Annecy
is sublime scenery of snow-capped mountains
Welcome to Annecy
Nestled by the northwestern shore of its namesake lake, Annecy is the jewel of the Haute-Savoie. From its crowning Château d’Annecy down to its gurgling canals, Annecy’s Vieille Ville (Old Town) is infused with antique charm. Made great by the medieval Counts of Geneva and augmented by the Dukes of Savoy, Annecy still has numerous 16th- and 17th-century buildings, now awash in shades of peach and rose and housing restaurants, bakeries and boutiques. Canals trickle through town, earning Annecy its reputation as an 'Alpine Venice'.
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Annecy activities
Annecy Village Half-Day Tour from Geneva with Palais de l'Isle
Board an air-conditioned coach in central Geneva and relax on the 1-hour drive across the Switzerland–France border to Annecy. Admire the majestic Alps while learning about the area from your guide.You’ll immediately discover why this enchanting French mountain town is nicknamed the ‘Venice of the Alps.’ The crystal-clear River Thiou, a runoff of Lake Annecy, forms a series of small canals that run through Old Town. These picturesque waterways are framed by colorful houses and flowering balconies, with the Alps rising steeply in the distance.After some free time for lunch (morning tour only), follow your guide on a 30-minute walking tour of Annecy’s highlights. In Old Town, wander medieval pedestrian lanes lined with shops, markets, terraced cafés, restaurants and bars, and pause for photos in front of Palais de l’Isle, a 12th-century island fortress that once housed a prison; it's the perfect vantage point to capture Annecy’s charm. Visit hilltop Château d’Annecy, a castle where the Counts of Geneva once resided. Today it serves as a museum with exhibits showcasing regional artwork, 15th-century furniture, models of Alpine chalets and an observatory on the history of Lake Annecy.Enjoy 1.5 hours of free time after your tour. Explore by foot, rent a bike for a ride around the lake, or perhaps indulge in a typical Savoyard meal — melted cheese, charcuterie and potatoes are the stars of this soul-satisfying mountain cuisine. (Food and activities at your own expense.)Once you're done exploring, reconvene with your group for the drive back to Geneva.
Geneva and Annecy Sightseeing Tour With Optional Lake Cruise
Board a luxury coach at the Gare Routière station in Geneva, and begin a 2-hour city sightseeing tour, narrated by a local guide. See Geneva's major attractions, including the UN headquarters, the impressive Jet d'Eau (Geneva Water Fountain) and the Flower Clock (L’horloge fleurie) at the corner of the lovely English Garden (Jardin Anglais).After cruising through the city by coach, hop on a tram and meander through narrow streets and alleyways to Geneva’s out-of-the-way areas, learning about the city's rich history along the way. Then hop off for a walking tour through Old Town, home to some of the city’s most historic landmarks including the Barbier-Mueller Museum, Cathédrale St-Pierre, Maison Tavel and Place du Bourg-de-Four.If you choose the upgrade option, a 1-hour Lake Geneva cruise is up next. Sit back, relax and enjoy views of Geneva's UN building and Bellerive Castle, framed by the beautiful snowcapped Alps, and listen to commentary about the sights you pass. Have free time for lunch before boarding the coach in the afternoon for the 1-hour drive to Annecy. After crossing the Switzerland–France border, arrive in the gorgeous Alpine town, once home to the Counts of Geneva and today nicknamed the ‘Venice of the Alps.’ Follow your guide on a walk through medieval Old Town, and admire the picturesque canals framed by colorful houses against the backdrop of the Alps. Pause for photos in front of Palais de l’Isle, a 12th-century island fortress that once housed a prison. This is the perfect vantage point to capture Annecy’s charm. Visit the museum exhibits inside Château d’Annecy, take a stroll or bike ride along Lake Annecy, or perhaps indulge in a typical Savoyard meal (own expense).Then board the coach in the late afternoon for the drive back to Geneva.
3 -Hour Electric Bicycle Tour of Annecy
Meet your local guide at the SNCF train station. Immerse yourself in this town of charm with an electric bicycle transport of the future. Follow your guide and cycle through the gardens. Head up hill to visit Annecy Castle and Basilique and enjoy views of Annecy. Pass through the beautiful countryside and forests and visit the conservatory and History Museum. Descend to the Old Town, Prison, Cathedral and visit some of the lovely cobbled streets and alleys near the river. Complete your pelerinage with a visit to the town hall, Notre Dame, gardens, river and admire the beautiful lake before return to meeting place. An interesting visit of a beautiful town steeped in History.
