This article will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Annecy, from where to stay and where to eat, to what activities are best.
Annecy is a pretty lake town in the Haute-Savoie region of France. The city is surrounded by mountains on the edge of the Swiss border, just half an hour from Geneva and the popular French ski resorts nearby.
I spent a few months living in Annecy a few years ago and recently moved back (I basically know what I’m talking about!). The city has a large international community because many people choose to live there and travel to Geneva.
The best time to visit Annecy
There really isn’t a bad time to visit Annecy, but personally, I would suggest avoiding from March to early May.. The weather is unpredictable in that area and it can rain a lot. The snow is partially melted, so winter activities are not always an option, but summer hikes and spring activities are also not open yet.
Summers are busy as it is high season in Annecy. It can be very crowded, especially on weekends and midday, when many tourists visit Annecy as a day trip while traveling through Switzerland.
Spoiler: the lake is cold all year round, don’t be fooled by the people who swim in it! Many do, but even on the hottest day, it was too cold for me.
Any other time is great to visit Annecy: late August for the fireworks festival, along with September when you can witness the changing color of the leaves. In October there is a fun festival of the return of the alpine pastures. The winter months bring skiing and beautiful snow-capped mountains. At the beginning of March there is a big carnival (Venetian style) and lots of fun!
Where to stay in Annecy
Annecy, France, is located 44 km west of Geneva, Switzerland, about 40 minutes by car. Most people arrive in Annecy after flying into Geneva International Airport and then driving across the border. Annecy actually has more options for arriving in winter, as some smaller airports in the region operate in winter for the ski season. – like Grenoble or Chambery.
The best areas to stay in Annecy are close to the old town for easy access to the markets and the lake. I see a lot of blog posts recommending places that are very far from the actual places, so keep that in mind.
- Imperial Palace – Secluded, but close to cycle paths and within walking distance of the old town, offering more privacy with lake views.
NOTE: Do not confuse Annecy-le-Vieux with the old town, despite the name. Annecy-le-Vieux is named after old (Eng: old) because the first inhabitants settled there, but it is east of the picturesque old town that you know from the photos. You have to stay in Annecy, not Annecy-le-Vieux, to be close to the main attractions.
There are also many apartments for rent in Annecy. I would say anywhere in the old town, Center Ville. Areas like Seynod may seem close, but I think it is too far for the average tourist to take a bus or be 20 minutes from the city.
Do you need a car in Annecy?
Whether you need a car or not depends on what you want to do. Annecy can be walkable and bikeable for tourists, but if you want to go on excursions outside the city, for which you need a car.
If you want to explore the surrounding mountains and other things like even paragliding, rent a car it is necessary. If you just want to visit other larger cities in the area, taking the train is fine, but do yourself a favor and drive.
Parking is difficult to find in Annecy, so keep that in mind, but some streets offer free parking and there are some covered car parks. this is the biggest.
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