If you’re American, chances are that you’ve never heard of Annecy, France. How the Europeans have kept this charming city a secret is beyond me, but I couldn’t be happier that we were able to work Annecy into our schedule on our trip to France.
The village of Annecy seems straight from the pages of a storybook – beautiful and picturesque. Situated at the foothills of the French Alps and only a 45 minute drive from Geneva, Annecy is a historic canal city located adjacent to a beautiful glacier lake. Lake Annecy is one of the cleanest and purest lakes in the world.
Why go to Annecy? Certainly, there’s the obvious – it’s a stunning city with an extraordinary landscape. I could have strolled around town all day taking photographs.
Each bend in the cobblestone road afforded a photo opportunity better than the last.
Even the prison in Annecy is picturesque! The Palais de l’lsle is a castle in the center of the canal built in 1132, which has been used as Annecy’s jail during several periods throughout history.
The small village of Annecy also offers a plethora of interesting shops (where you could easily rack up some serious credit card bills), a handful of Michelin starred restaurants and a surprisingly vibrant night life.
After you’ve taken your first stroll around the historic downtown, venture to Lake Annecy, which is just a short walk from the main canal. Stroll across the Lover’s Bridge, rent a bicycle and watch the swans gracefully float about.
After you admire the lake, get out on the water for even better views! I’d highly recommend renting one of the small motorboats that you’ll find around the lake’s perimeter. We paid $64 euro per hour, which was well worth the cost to relax on Lake Annecy’s pristine teal waters.
If you have more time (or if you’re like me and just couldn’t get enough of the gorgeous lake), you can purchase a ticket near the canal for one of the large hop on/hop off boats. This boat will allow you to explore the neighboring villages and obtain closer views of the castles and chateaus speckling the lake’s shoreline.
Once you’ve seen the lake from the ground, view it from above. Drive straight up the mountain and dine at Chalet La Pricaz for even more stunning views.
The restaurant is situated high on a mountain pass and offers a surreal dining experience at extremely reasonable prices. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the food at Chalet La Pricaz was as delightful as the views!
We dined on tradition Savoy fondue as we watched paragliders take a running start off the mountain and float to the ground below.
If you read this blog regularly, you know that it’s difficult for me to relax because there is usually so much that I want to do and see in a particular destination. However, Annecy was so darn charming, it was impossible for me not to slow down and enjoy the loveliness of this quaint French village. If you find yourself anywhere near the French Alps, please, do yourself a favor and spend a day or two in gorgeous Annecy.
What’s the most charming European city you’ve ever been to? Is Annecy on your list to visit?
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November 24, 2014
I have never heard of Annecy, France but have now added it to my list. So glad you wrote about it! The city looks so charming and your photos are absolutely breathtaking. Thanks for sharing!
November 24, 2014
Honestly – I was blown away! I hope that you visit… I’d be surprised if you didn’t love the city!
November 26, 2014
!Yes, you are right about this beautiful village! I had visited it for a few hours while I studied at Grenoble’s university in 1981.
November 26, 2014
I love reading about your travels. It’s like I there too.
November 26, 2014
I was just there a couple of weeks ago! It was my second time in Annecy, the first being almost seven years ago. My friend and I only had a day there but we went to the Sunday market, took a boat tour of the lake, and hiked in the Alps! Such a charming city!
Chloe | Wanderlust in the Midwest
February 26, 2015
You are all welcome in Annecy !
February 26, 2015
I’ll certainly be back!
March 31, 2015
Glad you loved Annecy!
I represent an specialist events company set up for english speaking corporate groups that wish to visit the town and the region.
We would love to help some more of the American population discover our beautiful town! At just 30 minutes from Geneva it’s extremely easy to come and visit. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need some help!
July 28, 2015
Thanks, Andy!
April 11, 2015
I live in Lyon, close to Annecy, and I always go there in the summer for 1 day to enjoy the lake and have a swim!
Few years ago I did a paragliding above the lake and the landscape is really amzing!
April 13, 2015
I’m jealous that you get to go so often, Pauline! And wow, VERY impressed that you tried paragliding – I have a fear of heights so I won’t be doing it any time soon!
April 11, 2015
Annecy is beautiful! One of our fave spots! Great town! Great Lake! Lots to do!
April 13, 2015
Agree- I can’t wait to visit again!
September 26, 2015
Just back from a long weekend in Annecy. What a beautiful place stunning views, very picturesque & romantic. Would recommend it to anyone x
September 26, 2015
I’m jealous! I would love to go back soon!
September 26, 2015
100% on the bucket list now! I lived in France for a year and didn’t know about Annecy! X
September 28, 2015
You won’t regret the trip, Vickie!
June 8, 2016
Annecy sounds awesome! Our travelers would love to explore it. Thanks for sharing.
June 9, 2016
It is a stunning city!
June 10, 2016
Yes, absolutely!
September 27, 2016
My coworker just told me about Annecy this morning, which is how I landed on your blog. Beautiful photos! I am learning french, but am still very slow at it. How easy was it to get around in English? Would I have a tough time?
Currently, I’m planning on heading there for March.
September 27, 2016
I only speak a few basic words in French and I got around just fine, Honey. I would highly recommend Annecy – it’s a very special place!
October 27, 2016
That’s very encouraging, thank you!
August 9, 2017
Hi Karisa, this post is amazing! I never heard about Annecy before and your first two pictures already made this on top of my must-go list. I definitely will visit Annecy this year and I will dine at Chalet La Pricaz for sure :). I also found some other travellers talked about a church called Église Saint-François de Sales(like in this trip https://www.43km.co/published_trips/79615217-c5d7-4102-8db9-43975fbe9517), it looks nice but I don’t know if it is worth going, can you comment on that? Also how is the safety? I like to travel alone, and meet friends along the way. Thanks!
August 9, 2017
Thanks, James. I would certainly recommend Annecy and it seemed to be very safe from my perspective. Unfortunately, I haven’t visited that church so I can’t comment on it. I hope you have a wonderful trip!