We lived in Annecy for a month
Here is Everything you need to know!
Annecy is the closet thing I can imagine to Heaven on earth! Located abour 45 minutes from Geneva, we originally chose Annecy as a cheaper alternative to Switzerland, but it certainly does not come in second best! This little town in the southern alpine region of France is a nature lovers dream, but it is also luxurioulsy comfortable and accessible! From top notch cuisine, to world class landscapes, charming historic streets, shopping, wonderful people, and every kind of outdoor adventure you could ask for. Annecy is a 10/10!
In This article we will cover
Know Before You Go
What I wish we had known before visiting Annecy France
Before visiting Annecy I had serious concerns about how French people would receive us. I heard plenty of horror stories about rude French people, and I wondered if we would spend our entire trip hiding from angry locals who hated us, but our experience was completely the oposite! Not only were we warmly received, but we made new friends who were excited to get to know us, and share their country and culture!
I suspect that the rude French stereotype comes from Paris, which is inundated with so many people, and tourists, that tempers tend to run short. Certainly other big cities, like New York, carry the same stereotype. All the same, it would be wrong to judge an entire country on one city alone, and I am so glad we didn’t! So if this is among your fears as well, let me lay them to rest. Annecy is full of lovely, helpful, and polite people who made our trip THE BEST!
Annecy is an excellent location on its own, but it is also a perfect Spring board to explore surrounding French and Swiss towns like Lyon, Chamonix, and Geneva! It is well connected by train and by bus, so we never felt the need to drive to reach all our top destinations.
We do not recommend renting a car unless you really need to, but if you do rent be prepared to drive a stick shift. If you are traveling long distance you are likely to hit toll roads, called “Péage”, which can be up to $70 in some places.
The people of Annecy speak French of course, and it will be good for you to learn a few polite phrases out of respect. We also found that many people speak at least some English, and were usually willing to help us!
The currency is the Euro, keep a few on you for little things, but most places take credit cards.
Tipping is not generally necessary, and many locals even say it harms the economy by upsetting the balance of pay. Don’t worry, your waiter already makes a living wage!
The restaurants should give you a carafe of tap water, if they don’t, make sure you specify you want tap water or l’eau du robinet, otherwise they will charge you for bottled water. Soft drinks are not generous, you will be charged for every refill. It can be quite expensive at times, so we recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to help you stay hydrated between stops. There are some fresh water refilling stations throughout the city, and the tap water is very fresh and safe!
Many places do not have air conditioning. The weather in Annecy was generally pleasant, but if it is important to you, or you are visiting in August, make sure you read the fine print at your accommodation. We visited in July, and did not have air conditioning in our apartment, so we opened the windows at night. It worked well, except we did have some mosquitoes in the room.
Restaurant hours may vary greatly! Europeans value their time off and some restaurants are only open 2 days a week! If there is one you REALLY want to visit, make sure you check the hours in advance! It is also common for them to close for a few hours between lunch and dinner, so plan ahead. The French eat later in the evening, and many places don’t start serving dinner until 7:30. It is easier to embrace their schedule than trying to battle it. Lunch is between 12 and 2. Dinner is around 8pm.
Big American breakfasts are not common in France. You may find some in the old town because it caters to tourists, but most French people just like an espresso and croissant for Breakfast! It might be easier to have breakfast at home, or in your hotel, if eggs and bacon are your thing!
A Checklist Before You Travel
Do you want Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance can help in case anything unexpected comes up, and you need to cancel, or rearrange plans. Many travel providers offer trip insurance, and so do some credit cards.
Do you know the Visa and entry requirements?
Visa and entry requirements will change from country to country, and depend on where you are coming from. You will need to check with your government.
Are there currently any travel advisories?
Travel advisories are changing all the time. Make sure you are up to date on the most recent situation by checking at Travel.state.gov or your coutry's travel advisory.
What are the local emergency numbers?
It is a good idea to know the local emergency numbers before you arrive. In Europe for example you can call 112 instead of 911.
Does someone know where you are going?
Leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a trusted friend or family member in case of emergencies.
Inform your credit cards of upcoming travel.
Credit card companies will usually block charges from unexpected locations. let them know you are traveling ahead of time, so that you don't wind up with a locked credit card.
