Discover Annecy: Between Sports, Tourism and Relaxation
Nestled in the majestic heart of the French Alps, Annecy stands out as a picturesque town, attracting visitors from all over the world with its unique charm. Nicknamed the Venice of the Alps because of its canals and medieval historic center, this city offers a captivating experience to those who discover it.
One of its most emblematic jewels is undoubtedly Lake Annecy, renowned for its crystalline beauty. Its waters, reflecting the surrounding peaks, create a breathtaking tableau, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the serenity of its landscape. The shores of the lake offer a wide range of activities: peaceful boat trips, refreshing swims, or simply lounging by the water's edge, contemplating the colors of the sky as the sun sets - everything is conducive to relaxation and contemplation.
As well as its emblematic lake, Annecy has many other treasures to discover. The surrounding mountains offer an ideal playground for outdoor sports enthusiasts, from hiking and biking to more daring water sports. History and culture buffs will also find much to enjoy in the town's historic center, where narrow streets and medieval buildings tell the fascinating story of the region.
But beyond its natural and historical attractions, Annecy also embodies an art of living where tranquility and well-being are the order of the day. Picturesque cafés, lively markets and Savoyard gastronomy delight the senses and nourish the soul. Last but not least, the quality of life in Annecy is incomparable, offering residents and visitors alike a haven of peace where it's good to live, recharge your batteries and enjoy every moment.
In short, Annecy is much more than just a tourist destination. It's a veritable sanctuary of natural beauty, captivating history and authentic well-being, where every street corner reveals a new facet of its bewitching charm. A visit to Annecy is an invitation to explore, to let yourself be enchanted and to fully savor the gentle way of life it generously offers its visitors.
Landmarks :
Le Palais de l'Île: A historic building in the heart of Annecy's old town, which has served as a prison, a courthouse and even a noble residence over the centuries.
Lake Annecy: One of Europe's most beautiful lakes, famous for its crystal-clear waters and surrounded by the mountains of the Alps, offering spectacular water sports and panoramic views.
Château d'Annecy: A former residence of the Counts of Geneva, perched on a hill overlooking the town and offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Les Jardins de l'Europe: Peaceful public gardens along the lake, perfect for strolling, picnicking or simply enjoying the view of the water and mountains.
The old town (Vieille Annecy): A maze of cobbled streets, picturesque canals and medieval buildings, where you'll find stores, restaurants and a lively atmosphere.
Pont des Amours: A charming pedestrian bridge spanning the Thiou canal, often considered the ideal spot for a romantic stroll in Annecy.
La Basilique de la Visitation: A 17th-century Baroque church high above the town, with remarkable architecture and panoramic views over Annecy and its lake.
Albigny beach: A public beach by the lake, with lawns, children's playgrounds and supervised swimming areas, where visitors can relax and enjoy the summer sun.
Le Semnoz: A mountain near Annecy, offering hiking trails, ski slopes in winter and panoramic views of the city, lake and Alps.
Promenade du Pâquier: A large esplanade along the lake, ideal for strolling, cycling, rollerblading or simply relaxing on the grass and admiring the view.
La Chapelle de la Visitation: A small chapel at the top of La Visitation hill, offering panoramic views of the old town and lake.
Le canal du Vassé: A charming canal lined with colorful houses, offering a peaceful, picturesque atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll on foot or by boat.
Rue Sainte-Claire: A lively shopping street in the old town, lined with boutiques, cafés and restaurants, ideal for strolling and discovering local crafts.
Museums :
Le Palais de l'Ile:
3 Passage de l'Île, 74000 Annecy / 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm / +33 4 85 46 76 80 / website + virtual tour
Formerly used as a prison, it now offers a permanent tour of the history and heritage of the area. Visitors can tour the former courtrooms, cells and dungeons, as well as the former chapel.
Musée du film d'animation :
18 avenue du Trésum 74000 Annecy / Opening hours: October to May: museum open daily except Tuesdays, Sundays (except 1st Sunday of the month), Easter Monday, May 1st, May 8th, Ascension Day (May 21st). Open 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm.
June to September: daily 10:30am to 6pm / website
Price: free of charge
The Musée du Film d'animation presents a broad panorama of the moving image, from pre-cinema to contemporary art forms, in a space open to the public at Annecy's Conservatoire d'art et d'histoire.
Green spaces :
Le Parc des Jardins de l'Impérial:
- Located near the lake, this park offers shady paths and well-kept lawns.
- Ideal for quiet strolls and relaxing by the water.
Le Jardin de l'Europe:
- A peaceful park along the lake.
- Ideal for picnics and walks.
- Offers magnificent views of the lake and mountains.
Parc Charles Bosson:
- A large green park on the edge of the lake.
- Equipped with sports fields and children's playgrounds.
- Perfect for outdoor activities and moments of relaxation.
Parc de l'Albigny:
- A landscaped beach with green spaces along the lake.
- Ideal for sunbathing, water sports or just relaxing on the grass.
Viewpoints :
Le Château d'Annecy:
- Offers panoramic views of the old town, lake and surrounding mountains.
- One of the best places to capture the beauty of Annecy in a single view.
Le Semnoz:
- A mountain offering spectacular views of the town, lake and Alps.
- Accessible by car or on foot for hiking enthusiasts.
La Basilique de la Visitation:
- Located high above the town, it offers a breathtaking view of Annecy and its lake.
