What are the best things to do in Annecy? Wander through the old town along the Thiou and photograph the Palais de l’Île, cross the Pont des Amours to the Jardins de l’Europe, visit the castle museum, take a lake cruise or cycle round the lake, swim at the public beaches in summer, then head out to Talloires, the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, the Gorges du Fier or the Col de la Forclaz. Allow 2 to 3 days to visit Annecy; the best time is June to September, with July and August for swimming.
The capital of the Haute-Savoie department, Annecy sits on the shore of an Alpine lake ringed by mountains, about forty kilometres (25 mi) from Geneva. Its canal-laced old town has earned it the nickname « Venice of the Alps ». This guide brings together the sights, the lake tour, two itineraries, where to stay, budget and the month-by-month climate according to Météo-France, with a swimming window we calculated from the observed number of hot days.
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Annecy at a glance
- Location Haute-Savoie(Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), at the northern end of Lake Annecy, about 40 km (25 mi) from Geneva
- Airports Geneva is the most convenient, then bus, coach or car · details
- Ideal length 1 day for the old town2 to 3 days with the lake and surroundings
- Best time June to SeptemberJuly-August for swimming; December for the Christmas atmosphere
- Entry US citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in the Schengen area; UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in 180, EES registration · travel.state.gov · GOV.UK
- Currency the euro (Swiss franc in Geneva) · currencies
- Budget see our budget section
Things to do in Annecy: the highlights
The old town and the Thiou canals
The old town stretches along the Thiou, the river that drains the lake, and the Vassé canals. Arcaded streets, colourful facades, flower-decked bridges and small squares: Rue Sainte-Claire and Quai de l’Île are the most typical. Several weekly markets liven up the area (days on the city website).
The Palais de l’Île
Set in the middle of the Thiou like a stone ship, the Palais de l’Île (12th century) has served as a residence, a courthouse and a prison. It is Annecy’s most photographed monument and houses an architecture and heritage interpretation centre.
Annecy castle and the Basilica of the Visitation
Once the residence of the Counts of Geneva and later the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours, the castle overlooks the old town. It houses a museum (regional art, history, an observatory of Alpine lakes), and its terrace has a fine view over the rooftops and the lake. Higher up, the Basilica of the Visitation, reachable on foot or by car, looks out over the whole Annecy basin.
The Pont des Amours, the Jardins de l’Europe and the Pâquier
The Pont des Amours (Lovers’ Bridge) spans the Vassé canal between the Jardins de l’Europe, a tree-filled park by the water, and the Pâquier, a vast lawn facing the lake and the mountains. Offshore, the Île des Cygnes completes the picture. This is the walk to do at sunset.
A lake cruise
Boats leave from the town centre for guided tours of the lake, with or without stops (Talloires, Menthon, Duingt, Sevrier depending on the route and the season). Pedal boats, licence-free electric boats, kayaks and paddleboards can be hired by the Pâquier and in the lakeside villages.
Cycling round the lake
A greenway runs along the west shore from Annecy to Doussard, entirely car-free and almost flat. The full loop, roughly forty kilometres (25 mi), partly uses roads on the east shore. Bike and e-bike rental shops are plentiful in town; set off early in summer.
Talloires, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Duingt
On the east shore, Talloires and its little harbour face the Château de Duingt; Menthon-Saint-Bernard is overlooked by a castle with pointed roofs, still lived in and open to visitors in season. To the south, the Bout du Lac nature reserve protects a wetland.
Paragliding at the Col de la Forclaz and the peaks
Above Talloires, the Col de la Forclaz is one of the busiest paragliding sites in Europe: schools offer tandem flights with views of the lake. For hiking, the Semnoz, Mont Veyrier, La Tournette and the Plateau des Glières, a major site of the French Resistance, are all less than an hour away.
The Gorges du Fier and nearby castles
About ten kilometres (6 mi) to the west, the Gorges du Fier are visited on walkways fixed to the rock face (open in season). The nearby Château de Montrottier, the medieval town of Alby-sur-Chéran and Tamié Abbey round off the excursions. Geneva, in Switzerland, is less than an hour away: see our guide to things to do in Geneva.
Itinerary: Annecy in 1, 2 or 3 days
Annecy in 1 day
- Morning: old town, Quai de l’Île, Palais de l’Île and the market (depending on the day)
- Late morning: walk up to Annecy castle and its terrace
- Lunch: tartiflette, fondue or perch fillets
- Afternoon: a lake cruise, or a pedal boat from the Pâquier
- Evening: the Pont des Amours and the Jardins de l’Europe at sunset
Annecy in 3 days
- Day 1: as above
- Day 2: cycle round the lake on the greenway, with a swim in summer, and come back by boat or bus
- Day 3: Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard in the morning, the Col de la Forclaz (paragliding or viewpoint), or the Gorges du Fier and Alby-sur-Chéran
For a longer mountain stay, continue to Chamonix (about 1 h 30 by road). More short-break ideas in our weekends section.