Take copies of your passports and important documents.
Just in case something gets lost or stolen, it is a good idea to have coppies of important doccuments in a second location.
Do you need an international drivers license?
If you plan to rent a car, it is a good idea to get an international drivers license before you travel. It can save you a lot of paperwork and money later.
What are the vaccine recommendations and requirements?
Most countries have certain vaccinations they recommend, and sometimes they will require them for entry. You can look this up at Travel.state.gov or your country's travel advisory.
When to visit Annecy
We visited in July 2024 and it was perfect! We got to attend the fireworks show on the lake for Bastille Day (in France it’s just refered to as the 14th of July) and it was a highlight of our time! During July and August the city bus run by Sibra is FREE! Let me tell you we made use of it! If you are traveling on a budget this can make a big difference!
The weather in July was very pleasant and I loved the sunny days for swimming in the crystal clear lake! Annecy is so beautiful that I can’t imagine a bad time of year to be here. If you are traveling in summer, check to make sure your accommodation has air conditioning, many places in europe don’t and you may find hot days hard to cope with in July and August.
Here are a few special things
What To Bring With You To Annecy
There are a multitude of amazing waterfront parks in Annecy, and you want to take a chance to soak them in! We always carry a couple of turkish towels with us, because they are so versatile, doubling as a towel, scarf, bathing suit cover, or picnic blanket! Lay out your turkish towel and enjoy a picnic in one of Annecy’s glorious parks! It might be the highlight of your trip!
Walking Shoes are very important here! The city is very walkable, and there is a lot to see and explore. If you are anything like us, you will find yourself walking for hours at a time, so bring shoes that won’t make your feet hate you! We particularly like barefoot style shoes, which allow our toes to spread naturally to support our knees!
Don’t forget your resuable waterbottle! Water is high quality and water fountains are easy to come by, so bring a couple of reusable waterbottles with you to fill up at the tap. Tap water in Annecy is crystal clear!
We spent a lot of time riding bikes in Annecy, so I was very greatful for my cushioned bicycle shorts! After a few hours on those little seats things start to get sore, so I highly recommend a pair of bike shorts, to make your whole experience a lot nicer!
Packing List
Below you will find a general packing list to help you remember all the little things you need! Of Course these are just suggestions to make sure you don’t forget something important, so feel free to pack according to your own style and comfort! We have included some amazon affiliate links to a few of our favorite products just in case you need a recommendation!
Passport/Visa/ID
Copies of documents
Travel Insurance details
International and normal drivers license
Credit cards
Laptop/Tablet
Phone
Chargers
Camera
Medications
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Sunscreen
Travel shampoo and conditioner
Travel body wash
Skincare
Makeup
Deodorant
Hair Products
Chapstick
Personal hygiene products
Razor (in check luggage)
Bug Spray
Backpack
Sunglasses
Umbrella
Jeans
Leggings
Sport pants
Dress pants
Shorts
Skirts
Tshirts
Dress shirts
Dresses
Pajamas
Socks
Underwear
Sweater
Swimsuit
Sandals/flipflops
Dress shoes
Belt
Scarf
Hat
Jewelry
Where To Stay
Annecy is beautiful all over, and very well connected, so you should be in good shape almost anywhere. Closer to the Lake is generally better if you can swing it, but we stayed in an apartment about a 20 minute walk from down town and were very happy! Our Host’s name is Fabianne and meeting her was an absolute highlight for our trip!
BonLieu Station, next to Square des Martyrs de la déportation and the office of tourism, is the central bus hub. We used it to reach the mountains and surrounding towns. Annecy station (Gare d’Annecy) is where the trains and busses for longer distance trips leave from. Accomodations near either of them would be ideal.
If you are looking for a luxurious experience that is waterfront with all the best activities we would recommend the Imperial Palace, which will give you the best of everything. It is not cheap, but it is in a prime location and has tons of activities for the family as well as a spa!
A few central hotel options for a low to middle price range would be Ibis Hotel, or Hotel Du Nord. These are smack in the middle of everything, so getting around will be easy. If you are looking for an appartment in the city center you could try this romantic studio which is central to everything. For an affordable option in a great spot try this studio near the waterfront.