- The climb up to the basilica is rewarded with a magnificent view.
Mont Veyrier:
- Offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Accessible via various hiking trails from the Annecy area.
La Colline du Château:
- A viewpoint overlooking the old town and lake from Annecy castle.
- The perfect spot for a romantic sunset.
Our favorite restaurants :
- Irma - Bocuse: Avenue du petit ponttel: 04 50 27 62 05
- Le ROC by Yoann Conte: 13 vieille route de Pensières, 74290 Veyrier-du-Lac tel: 04 50 09 97 49
- Le poisson Rouge : 20 promenade des Seines,74320 Sévrier tel : 04 50 52 40 48
- Le Bistro du Rhône : 13 avenue du Rhône,74000 Annecy tel : 04 50 45 53 34
Bistronomics:
- La Voile: allée de l'Impérial, 74000 Annecy. Tel: 04 50 09 3000.
- Les cassines: 228 rte du Ponton, 74290 Talloires Tel: 04 80 97 28 04.
- Restaurant de L'Abbaye :chemin des moines, 74290 Talloires. Tel: 04 50 60 77 33.
- Bloomer: 14 rue sommeiller, 74000 Annecy. Tel: 04 57 41 41 89.
- Brasserie Brunet: 10 rue de la Poste, 74000 Annecy. Tel: 04 50 51 22 10.
- Racines : place des Cordeliers, 8 passage des Bains, 74000 AnnecyTél. : 04 50 09 12 43.
- Cozna: 22 Faubourg Sainte-Claire, 74000 Annecy,Tel: 04 50 65 00 25.
- Le Cortil: 13 rue Jean Mermoz, 74940 Annecy-le-Vieux. Tel: 04 50 23 07 90.
- Le 1903: 303 route du Port, 74290 Talloires Tel. 04 50 60 48 02.
Panoramic view :
- Les Terrasses du lac: 7 route du Semnoz 74000 Annecy tel: 04 50 45 34 86
- La Rotonde des Trésoms : 15 boulevard de la corniche 74000 Annecy tel : 04 50 51 43 84
- Les Acacias Bellevue : 14 route d'Annecy, 74290 Veyrier-du-Lac tel : 04 89 51 72 85
- Le Clocher: 20 place Gabriel Fauré, 74940 Annecy tel: 04 50 23 09 90
Festive restaurant :
- L'Oasis: 525 route d'Albertville 74320 Sévrier, tel: 04 50 02 52 46
- Oxo : 25 rue Centrale 74940 Annecy tel : 04 50 68 54 82
- La Jungle : 520 route des Prés Rollier, 74330 Sillingy tel : 04 50 22 02 55
Cocktail bar :
- La Queue du Coq : 10 rue Vaugelas, 74000Annecy tel : 09 81 26 95 00
- Hip Bar: Allée de l'Impérial, 74000 Annecy tel: 04 50 09 36 58
- Le Vénitien: 2 quai Madame de Warens, 74000 Annecy tel: 04 50 45 75 70
- Society Bar: 4 rue Vaugelas 74000 Annecy
The Italians :
- Le Napoli: 8 rue du Pâquier (2nd floor) 74000 Annecy tel: 04 50 51 76 06
- Le Strada: 24, rue de l'Euro, Meythet, 74960 Annecy,France tel: 04 50 22 34 63
- Come Prima : 212 Avenue d'Aix-les-Bains, 74600 Annecy tel : 04 50 45 62 96
- Les 3 Caesars: 2 rue de l'Euro, 74960 Annecy tel: 04 50 22 35 20
- La Strada: 24 rue de l'Euro, 74960 Meythet tel: 04 5022 34 63
Asians:
- Le kabuki: 9 bis avenue de Chevene, 74000 Annecy tel: 04 50 51 79 01
- Le Jasmin : 3 Faubourg Sainte Claire, 74000 Annecy tel : 04 50 11 52 13
- Yatta Ramen : 1824 route d'Albertville, 74320 Annecy tel : 07 81 58 51 69
- Feuille de Lotus : 14 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau,74000 Annecy tel : 09 83 61 36 25
- Fan House: 36 rue Sommeiller, 74000 Annecy tel: 04 50 51 34 41
Nightclub :
- Le Pop plage: 30 avenue d'Albigny 74000Annecy
- Le téléphone rose: 8 Faubourg des Annonciades 74000 Annecy
- Queen : 29 rue du Jourdil 74000 Annecy
- Le Garage: 36 rue sommeiller 74000 Annecy
Shopping :
- New Gallery: 2 bis rue Thomas Ruphy 74000 Annecy
- Center Courier: 65 rue Carnot 74000 Annecy
- Pedestrian zone between rue Royale and rue Carnot 74000 Annecy
Marché Annéciens :
For more information, click on website:
- Tuesday market at Les Romains and in the old town
- Thursday market in Novel
- Friday market in Annecy's old town
- Saturday markets in Annecy
- Sunday markets in Annecy
Practical info :
- Click on the link for all the information you need to park in Annecy: website
- Click on the link to find all the information you need for your public transport journeys: website
Useful addresses :
- Office du Tourisme : 1 rueJean Jorès 74000 Annecy / open Monday to Sunday, 9:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 18:00 / tel : 04 50 45 00 33 : website
- Annecy train station: Place de la Gare 74000 Annecy: website
