More blogs
In the Haute-Savoie region of France, Annecy is a destination to visit at least once in your life. The famous Lake Annecy, its colourful houses, the medieval centre, everything is beautiful there.
Discover the city of the Alps with Flightgift for a few days. We suggest the must-see places to visit in this charming location.
Visit the medieval castle
Overlooking the old town, Annecy Castle was once the home of the Counts of Geneva. Nowadays, the castle is open for visitors, and we recommend checking out the Queen's Tower. When you push open the doors of the castle, you can admire :
- The Museum of Regional Art exhibits religious works, objects of everyday life, and many paintings as well as models of the castle.
- The Museum of Contemporary Art presents a wide variety of temporary exhibitions.
- The Regional Observatory of Alpine Lakes explains the specificities of mountain lakes: aquariums, models, fishing equipment, and archaeological excavations.
Getting lost in the narrow streets of Annecy's old town
With its nickname of the Venice of the Alps, the charm of Annecy's old town will blow you away: small cobbled streets, canals, and colourful houses, it's the setting for a postcard.
Stop at a charming café, and order a pastry in front of the architectural treasures.
Little tip: In March each year, a Venetian carnival occurs in old Annecy and on the lake.
A walk along Lake Annecy
It's impossible to mention Annecy without its lake with its translucent waters reflecting the surrounding mountains. It is a must-see tourist attraction in Annecy. You can discover it on foot, by bike or even from the air for an incredible view. Lake Annecy is considered to be the most beautiful and purest in Europe. You will have stars in your eyes.
Little tip: Go over the bridge of love and hang a padlock to seal your relationship.
Discover the Palais de l'Isle
Listed as a historical monument, the Palais de l'Île was once a prison, a courthouse, and an administrative centre. Nowadays, there are exhibitions of the architecture and heritage of Annecy to learn more about the city. Moreover, it is one of the most photographed buildings in France. Perfect for your souvenir photos.
Little tip: Access is free every first Sunday of the month for everyone, from October to May.
Walking along the Canal du Thiou
The Canal du Thiou offers many walking paths to Lake Annecy and the Jardins de l'Europe. With its colourful facades and clear water, it’s easy to enjoy this relaxing walk.
Where to stay in Annecy
Aparthotel Adagio Annecy Centre
Located in the heart of the city, 10 minutes from Lake Annecy, Aparthotel Adagio benefits from the ideal location for your holidays. Classified as a 4-star tourist residence, you will have all the necessary amenities to enjoy your stay in Annecy.
Hôtel Mercure Annecy Centre
Just a few minutes from the train station, the Mercure Annecy hotel is ideal for those who wish to visit everything on foot. Design and contemporary decoration, top-of-the-range equipment: everything is done to allow you to relax at every moment of the day.
Chalet Christine
Located in Talloires, you'll enjoy a pleasant stay within a 1-minute walk of Lake Annecy and a 10-minute walk of Passagers du Vent. Bed & Breakfast with spa, Chalet Christine is perfect if you want some rest during your getaway in Annecy.
The hotel's bonus: you have access to free private parking.
Discover the local specialities
The local gastronomy is also an excellent reason to visit Annecy. Taste the different cheeses of the region: Reblochon, Tome de Savoie and the famous Savoyard fondue. Dry sausages and tartiflette are also an important culinary tradition. Your taste buds will be awakened.
Some restaurants even offer the chance to taste fresh fish caught that very morning in Lake Annecy.
Visit Annecy during its festivities
While Annecy can be visited throughout the year, there are also specific times during the year when it can be a good idea to visit.
In March, the Venetian carnival of Annecy invites you to participate or to admire the magnificent Venetian costumes.
In June, the International Animation Film Festival takes place: it is the world's largest event dedicated to animation.
In July, the festival des Paysages highlights artistic and landscape installations in the city's emblematic sites.
At the beginning of August, it's the Lake Festival; the biggest fireworks show in Europe.
At the beginning of December, the Saint-André Fair takes place. A Middle Ages tradition, hundreds of traders come from all over the department and even further afield to sell their products of all kinds.