15 Top Things to do in Annecy France
1) City Tour
The first thing we like to do in a new place is take a tour of the city to get our bearings. You might opt for a walking tour to get the full history of the city. This time we decided to spring for something a little different! If you have never ridden a segway before we highly recommend it! These tours are fun and easy, plus you get to see more of the city than you could on foot! Don’t worry, they teach you everything you need to know about riding a segway, and it really is easy!
2) Visit Le Semnoz
If you don’t do anything else, make sure you visit Semnoz mountain. There is a bus leaving from Bonlieu station about once an hour, and in July and August IT IS FREE! We reccomend you get off one stop before the end (Semonz Nordique) and visit Le Chatillon for some fondue! There is also a luge for 4 euro, and then you should take the cable car to the top for the most amazing views of Mont Blanc! We were lucky to meet some friendly cows along the way, and you can rent bikes to ride down the hill if you are looking for some adventure! It is easy enough to rent the bikes on your own, and then take them up the cable car, but there are also tours available if you want a guide.
3) Ride some Bikes
One of the best ways to get around Annecy is on a bike. We rented bikes using the green Velonecy app and went all over town for nearly free! See more about that is the transportation section. There are also mountain bike tours for the adventure travelers out there! If you want to bike around the entire lake you can do that too! It takes about 2 hours, and you will want to rent good electric bikes because there are some substantial hills. Start your ride in the dirrection of Veyrier-du-Lac for the best experience!
4) Catch a Boat!
There are endless options for boat tours on Lake Annecy! You can spend as much or as little time on the water as you want. If you are traveling on a budget check out Lac D’Annecy Express. It is a ferry running only in July and August from Annecy to Veyrier-Du-Lac and you can catch a ride for 4 euro each! Bring cash! It leaves Annecy from Here at 10am, noon, and 4pm. There are more comprehensive tours, Paddle boats, and private charters as well! Head down to the waterfront and you can pick your favorite way to cruise the lake!
5) Check Out The Farmers Market
There is a fantastic farmers market winding across the canals in old town Annecy every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday from 7am till noon. It has plenty of fresh produce, as well as baked goods, cured meats, and delicious cheese! Make sure you shop around, because prices vary greatly from stall to stall!
6) Picnic In The Park
After you grab some goodies at the local market, head to one of Annecy’s many beautiful parks for a picnic! Laying in the grass, or dangling your feet into the water while you munch on fresh macaroons is the thing to do here!
7) Go Beach Hopping!
The Lake is full of jaw dropping beaches that are open to the public! The water is literally clean enough to drink, and the beaches are grass and rock, so you wont have any salt or sand stuck to you! Plage D’Albigny is the closest to town and very popular! Le Petit Port is a boardwalk area a lot of people launch paddleboards from. Plage De La Brune can be reached by bus and has its own waterfront restaurant. Plage D’Angon is my favorite, about an hour bus ride from Annecy, it has everything in perfect proportions! These are just the ones we got to see, but there are many more around the lake! Check them all out and see which one you like best!
8) Take a Hike
There are so many hikes around Annecy you can choose from, but I am going to reccomend Le Semnoz once again! If you take the bus all the way to the top of the mountain (Les Alpages) it will drop you at the beginning of the three lakes loop, which takes about 2 hours to complete. It is a relatively easy hike/walk with 10/10 rewards for your trouble. Along the path you will also come across dairy farms which sell fresh cheese and apple juice! We particularly enjoyed watching the paragliders flying alongside us. There is not much shade so bring sunscreen, and a wind breaker just in case!
9) Canyoning
If you are an adventure lover, then Annecy is the place to be! You can find multiple Canyoning options around the lake. It was our first time trying canyoning so we decided on a tour for beginners, but they have more advanced options as well! It was a really interesting experience, but not for the faint of heart! We were swimming, hiking, sliding, jumping, repelling and clambering our way down the gorge. It was an awesome experience, but what a workout! If you are claustrophobic, or don’t like water falling on top of your head, this may not be the tour for you!
10) Paragliding
I think we saw paragliders sailing around the lake every day we were in Annecy. There seem to be pockets of air between specific mountains that keep them up for HOURS at a time! Unfortunately we didn’t have time to try this super sport while we were in Annecy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t! If you are feeling adventurous why not have a go at flying? There is not a more beautiful place to try it!
