Annecy, by a local

The unmissable sights

The neighbourhoods to explore

Annecy is small (130,000 inhabitants in the metro) but each district has a strong identity. Here is our local map.

• The Old Town (centre)

  The unmissable. Touristy but authentic, especially in the shoulder seasons. Canals, arcades, cobbled lanes, restaurants on every corner (mind which are the real ones).

• The centre / Bonlieu

  Place Bonlieu, the theatre, tourist office, public library, shops. The administrative and cultural lung.

• Les Marquisats (south lakefront)

  Free beach, water-sports base, paddle-board rentals, lakeside restaurants. Calmer than the centre, perfect for a relaxed lunch.

• Annecy-le-Vieux (north-east)

  Chic residential district, old villas, open lake views. For lovers of traditional Savoyard architecture.

• Albigny (north lakefront)

  Where Annecy families promenade on Sundays: green spaces, playgrounds, Impérial beach, the great parc Charles Bosson.

• Cran-Gevrier / Seynod

  More modern, residential parts of the metro. Less touristy but a few excellent fine-dining addresses (Le Clos des Sens, La Ciboulette nearby).

• The East Shore (Veyrier-du-Lac, Menthon, Talloires)

  10-25 min by car. Picturesque lakeside villages, crystal-clear waters, grand hotel-restaurants. The chic side of the lake.

• The South Shore (Sevrier, Saint-Jorioz, Doussard)

  More accessible, beaches, campsites, family-friendly water activities. Lake view with La Tournette in the background.

The best things to do

• Cycle around the lake

  40 km of almost entirely flat, secure cycle path. E-bike rentals at Annecy Bike, Roul'ma Poule or Vélonecy. Allow 3-4h with stops. The best activity in Annecy.

• A boat cruise on the lake

  Compagnie des Bateaux du Lac d'Annecy, departure Jean Régis pier. 1h short option, 2h grand tour. Sunset cruise in summer: magical.

• Paragliding from Col de la Forclaz

  One of France's most legendary spots. Tandem flight €110-130, 20-30 min, landing at Doussard with shuttle return. Aérogliss, Takamaka, Adrenaline Parapente.

• Paddle-board or kayak on the lake

  Easy rentals at Veyrier-du-Lac, Talloires, Saint-Jorioz. Water is turquoise as soon as you push off from shore. Go out early to have the lake to yourself.

• Dive in the lake

  Up to 15 m visibility, wrecks, drop-offs, freshwater fauna. CIPA, Annecy Plongée. Discovery dives from €60.

• Via ferrata

  At Saint-Vital or Yenne (40 min by car). Adrenaline guaranteed without prior experience — with a guide.

• Day trip to Chamonix or Megève

  1h by car. To see Mont Blanc up close. In Chamonix: Aiguille du Midi and Mer de Glace. In Megève: chic alpine village atmosphere.

Our favourite walks

• Pâquier → Pont des Amours → Impérial beach

  The classic lakefront walk, 1h round trip. Flat, pram-friendly, panoramic views at every step.

• Mont Veyrier (1,291 m)

  Start from the former cable-car station or on foot from Veyrier-du-Lac. 2h30 ascent, 360° view of the lake and the Aravis. For experienced walkers.

• Le Semnoz

  Easier summit, accessible almost to the top by car. Family-friendly trails, summer pastures, Mont Blanc view. Cross-country ski station in winter, 25 min from Annecy.

• Roc de Chère (Talloires)

  Small nature reserve above Talloires, 1h loop. Plunging view onto Talloires bay and the abbey.

• La Tournette (2,351 m)

  Annecy's iconic ascent. 6-7h round trip, 1,400 m elevation, technical terrain near the top (fixed chains). For seasoned hikers. Unforgettable view.

• Bout du Lac at Doussard

  Nature reserve at the south end of the lake, flat paths through reed beds and marshes. Great for birdwatching and families.

• The Angon waterfall

  Near Talloires, 1h round trip, shaded forest path leading to a refreshing waterfall. Perfect in heat waves.

Haute-Savoie specialities to taste

• Tartiflette

  Potatoes, lardons, onions, a whole reblochon melted on top. Actually invented in the 1980s by the reblochon producers' union but it has become the iconic alpine dish.

• Fondue savoyarde

  Beaufort + Comté + Emmental, Apremont white wine, country bread. The most communal of dishes.

• Raclette

  Half wheel of cheese heated and scraped onto steamed potatoes + charcuterie. The winter dish par excellence.

• Diots de Savoie

  Savoyard sausages simmered in white wine and onions. Often served with polenta or crozets.

• Croziflette

  Tartiflette variant made with crozets (small buckwheat squares) instead of potatoes. Rarer but excellent.

• Reblochon AOP

  Raw-milk soft cheese, created by farmers in the Grand-Bornand valley to dodge feudal taxes. Best at room temperature.

• Beaufort « prince of gruyères »

  Pressed cooked cheese, AOP-protected, aged 5 to 24 months. The summit of Alpine cheesemaking. Three variants: summer, winter, alpage.

