Driving Inspiration: Annecy
Discover the ‘Venice of the Alps’.
- Driving inspiration
- France
- Visit Annecy, the enchanting Alpine Venice
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Is Annecy worth visiting?Yes, Annecy is the very definition of a hidden gem. Called the ‘Venice of the Alps’ and the ‘Pearl of the Alps’, its location by a crystal clear lake surrounded by towering mountain ranges makes Annecy an essential stop on any road trip of southern France. Steeped in history, romance and boasting a beautiful old town with narrow cobbled streets and gently winding waterways, Annecy is a destination popular in both summer and winter, being so close to the Savoie ski resorts and the mountains of the Massif des Bauges.
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Why is Annecy known as ‘the Alpine Venice?’
Standing on the cobbled bridge overlooking the Thiou river, surrounded by pastel coloured medieval buildings and a canal-locked castle, with snow-capped mountains rising in the distance, it’s hard not to be enchanted. Even Venice doesn’t have the Alps as a backdrop, and visitors flock to Annecy, especially in the summer when the turquoise waters of the lake are at their most magical. There are few more romantic places in the Haute-Savoie to take an evening stroll than the Pont des Amours or the Quai de Vicenza.
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Drive to Annecy from CalaisThe capital of the Haute-Savoie department in south-eastern France, Annecy is around an 8 hour drive from our Calais terminal. Using toll roads such as the A26, you’ll be able to wind your way across France. You’ll travel past Reims, Troyes and Dijon, where you can break your journey if you have time. If you ski in the Alps, you’ll know this journey well, and driving in the summer gives the opportunity for longer days to enjoy the spectacular mountain views.Read more about driving in France
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The best things to do in Annecy
- Get your pic of Palais de I’Île
- Swim in Lake Annecy
- Explore Château d’Annecy
- Walk with your loved one on the Pont des Amour
- Eat raclette at Le Freti
Wander through the Vieille Ville
The old town of Annecy, the Vieille Ville is all picturesque cobbled streets, serene canals and floral-draped bridges. Cafés, shops and restaurants line the riverside, and the Palais de l'Île is the jewel in the crown, a medieval river-bound prison that is now a museum and the most photographed spot in Annecy. Away from the canalside Annecy is a maze of narrow medieval streets, full of characterful eateries in shaded arcades.
Be sure to visit Vieille Ville on a market day (Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays) to get the full rustic retail experience. Tuesdays are the day best suited for lovers of fresh farm produce such as cheese and wine, while Fridays and Sunday mornings boast a broad variety of local goods.
Visit the Château d’Annecy
Right in the heart of the old town you’ll find the ornate Château d’Annecy. The castle is, at first glance, an elegant marriage of medieval defensive and decorative architectural styles and was the residence of the counts of Geneva during the 13th and 14th centuries.
During World War II it was used as a military barracks and even became a hiding place for French Resistance fighters. Later, in the 1950s, it was officially classified as an historical monument and today it serves as a museum, filled with regional art such as medieval sculptures, Savoyard furniture, Alpine landscape paintings, and other works of contemporary art. A visit to the castle also grants breathtaking panoramic views over the rooftops of the Vieille Ville to the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park.
Laze by Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy is the third biggest body of water in France, and regarded as Europe’s cleanest lake. It is believed the lake was formed around 18,000 years ago when the large alpine glaciers melted. A series of small mountain rivers feed the lake while it slowly flows into the Thiou River.
Visitors venture to Lake Annecy because of its superb swimming conditions. The water is clear and lazy days are enjoyed on the many beaches that surround it. The water temperature is perfect during the summer months, creating plenty of opportunities to try your hand at paddleboarding, pedal boating or paragliding. Cycling round the lake takes around two hours. Boat excursions are also very popular for those who like to remain dry, ranging from lunch cruises to short round-trips, giving amazing views of the lake and the surrounding peaks.
Stroll across the Pont des Amours
Where is the most beautiful spot in Annecy?
The Pont des Amours (Bridge of Lovers) can certainly claim that title, looking back to the old town along the Canal de Vassé with its colourful moored boats, and ahead to the lake and the awesome beauty of the Alps. The panorama is equally stunning in winter as well as summer, and the snow-capped winter scene may in fact be more romantic (as well as less crowded).
It is said that couples who kiss on this footbridge will be together for eternity. There is another legend that the bridge is named after prostitutes who once plied their trade there! But the padlocks that lovers attach to the bridge are a sign that romance wins the day here.
Taste Savoyard cuisine in Annecy
It’s hearty, not arty, the food of the Haute-Savoie. Potatoes, bacon, onions, cheese and cured meats fuel the mountain walkers, skiers and adrenalin junkies, and the signature dishes of tartiflette, fondue and raclette (pictured, right) all feature heavily in the menus of the waterfront eateries in Annecy.
Try to avoid these tourist traps if you can, and seek out places like Le Freti, where they serve the best raclette (melted Reblochon cheese grilled over potatoes, cured meats and pickles). Another hidden gem in the old town is Le Bilboquet, a reasonably priced family owned bistro serving dishes that look amazing as well as filling you up.