11) Food Tour
French food is famous for a reason! I can’t measure exactly how much cheese we ate during our month in Annecy, but it was A LOT! Of course we are all familiar with Fondue, French Onion Soup, and escargot, but we also found some new favorites durring our stay! I particularly loved Os A Moelle, Tartiflette, and Canard, but there is SO MUCH MORE! You can easily make your way around the city sampling food on your own, or opt for a food tour, and let a local show you the ropes! If you are an even bigger foodie, consider a cooking class with a local chef!
12) Check Out The Old Town
Lake Annecy’s old town is known as the Venice of the Alps, but it might be even more beautiful than Venice! The charming canals weave their way through historic buildings, cafes, and picturesque florals. There is plenty of shopping to be done at much better prices than I expected. Don’t forget to check out Musée-Château d’Annecy with views over the city, and stop in to Cathédrale Saint-Pierre! If you have time, you might want to check out Chateau de Duingt further down the lake!
13) Luxury Dinner Cruise
If you are looking to celebrate a romantic night, consider a luxury dinner cruise! Sail across the crystal clear water as you dine on high end french cuisine! This is not a budget experience, but for those looking to mark a special ocassion, or just treat themselves, it can’t be beat!
14) Check Out Seasonal Events
The tourist office down town is a great place to stop in and find out about local events! During our stay in July, we got to see fireworks in the park for Bastille Day, attend a modern dance show, and check out a triathlon! The huge green space in front of lake Annecy is always being put to good use, and chances are there will be free events happening during your stay!
15) Surounding Cities and Towns
As amazing as Annecy is on it’s own, there are plenty of other amazing cities surrounding it! If you have time you shouldn’t hesitate to catch a train or bus from the central station to Lyon, Chamonix, Geneva, or any of the other beautiful cities in this area! There are also plenty of charming little town around Lake Annecy itself! Catch the local bus, or ride you bike to Veyrier-Du-Lac, Angon, or Château De Duingt!
The Best Places To Eat In Annecy France
What and where to eat in Annecy
If you are anything like us, the rich cheesey nature of good french food is just your style! We had high expectations for the culinary scene in France, and we were not disapointed! Aside from the places listed below there are a ton of cafes and restaurants in the old town. It is hit or miss in this touristy area, so make sure you check reviews on Google. If you are a foodie, you should consider a train ride to Lyon. It’s easy to reach from Annecy, and considered the food capital of France! You may also want to make reservations, particularly at dinner times. A few foods you should keep an eye out for are:
1. Os A Moelle – A Beef long bone split in half and roasted. The Bone Marrow is spread on toast like butter and was the most delicious thing I ate in France!
2. Canard – This is duck, and we had it cooked a few different ways, but it was always delicious!
3. Raclette – Gooey melted cheese on a baguette. Usually with Prosciutto. We found some at the farmers market in the old town.
4. Tartiflette – Layers of creamy potatoes and cheese! This traditional dish is comforting and warms your tummy!
This was one of the first places we ate because it was close to our apartment. The plates are sharing style, like generous tapas. Everything was delicious, but we particularly liked the Canard (duck) and the Garlic potatoes! Prices are mid range, you can pay a lot if you are very hungry.
Our favorite stop for Liege waffles and gelato! This little place is hardly more than a hole in the wall, but the waffles are to die for! We kept coming back here again and again.
You will need a car to get to ths one, as there is no bus I’m aware of. Our BnB host was kind enough to bring us here, and it is a long drive, but the views at the top of the mountain are breath taking! There are several other restaurants to choose from here as well, but bring a jacket, it gets windy!
If you head to Semnoz mountain you will find Le Chatillon at the base of the cable car. Get off at the second to last bus stop (Semnoz Nordique). This mountain restaurant serves excelent fondue and has a gorgeous view of the surounding hills and cows!
The view from this restaurant makes it! Sitting on the waterfront of Veyrier-Du-Lac feels like a tropical paradise, and the filet and Tartiflette are to die for! Skip the escargot here, it was mediocre. Next door is a tiny shop where you can get crepes for dessert. You can catch the bus, or water taxi to get here.