• Bugnes or rissoles

  Small fritters, fried or oven-baked, sometimes filled with quince or apple jam.

• Gâteau de Savoie

  Light, airy sponge cake invented for the dukes of Savoie in the 14th century. Best with vanilla custard.

• Savoie wines

  Roussette, Apremont, Mondeuse — fresh, mineral whites that pair perfectly with cheese and lake fish.

Restaurants by mood and budget

Cafés and tea rooms

Great bars

• Captain Pub (Old Town)

  British pub, craft beer selection, warm atmosphere. An institution for 30 years.

• Le Vagabond (rue Sainte-Claire)

  Wine and cocktail bar in a vaulted setting. Natural-wine selection, quality charcuterie boards.

• Le Loriot (rooftop Hôtel Impérial)

  Creative cocktails with lake view, hushed atmosphere. Best at sunset.

• The Note Bar (rue Royale)

  Confidential cocktail bar, sharp mixology, local charcuterie-cheese boards.

• Le Munich (quai Eustache Chappuis)

  Brasserie + beer bar, terrace on the canal. Buzzing in summer.

• L'Arpège (rue Joseph Blanc)

  Jazz bar with live concerts at weekends. Chic, intimate setting.

• Brasserie des Européens (place Notre-Dame)

  Historic Annecy bistro, Parisian-style atmosphere, large terrace.

Lakeside terraces and rooftops

• Le Loriot (Hôtel Impérial Palace)

  Annecy's only true rooftop, 5-star panoramic view of the lake and mountains. Cocktails, dinner, magical view.

• Terrasse du Belvédère (Annecy-le-Vieux)

  Not a rooftop but the most beautiful panoramic terrace in the Annecy basin. 180° lake view.

• La Voile (Hôtel Black Bass, Sevrier)

  Design hotel on the lakefront, feet-in-the-water terrace, trendy atmosphere. 10 min by car.

• Le Cottage de Talloires

  Lakefront terrace in a historic hotel. Famous Sunday brunch.

• L'Espérance (east shore)

  Feet-in-the-water brasserie, family vibe, direct lake view. Very popular in summer.

Nightlife

• Captain Pub

  Concert nights, pub vibe, an Annecy classic.

• Le Loc (Plaine d'Annecy)

  One of the few real clubs. Student nights, electronic, generalist.

• Le Pop Inn (rue Royale)

  Music bar with DJs at weekends, party crowd.

• La Brasserie Brunet

  Regular jazz / blues programming on Thursday evenings.

• Concert at Le Brise-Glace (Cran-Gevrier)

  Contemporary music venue, sharp programming (rock, electronic, indie).

Good to know: Annecy isn't a major nightlife city. For real « club » nights, head to Lyon (2h) or Geneva (45 min). On the upside, the lake terraces open until midnight in summer offer a unique experience.

Markets

• Old Town market (rue Sainte-Claire)

  Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings. Haute-Savoie farmers, cheesemongers, charcutiers, local producers. Sunday morning is the highlight of Annecy locals' week.

• Organic market Bonlieu (place de la Libération)

  Thursday morning. Local organic producers, small but high-quality.

• Annecy-le-Vieux market (avenue d'Aix-les-Bains)

  Saturday morning. Quieter and more residential than the Old Town.

• Christmas market (Old Town)

  December. Wooden chalets, mulled wine, Savoyard crafts. Magical in the early evening.

• Creators' market (Pâquier)

  Sunday during summer. Artisans, photographers, local jewellery makers.

Unique activities

• Tandem paragliding at Col de la Forclaz

  Aérogliss, Takamaka, Adrenaline Parapente. 20-30 min flight, landing at Doussard. €110-130.

• Scenic flight by plane or glider

  Meythet airfield, panoramic flights over the lake and Mont Blanc. €110-180.

• Savoyard cooking class

  L'Atelier Gourmand, La Cuisine du Marché. Learn fondue, tartiflette, bugnes.

• Diving in the lake

  12-15 m visibility in summer, freshwater fauna, wrecks. CIPA Annecy, École de Plongée du Lac.

• Private electric boat outing

  Hourly rental (no licence needed for smaller models). Ideal as a couple or family.

• Annecy Animation Film Festival

  Early June, the Cannes of animation. Screenings, masterclasses, unique atmosphere. Book well ahead.

• Lakefront spa

  Spa at Impérial Palace, Spa at Le Cottage de Talloires. Treatments and pools with lake view.

• Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Semnoz (winter)

  25 min from town. Marked trails, on-site rental.

• Karting and treetop adventure at Saint-Jorioz

  For families with teens or groups of friends.

Outings by profile

Where to buy real souvenirs (not magnets)

• Old Town market (Tue/Fri/Sun mornings)

  Reblochon, Beaufort, dry sausage, alpine honey — straight from producers.

• Pierre Gay (rue Carnot)

  Master cheesemonger-affineur. Reblochons, Beauforts, tommes aged on site.

• Philippe Rigollot (rue Royale)

  Pastry world champion. Chocolates, calissons, exceptional viennoiseries.

