Annecy: a getaway in the heart of the Alps

Cover photo: Main street in Annecy © Shutterstock /Alberto Garcia Guillen

Rightly nicknamed the ‘Venice of the Alps’, Annecy charms visitors with its flower-lined canals, crystal-clear lake, and lively narrow streets. As a City of Art and History, it offers a rare balance of culture, nature, and the art of living. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply a wanderer in search of authenticity, Annecy leaves no one indifferent.

Immerse yourself in Annecy’s must-see attractions

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re looking to deepen your connection with the city, here are a few places you should not miss.

Annecy-le-Vieux: charm and tranquillity in the hills

Set away from the city centre, Annecy-le-Vieux is a historic district with a character all its own. Nestled on the north-eastern shores of the lake, it offers a peaceful, residential atmosphere, perfect for escaping the tourist crowds.

From the foothills of Mount Veyrier (1,291 m), enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding Alps.

The Château d’Annecy: A Witness to History

Overlooking the old town, Château d’Annecy, listed as a Historic Monument since 1959, was the residence of the Counts of Geneva in the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle has lived many lives: first a medieval fortress, then a barracks during the Second World War, and later a site of heritage restoration. Today, it houses a museum with permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, with a particular focus on animated film, a field in which Annecy is recognised as one of the world’s capitals.

From its ramparts, the view over the red rooftops of the old town and the lake is breathtaking.

Le Pâquier and the Jardins de l’Europe: Annecy’s green lung

A true haven of greenery in the heart of the city, the Pâquier is a vast wooded park on the lakeside, much loved by the people of Annecy. A place to relax and connect, it also hosts major local events. Right next door, the Jardins de l’Europe (Garden of Europe), designed in the 19th century, combine century-old trees with elegant sculptures. This landscaped area is a legacy of the Dukes of Nemours, who transformed the former marshland into a place for strolling.

From these gardens, you can board a lake shuttle for a tour of the Vassé Canal, Swan Island, the Pont des Amours, Quai Jules-Philippe, and Quai Napoléon III.

Relaxing and refreshing moments by the lake

Lake Annecy is not only beautiful, it’s also one of the cleanest urban lakes in Europe. Its exceptional water quality, combined with the diversity of its landscapes, makes it an ideal destination for leisure activities.

Paul-Louis Servettaz Promenade, known as ‘Albigny’: between the beach and a wooded park

The promenade linking Parc de l’Impérial to Albigny Beach is one of the most pleasant walks in Annecy. Winding through flower-filled gardens and running alongside the lake, it ends at a large pier with breathtaking views.

This swimming spot is popular in summer (with lifeguards on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.), but Albigny is also ideal for a picnic or sunbathing with a view of the mountains.

The Bridge of Lovers: a romantic symbol

An iconic landmark in Annecy, the Pont des Amours connects the Jardins de l’Europe to the Pâquier, spanning the Vassé Canal. According to legend, a kiss shared at the centre of the bridge guarantees eternal love. Built in 1845, this wrought-iron structure attracts couples who symbolically attach padlocks to it, just as they once did on the Pont des Arts in Paris. The view over the lake, Swan Island, and the surrounding peaks is simply magical.

For the more active, a wide range of sports is available nearby, including pedal boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and cycling.

The lake tour: 33 kilometres of sporting escape

A 33 km cycle path circles the lake, allowing you to go all the way around by bike, on rollerblades, or on foot. The route takes you past beaches, traditional hamlets, and stunning viewpoints. Accessible to all, it offers a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the area. It’s also a great opportunity to stop in one of the charming lakeside villages, such as Talloires, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, or Duingt.

This route is a must for lovers of slow tourism.

Beyond its landscapes, Annecy charms visitors with its atmosphere. A lively, human-scale town, it invites you to wander its cobbled streets, explore its markets (Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays), and meet local artisans. Annecy is also a gourmet destination: stop by a local restaurant to enjoy a Savoyard fondue, a tartiflette, or simply a coffee by the lake. To discover more authentic places in Auvergne and beyond, sign up for our newsletter. With Teritoria, rediscover a more meaningful way to travel, sustainable, responsible, and enriching. By booking or gifting an authentic Teritoria stay, you earn points through our loyalty programme while supporting a respectful local economy.

By Émilie FALLOT NGUYEN