Savoie.
Food to try in Annecy
Tartiflette
Potatoes, bacon and onions baked with Reblochon cheese.
Fondue savoyarde
Melted Savoy cheeses shared around the pot.
Raclette
Melted cheese scraped over potatoes and charcuterie.
Lake fish
Perch or féra from the lake.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Annecy
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in AnnecyCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Annecy.
- eSIM for FranceStay online from the moment you land.
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