• Bugnes & Cie (Old Town)

  Specialist of Savoyard bugnes to take away.

• Le Caribou (chocolatier-tea room)

  Artisan chocolate bars, génépi-infused ganaches.

• L'Épicerie Comestible (rue Sainte-Claire)

  Regional artisan products, natural wines, premium preserves.

• Maison du Reblochon (centre)

  Everything about reblochon AOP: cheese, boards, recipe book.

• Le Comptoir Savoyard (Old Town)

  Curated regional products, beautiful gift baskets.

Local products to take home

• Reblochon AOP

  Keep cold. A few days in a cool bag is fine, ideal vacuum-packed in carry-on.

• Beaufort AOP

  Drier, travels very well. Ask for a summer or alpage piece for the best.

• Savoyard dry sausage

  Always impeccable in carry-on.

• Alpine honey from Haute-Savoie

  In hold luggage (liquid restrictions). Mild and floral.

• Génépi (liqueur)

  Local cellars or markets. Hold luggage only.

• Bottle of Roussette or Apremont

  Mineral Savoyard white wine. Hold luggage.

• Bugnes or rissoles

  Eat within a few days.

• Opinel n°8 knife

  Iconic regional brand (Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne). Mid-size blade not allowed in carry-on, hold luggage only.

Getting around — practical tips

• On foot

  Central Annecy is tiny. Old Town + lakefront + Pâquier can all be walked, less than 20 minutes end to end.

• SIBRA bus

  Efficient network, €1.30 ticket (1h), day pass €4. Line 1 useful for Annecy-le-Vieux and the Impérial.

• Bike (Vélonecy bike share)

  30 stations, €1 day pass, first hour free. Best way to fly along the lakeside.

• Lake bus (summer only)

  Compagnie des Bateaux. Regular connections Annecy → Veyrier → Menthon → Talloires. Original and beautiful.

• Car

  Avoid in season (July-August, April-October weekends). Central parking is expensive (€3-4/h) and saturated. Use the P+R lots (Vovray, Brogny) with free shuttle.

• From Geneva airport

  Direct Flixbus / BlaBlaBus shuttle, 50 min, around €12. Train via Bellegarde-La Roche-sur-Foron 1h30.

• From Lyon

  Direct TER train, 1h50, departure Lyon Part-Dieu. Drive A41/A40, 1h45 outside traffic.

Mistakes to avoid

• Driving into Annecy in July-August without a plan

  Traffic jams 9am-8pm, full car parks, hefty fines. Park on the outskirts and walk or cycle.

• Eating at the first Old Town restaurant you see

  70% of the canal restaurants are tourist traps. Menus in 8 languages, laminated photos — walk past. Stick to our recommended addresses.

• Underestimating the animation festival (early June)

  For one week the city triples in size. Accommodation +50% minimum, restaurants saturated. Book 3-6 months ahead or come later.

• Picnicking on banned sections of the Pâquier

  Strangely, certain zones are no-picnic areas (green signs). Respect them or the municipal police will move you on.

• Swimming without sunscreen at altitude

  The sun hits hard on the lake (mirror effect + altitude). UV is very high even at 4pm.

• Confusing tartiflette and fondue

  Rarely happens but worth mentioning — they're very different.

• Booking Le Clos des Sens at the last minute

  Allow 3-6 months for the 3-star. Yoann Conte 2-3 months. L'Esquisse, Cozna 2-4 weeks.

• Visiting Talloires on a Saturday afternoon in July

  1h of traffic from Annecy, impossible parking, crowds everywhere. Go early morning or midweek.

Insider tips from Annecy locals

• Cycle around the lake in May-June or September-October

  Mild weather, no crowds, magnificent light. The best time of year.

• Evening apéro at the Pâquier

  Mölkky, cheese-charcuterie-wine, lake view. Locals come down from 6pm whenever the weather is good.

• Morning swim at Marquisats at 8am

  Empty beach, perfect water, golden light. The best way to start the day.

• Sunday brunch at Cottage de Talloires

  By reservation, lake view, old-world hotel atmosphere. A classic.

• Nap on the Bout du Lac beach (Doussard)

  Quieter than the Annecy beaches, crystal water, panoramic view.

• Free summer shows on the Pâquier

  Brass bands, projections, dance — the municipality runs an open-air summer season.

• Fête du Lac (first Saturday of August)

  The largest pyrotechnic show in Europe on the lake. Unforgettable. Tickets on sale from March.

• Discover the hidden Angon beach (Talloires)

  Small, almost-confidential pebble beach at the foot of the waterfall. Walk in from the car park.

• Escape the crowds on the east shore

  Talloires-Montmin: the chic, quieter side of the lake. Restaurants, discreet beaches, panoramic hikes.

Suggested itineraries

Annecy is best lived slowly: a coffee by the canal, an early-morning swim in translucent water, dinner on a terrace facing the mountains. Take your time, step away from the centre, cross the lake. And if you need any recommendation during your stay, our SmartStay team is reachable seven days a week — we're five minutes away.

Enjoy Annecy — and don't forget to watch the sunset from the Pâquier at least once.