Créé par Emilie, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
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Annecy, nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps", is a charming city located on the shores of Lake Annecy and surrounded by spectacular mountains. The city offers an idyllic setting for nature and heritage lovers, with its picturesque canals, medieval castle and cobbled streets. Here are some of the must-see attractions not to miss during your visit to Annecy.
Discover the old town and its canals
The old town of Annecy, also called "vieil Annecy", is a true architectural gem. Its narrow and colorful streets are lined with historic buildings with flowery facades, which are crossed by numerous canals. Among the sites not to miss in this picturesque area:
- The Palais de l'Isle: this former 12th-century prison, built on an island in the middle of a canal, is one of the city's emblems.
- The Château d'Annecy: this medieval castle, perched on a hill, offers an exceptional panorama over the old town and the lake.
- Saint-Pierre Cathedral: this 16th-century religious building has a richly decorated interior.
- The Thiou quays: these canal-side walks offer a beautiful perspective on the colorful houses and bridges spanning the canals.
Stroll along Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy, which is one of the cleanest lakes in Europe, offers an ideal setting to relax and enjoy nature. You can take a walk along its shores, picnic in one of the many green spaces or swim in its crystal-clear waters. Among the must-do activities around the lake:
- Bike rental: several companies offer bikes for rent to explore the lake shores freely.
- Boat cruises: different companies offer tourist cruises on the lake, allowing you to discover the emblematic sites from the water.
- Water sports: Lake Annecy is a popular place for practicing water sports such as sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding or even scuba diving.
- The Bout-du-Lac nature reserve: located at the southern end of the lake, this reserve is home to exceptional fauna and flora to observe during a hike.
Enjoy a gourmet getaway
The Annecy region has a rich culinary tradition, with Savoyard specialties such as fondue, tartiflette or diots. Here are some ideas for a gourmet break during your stay:
- Local markets: several markets are held regularly in the city, notably the old Annecy market and the one at Place des Romains. You'll find fresh and local products to taste on the spot or take away.
- Savoyard specialty restaurants: many establishments offer typical dishes based on cheeses and charcuterie from the region.
- Visiting a cheese dairy: some regional cheese dairies organize guided tours to discover the secrets of Savoyard cheese making.
Attend Annecy's cultural events
Annecy is also a city rich in cultural events throughout the year. Among the must-see events not to miss:
- The Annecy International Animation Film Festival: this annual event takes place in June and brings together animation film professionals from around the world.
- Les Noctibules: this street arts festival takes place every summer and offers free shows throughout the city.
- The Venetian Carnival of Annecy: inspired by the famous Venice carnival, this event attracts thousands of visitors with its sumptuous costumes and parades on the canals.
In summary, Annecy is full of treasures to discover, whether for history and architecture enthusiasts, nature lovers or food lovers. So don't wait any longer and let yourself be seduced by the charms of this Venice of the Alps!