Waterfront on Plage D’Angon this little shack serves fresh sandwiches and salads on the beach! It’s not fancy at all, but everything was good! I particularly liked the tomato burrata salad. You can catch the bus from Bonliue station to get here. Get off at Agnon.
How to get around town
The way that you move through a place can totally transform your experience there. Overall navigating Annecy is a very pleasant experience, and we have a few pointers to make it even easier for you!
We recommend you plan to spend a lot of time exploring on foot! There are so many hidden side streets and winding alley ways to explore along the canals. Walking through the city will give you time to take in your surroundings, and we recommend you linger and explore slowly!
The waterfront parks are vast and you can’t miss them once you get downtown. There are long paved roads and boardwalks wrapping all around the lake, so you can take a long stroll with views of the crystal clear water and mountains around you the whole time!
You will quickly notice how popular bicycles are in Annecy! Annecy is designed to accommodate a lot of bicycle traffic, and riding your bike here is very pleasant. We highly recommend you take the chance to tour the city on bike, either with a tour group, or exploring on your own. There are some excellent bike paths wrapping around the entire city, and you can ride along the lake through parks the whole way.
There is a neon green bike rental service called Velonecy which was very useful! They have rental stations all over the city and it is easy to pick up and drop off bikes wherever you go. We recommend you download the Velonecy app and check it out. The first 30 minutes is free every time, and since we usually ride for 30 minutes at a time, it was almost always free! Velonecy is designed for short term rentals, so don’t go over an hour, or you will pay a hefty bill. The bikes are electric, but sometimes the battery is dead. It is wise to check the battery before you start your rental. You can still ride them with a dead battery, you will just get more exercise.
If you want to cross the lake and visit Veyrier-Du-Lac you can catch the water taxi boat for 4 euro a person. Bring cash. It leaves at 10am, 12, and 4pm in July and August. You can catch the boat back to Annecy for another 4 euro, or take the bus home.
For getting around the city you will want to take the city bus. It is well organized, and in July and August it is FREE! Google Maps does a decently good job with the bus schedule. You can also read the signs at bus stops. Bonlieu station downtown was our main hub for connections in and around Annecy. The bus to Semnoz mountain leaves from there roughly once an hour. We also caught the bus from Bonlieu to visit other cities around the lake such as Angon, and Veyrier-Du-Lac.
For longer trips to surrounding cities such as Lyon and Aix-Les-Bains we caught the train from Annecy train station. This is also where you can get long distance busses to Chamonix, and surrounding towns.
We don’t recommend renting a car if you don’t have to. The public transportation here is very good and we found driving to be much more stressful than taking the bus or train. Most rental cars will be stick shift, so if you do rent, be sure you are confident driving one. It is likely that an automatic will not be available.
7 perfect days
The Ideal Itinerary for 7 days in Annecy France
Here is our ideal itinerary for anyone visiting Annecy! This little city is packed full of gems and we hope this itinerary will help you make the most of your time! It does not account for travel days. You may want to plan for a few days on either side of your visit! Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to rest and recover from the flight so you can really enjoy this magical town!
Day one – Monday
Breakfast – Boulangerie or cafe
Take a segway tour or walking tour of the city to get familiar with where you are!
Lunch – In The old town
Walk the old town and check out the Château d’Annecy and Cathedrale Saint-Pierre. Stroll around the lake, or find a shady spot under a tree to rest in the park!
Dinner – 7pm Les Chineurs De La Cuisine
Day Two – Tuesday
Breakfast – Liege Waffles at Chez Gaston
The farmers market in old town Annecy is open every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 7am till 12pm. Grab some goodies from the market and then head to the park for a waterfront picnic on the lake!
Lunch – Picnic by the lake
Along the waterfront you will find many boats available for rent, as well as tours of all the towns around the lake. Shop around and pick your favorite! There are plenty of budget options, as well as more luxurious private tours!
Dinner – 6Pm Bistrot du Paquier
Day Three – Wednesday
Breakfast – Boulangerie or cafe
Check out Semnoz Mountain! Catch the hourly bus from Bonlieu station and get off at the second to last stop (Semnoz Nordique). Take the Luge mountain coaster for 4 euro each! Then head to Le Chatillon for fondue with a mountain view!