Summer Chamonix and Annecy Day Trip from Geneva
In the morning, drive directly to Chamonix: a picturesque alpine town dominated by the Alps mountains and glaciers rising majestically upwards to Mont-Blanc, the highest mountain of Europe. A 90-minute drive by bus through the picturesque Arve Valley takes you from Geneva to Chamonix. Enjoy the famous village of Chamonix with its little streets full of charm and admire the Alps. Chamonix Mont Blanc has been at the sharp end of Alpine adventure since 1760, when a Genevois scientist offered a prize for the first ascent of the highest Alp. It had its first growth spurt in the Victorian era, hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and has re-emerged on the freeride wave as the capital of all-mountain skiing. This steep-sided valley, draped with tumbling glaciers beneath a crown of rocky spires, is where snowsports and mountaineering meet. With Chamonix being renowned as the world capital of alpinism, freeride skiing, ice climbing and ultra-trail running, this busy little town is a popular place for day trippers. A good place for shopping, designer brand,fashionable mountain brand or trendy surf wear settled in Chamonix. Lots of boutiques are selling local product as cheese, meats or fresh savoie honey. Options possible: Cable car: ride up the cable car and discover a spectacular panoramic view of the Chamonix Valley and the French, Swiss and Italian Alps! On a clear day, you may even see Mattherhorn, the famous Swiss peak and icon of Switzerland – it’s even found on packages of delicious Toblerone chocolate. If it’s open, you can try the unique adventure: "Step into the Void" BREATHTAKING! A glass room built around a metal frame. Three glass walls, floor and ceiling panels, allow visitors to control their vertigo and experience 1035 meters of space under their feet!In the afternoon, come back to Geneva and spend a self-guided afternoon in Annecy, called the "Venice of the Alps". On the bus, you will have an audioguide and you will spend free time in this charming city.The town offers harmonious and romantic landscapes. Surrounded by mountains, the picturesque old town is located on the banks of the Thiou River and Lake Annecy, one of the largest and arguably most spectacular natural lakes in France. The old town and its colorful and flowered pedestrian streets, crossed by the river draw a picturesque and enchanting framework. The castle “Château d’Annecy” guards over the old town. Although Annecy has several museums and interesting churches, the lovely old town with its endless flower-filled balconies houses antique markets and handcrafts shops. Rich in cultural activities, from museums, castles and exhibitions, Annecy is rated the label "Art and History" so dear to the hearts of the inhabitants.
Full-Day Pérouges and Annecy Tour from Lyon
The morning will be dedicated to the medieval town of Pérouges. It is a medieval walled town 19 miles (30 km) northeast of Lyon. It is perched on a small hill that overlooks the plain of the Ain River. Taste the traditional breakfast, which is a famous local cake.Next, your guide will take you to Annecy. After free time for lunch (own expense, but your guide will be happy to recommend some good places), you will visit the old city and its treasures with your guide.A the end of your tour, you have a free time to enjoy the passageways along the lake. You can also board for a cruise on the lake if you wish (own expense).The tour finishes back in Lyon.
Private trip from Geneva to Annecy in France
If you are keen on a romantic adventure, then this excursion is the perfect match for you! We can organize the trip taking into consideration all your preferences, offering a personal approach. Start the journey from any convenient location for you in Geneva. Hop into one of our comfortable cars or minivans for a short but pleasant ride to the charming town of Annecy, situated 35 km away from Geneva and right on the base of the snow-covered Alps. Annecy is also known under the name “Venice of the Alps” due to Thiou River that flows through the town creating canals reminding of Venice. Located beside the clear waters of Lake Annecy, the town offers a large green park with walkways, tiny bridges, fountains, swans and options of boating activities. Wander around and explore the delightful Old town, which was built in the Middle Ages. Take a look at the central landmark of Annecy – Palais de I’lsle, a medieval castle and prison in the 12th century, an art and history museum nowadays. Discover the Chateau d’Annecy – a reestablished castle, dominating the town. Afterward, you will take the boat and sail around the lake to see tiny villages dotted at the shores of the lake, the Menthon Saint Bernard – a castle built in the 13th century, and just enjoy the beautiful view. You can have a meal by trying local dishes at one of the canal-side cafes or restaurants. Do not forget to bring your photo camera, as it is going to be a very picturesque journey!