Annecy Holidays

Snow-capped peaks, lakefront dreams, and cheese that’ll make you weep. Annecy’s like stepping into a postcard – and it’s just as dreamy in real life.

Highlights

• 💧 Lake Annecy – one of Europe’s cleanest lakes, perfect for paddleboarding, pedalo-ing, and pretending you’re in a rom-com.

• 🏰 Medieval Old Town (La Vieille Ville) – cobbled streets, pastel houses, and enough charm to outdo a Disney set.

• 🧀 Savoyard Cuisine – think tartiflette, raclette, and fondue – cheese lovers, this is your Mecca.

• 🏔️ Alpine Adventures – hiking, cycling, paragliding, skiing – basically, all your mountain-based bucket list stuff.

Getting around

Getting to Annecy is easy-peasy. Geneva Airport is just over an hour away, and there are direct trains from Lyon, Paris, and even Milan. Once you’re there, you won’t need a car – the town’s as walkable as they come, and there’s a handy network of buses and cycle paths. Bonus: boat rides across the lake double as transport and a holiday highlight. Très efficient.

Things to do for families in Annecy

Annecy is an absolute dream for families. You’ve got the lake, which is basically nature’s playground – think swimming spots, pedalos, and paddleboarding, all set to a backdrop of fairytale mountains. Little ones will love running amok in the Jardins de l’Europe or spotting swans on the Pont des Amours. In summer, there are family-friendly beaches like Plage d’Albigny with shallow waters and play areas, while winter brings sledging spots and gentle ski slopes nearby in La Clusaz or Le Semnoz. The old town itself is a maze of bridges and canals that feel straight out of a storybook – perfect for curious kids.

Things to do for couples in Annecy

Looking to crank up the romance? Annecy’s got you. Stroll hand-in-hand through the old town, stopping for gelato (obviously), before locking lips on the Pont des Amours – legend says couples who kiss here stay together forever. Hop on a tandem bike and loop the lake, or hire a little motorboat and play captain for the afternoon. Sunset views from the Château d’Annecy or a wine-fuelled dinner on a terrace by the canal? Absolute couple goals. And if you fancy a spa day, there are thermal baths and mountain-view jacuzzis calling your name.

Things to do for groups in Annecy

Annecy’s the kind of place where you can do as much or as little as you fancy – ideal for groups looking for a top-notch city break. Feeling active? Rent bikes and cycle the full lake loop (just under 40km), book a paragliding flight for unbeatable views, or organise a canyoning day in the nearby gorges. Fancy keeping it chill? Picnic in the park, bar-hop through the old town, or hit up the lake beaches for a swim-and-snooze combo. There’s also a buzzing summer events calendar – from music festivals to fireworks over the lake – and winter brings festive markets, snowy mountain jaunts, and fondue-fuelled nights out.

Things to do for foodies in Annecy

If your holiday motto is “eat first, ask questions later”, Annecy’s going to win your heart (and your stomach). This is Savoyard country – aka cheesy heaven – so start with tartiflette (a mix of potato, bacon, onion, and Reblochon cheese), then work your way through raclette, fondue, and diots (local sausages). The Saturday morning food market in the old town is a feast for the senses – think saucisson, alpine honey, mountain cheeses, and fresh pastries. Don’t miss a lakeside lunch of perch fillets with lemon butter, and if you’re feeling fancy, Annecy’s got a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants to boot. Basically, bring stretchy trousers.