Lunch – Le Chatillon
Catch the cable car to the top of the mountain for another 4 euro each. From here you can hike the 3 lakes loop and stop at a few cheese shops in the dairy farms along the way! Catch the bus back from the Chalet Nordique Du Plateau parking lot.
Dinner – 7pm Bistro Sauvage
Day Four – Thursday
Breakfast – Boulangerie or cafe
Take a casual bike ride around the lake, or opt for an adventurous mountain biking tour!
Lunch – Free choice depending on tour
Free time for walking, shopping, and beach hopping. Use this afternoon to catch up on anything you havent had time to see yet!
Dinner – Opt for a luxury Dinner cruise on the lake!
Day Five – Friday
Breakfast – Boulangerie or cafe
Catch the bus from Bonlieu station and visit Angon Beach! Lay in the shade or go for a swim. The shallow creek is a perfect place for young kids to swim!
Lunch – Saravah Cafe
If you are feeling adventurous why not give Canyoning a try! It’s a work out, but oh so fun! This tour leaves from near by the beach.
Dinner – 7pm Auberge Du Lac
Day Six – Saturday
Breakfast – Save your appetite!
Opt for a food tour of the city and try as many local flavors as you can!
Lunch – Food tour
Relax by the lake, do some shopping, or catch up on anything you missed!
Dinner – 7pm Brasserie De La Paix
Day Seven -Sunday
Breakfast – Boulangerie or cafe
If you are hungry for more adventure, finish off your trip with the most spectacular view of the lake and go Paragliding over the mountains!
Dinner – Chalet La Pricaz
A cheat sheet to make it easy
Useful Phrases in French
Language plays a huge part in heritage, and cultural identity. As you travel it is good practice to learn at least a few phrases in your host country! It shows respect for the culture, and makes people more likely to want to help you. We have compiled a few phrases to make it easy for you! Try to remember a new one each day! We also recommend you download the google translate app, which will help you with pronunciation.
Hello (good day) – Bonjour
Please – S’il vous plaît
Thank you – Merci
Good bye – Au revoir/ Bon journeé
Excuse me – Excusez-moi
Sorry – Desoleé
I don’t speak French – Je ne parle pas Francais
Do you speak English? – Parlez vous anglais?
I would like this – Je voudrais ceci
I like (it) – J’aime (ça)
How much? – c’est combien?
Where is the toilet? – Ou sont les toilettes?
It’s very good – C’est très bien
Can you help me? – pouvez-vous m’aider?
No problem – No problème
It’s ok – C’est bon/ ça va
Exit – Sortie
Pardon me – Pardonez moi
Good – Bien
Bad (not good) – pas bon
Nice to meet you – Enchanté
What’s your name? – Comment vous/appelez vous?
Do you have…? – Avez-vous?
Can I pet your dog? – Puis-je caresser votre chien?
Helpful Apps For Travel
Excellent for getting around, Google maps also allows you to save points of interest for future refference. The public transport navigation is suprisingly good also!
This little app is a must unless you already speak the language! It has standard translation, but also allows you to take photos of a menu, and talk to text!
Outside of the US almost everyone uses this app. If you want to be able to text your tour guide, exchange photos, and make friends as you travel do yourself a favor and get whatsapp.
I am never bored when we travel, even on long plane flights and train rides! Audible’s collection of audiobooks make the down time enjoyable, and I never stop learning things! Amazon Prime includes a lot of audiobooks for free, and there is a large library to pick from even without a monthly subscription. Check out my favorite audio books before your next trip!
Get your guide is the easiest place to start for tours! We have found them to be consistently reliable, and a great way to find out whats going on in a new city!
Finding a good place to stay is so important for a good trip! We use AirBNB to book at least half of our accomodations! Their search engine is so user friendly, and reliable, plus the reviews are super helpful! AirBnB also offers experiences, which usually help us find more local experiences.
If we don’t book on AirBnB, we use Booking.com They have less fees and plenty of options in budget and luxury ranges! They do offer apartments as well as hotels, so they are great for long term stays! They also have options for car rentals, Taxis, and excursions!
This one is good for accomodations and activities! The app is very easy to use and has helped us find plenty of adventures!
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