What to do and see in Annecy, France: The Best Places and Tips

September 5, 2017 Phylicia Berquist

Romance is the lifeblood of Annecy, a town in the Rhone-Alpes region of southeast France that’s replete with castles and cathedrals and softly curving architecture. Stroll hand in hand with your paramour across Pont des Amours (the lover’s bridge) before taking in the Imperial Palace and the baroque Cathedral of Saint-Pierre. A walk down the Rue Royale will be rewarded with prime shopping, dining and people-watching, especially at the fountain of Saint Jean.
Restaurants in Annecy

1. Lac d'Annecy

2 Clos Du Verger Les Teppes Vertes | Chapeiry, 74000, Annecy, France
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 5 reviews

Lac d'Annecy

Reviewed By GEORGIOS P - Athens, Greece

We can easily claim that Annecy and its lake, are the paradise on earth. Through all the seasons of the year , the lake of Annecy remains a surprising and enjoyable sightseeing. It’s a place that really helps your revitalization .

2. La Tournette

Annecy, France
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 222 reviews

La Tournette

Reviewed By bweeindc - Washington DC, District of Columbia

We parked near the Refuge du Pre Verel and walked up (about 20 minutes) to the Restaurant Le Chalet de l'Aulp where the trail to La Tournette begins, although you could park at the restaurant, too. The trail up to the Refuge de la Tournette (a 2 - 3 floor enclosed structure mid-way up la Tournette) is easy. An immersive Photosynth 360 view from near the Refuge is available at: https://goo.gl/x0zytt
The Refuge de la Tournette sports a cable system for hauling stuff up from the terminus at the bottom, which is the Refuge du Pre Verel. The latter is a nice place to stop and get a lunch if you're down early enough, and the terminus anchor point for the cable is right by one of the outdoor tables. Follow the cable, and you'll see Refuge de la Tournette.
Wear sturdy shoes and/or bring a hiking pole, it'll help on the way down: certain parts of the well worn trail don't afford too much purchase to the soles of the shoes.

3. La Vieille Ville

74000, Annecy, France
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

La Vieille Ville

Reviewed By ZapCa - Toronto, Canada

This is a breathtaking town!!! It's like to go back to medieval times! Been there in January 2018, the weather was a bit chilly, but, well, you are in Alps...so you can hear their beathing :))) But it is a very compact Old Part of the city which you can easily walk in 2-3 hours and have an amazing food somewhere in plenty of nice restaurants! Must go destination if you are in Geneva (since it's only 40km from there) or Lyon (you can get there by car (one hour) or by bus 1,5hours from Lyon). Lac d'Annecy is breathtaking as well!

4. Le Semnoz

Annecy, France +33 4 50 51 51 50
Excellent
63%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 615 reviews

Le Semnoz

Reviewed By Jason W

The family wanted to see the French Alps, so we drove about an hour south of Geneva to the top of Le Semnoz. Incredible panoramic views of the French Alps. Some nice places to eat on the on the mountain. The road was very good, and the folks we chatted with were all very friendly. If you like being out in the countryside, do this, you won't regret it.

5. Jardins de l'Europe

quai Napoleon III, 74000, Annecy, France
Excellent
58%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 213 reviews

Jardins de l'Europe

Reviewed By Darrel J - Perth, Australia

Mature leafy trees, well manicured lawns & Gardens & interesting art features makes this a relaxing & intimate park

6. Pont des Amours

Annecy, France
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 690 reviews

Pont des Amours

Reviewed By ebonyjameskent - Brighton, United Kingdom

The bridge of love! What a picturesque view. We were very lucky with the weather and the view was something that I had never seen before. Anncey Lake - one of the best in France is absolutely stunning with the Mountains behind.
However it is just a bridge, nothing particularly special.. the views make this bridge.

7. Gorges du Fier

Lovagny, 74330, Annecy, France +33 4 50 46 23 07
Excellent
50%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Gorges du Fier

Reviewed By Lynn03 - Brentwood Essex UK

We had intended to go to Chamoix , but the logistics wouldn't allow on public transport, so we looked on Trip advisor and found this.
We booked a taxi from Annecy to take us and it was Euros 30 for 4 of us.
This is so beautiful , it is not to be missed while in the area.
Its very safe for someone who gets a bit nervous around this type of terrain and we had a beautiful relaxing few hours.
There is a lovely café at the end which serves very reasonable excellent hot snacks.
We then walked up the Chateau which is about 1/4 mile away.
Loved it

8. Voie Verte du Lac d'Annecy

25 km d'Annecy à Giez, Annecy, France
Excellent
60%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 103 reviews

Voie Verte du Lac d'Annecy

Reviewed By RoadnottakenVA - Richmond, Virginia

30 km trail from center fo Annecy to Marlen. Flat or slightly hilly. Truly scenic. Full of families/ couples and some serious bikers. Great fun. Lots of places to stop along the way and very safe as crosses few roads and all are small and little used. A great way to spend an afternoon with the family. Bikes easy to rent in Annecy

9. Le Paquier

74000, Annecy, France
Excellent
62%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79 reviews

Le Paquier

Reviewed By Julia B

We have a holiday apartment overlooking Le Paquier - not only are there fabulous views over the lake with the Mountains dipping down into the water in a series of scene sets - each more gradullay blue as they recede - but it is also where many open air events are sited. Every weekend you can watch the local rowing club and dragon club practising, and it is the site of the famous fireworks for the Fete du lac in August or Bastille Day. The Animation Film festival happens here in June and we fairly frequently see a huge blow up screen set up for evening film viewings at other times of year. For childrent there is the Dotto train in summer and the old carousel closer to Lovers Bridge - Pont d'Amour. All this makes fascinating viewing from our balcony directly opposite, there is something different on each time we visit!

10. Lake Annecy Tourist Office

1 rue Jean Jaures, 74000, Annecy, France +33 4 50 45 00 33
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 562 reviews

Lake Annecy Tourist Office

Reviewed By William P - Phoenix, Arizona, USA

We stopped in to the Tourist Office as we were searching for a medium-term rental (a few weeks). We were greeted in English and, after I explained what I wanted, the lady gave me a beautiful pamphlet which listed many of the available apartments along...MoreHello, we hope you found your holiday rental easily and you had a nice stay at Lake Annecy. We hope to help you again in one of our tourist office around the lake. Cordialy.

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