Swimming in Lake Annecy: our swimming window
Lake Annecy is known for the quality of its water, and swimming is allowed at the equipped, lifeguarded beaches in summer (notably the public beaches of Annecy, Annecy-le-Vieux, Sevrier, Saint-Jorioz and Talloires). As there is no official monthly normal for water temperature, we don’t publish a water figure. Instead, using the Météo-France data sheet for Annecy-Meythet, we calculated how many days warm enough for the beach you can expect during a stay.
| Month | Days ≥ 25 °C (77 °F) in the month | Days ≥ 25 °C in 7 days | Days ≥ 30 °C (86 °F) in the month | Rainy days in 7 days | Sunset on the 15th | Swimming window |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 2.3 | 20:21 | ❌ Rarely warm enough |
| May | 4.7 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 2.6 | 21:00 | ❌ Rarely warm enough |
| June | 13.9 | 3.2 | 3.1 | 2.2 | 21:27 | ⚠️ Swimming possible on hot days |
| July | 20.2 | 4.6 | 6.9 | 2.2 | 21:22 | ✅ Peak swimming season |
| August | 18.2 | 4.1 | 6.9 | 2.1 | 20:44 | ✅ Peak swimming season |
| September | 6.2 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 2.0 | 19:47 | ⚠️ Swimming possible on hot days |
| October | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 2.4 | 18:50 | ❌ Rarely warm enough |
- July and August are the heart of the season: about 5 days in 7 top 25 °C (77 °F) in July and 4 in August, with 6 to 7 days over 30 °C (86 °F) a month.
- June already feels like summer: 13.9 days ≥ 25 °C on average and sunset around 21:27; it is the best balance before the summer holidays.
- September becomes hit-and-miss: 6.2 days ≥ 25 °C on average; warm days are still pleasant, but the air cools quickly and the lifeguarded beach season ends.
- Rain doesn’t stop in summer: about 2 rainy days in 7, often as afternoon thunderstorms. Swim in the morning and keep an eye on the forecast.
- Safety: the lake water stays cooler at depth; get in gradually, especially after exercise, and keep to the swimming zones and away from boat channels.
When to go to Annecy
The best time is June to September. The climate is temperate, mountainous and wet: Annecy-Meythet gets an average of 1,211 mm (47.7 in) of rain a year according to Météo-France, spread fairly evenly through the year (78.9 mm / 3.1 in in February, the driest month, up to 112.5 mm / 4.4 in in December). Summers are hot (average July high of 26.5 °C / 80 °F) and winters cold, with lows below freezing from December to February.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sunshine (h) | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5.6 °C (42 °F) | −1.4 °C (29 °F) | 94.2 mm (3.7 in) | 88.2 | Low (skiing) | Medium | ❌ Cold, frequent frost |
| February | 7.6 °C (46 °F) | −1.0 °C (30 °F) | 78.9 mm (3.1 in) | 113.1 | Low (skiing) | Medium | ❌ Cold; the driest month |
| March | 12.3 °C (54 °F) | 1.7 °C (35 °F) | 89.9 mm (3.5 in) | 173.9 | Low | Low | ⚠️ End of winter, quiet lake |
| April | 16.3 °C (61 °F) | 5.0 °C (41 °F) | 96.1 mm (3.8 in) | 191.0 | Medium | Medium | ⚠️ Cool, changeable spring |
| May | 20.3 °C (69 °F) | 9.2 °C (49 °F) | 109.2 mm (4.3 in) | 220.0 | Medium | Medium | ✅ Mild, nature in bloom, cycling |
| June | 24.2 °C (76 °F) | 12.7 °C (55 °F) | 95.1 mm (3.7 in) | 255.8 | High | High | ✅ Hot, long days |
| July | 26.5 °C (80 °F) | 14.4 °C (58 °F) | 101.1 mm (4.0 in) | 273.8 | Very high | Very high | ✅ Swimming, but crowds |
| August | 26.1 °C (79 °F) | 14.2 °C (58 °F) | 106.4 mm (4.2 in) | 249.1 | Very high | Very high | ✅ Swimming, but crowds |
| September | 21.3 °C (70 °F) | 10.7 °C (51 °F) | 108.3 mm (4.3 in) | 194.7 | Medium | Medium | ✅ Mild, fewer people |
| October | 16.3 °C (61 °F) | 7.2 °C (45 °F) | 109.8 mm (4.3 in) | 141.0 | Medium | Medium | ⚠️ Autumn colours, rain |
| November | 10.0 °C (50 °F) | 2.5 °C (36 °F) | 109.7 mm (4.3 in) | 90.6 | Low | Low | ❌ Grey and damp |
| December | 6.3 °C (43 °F) | −0.6 °C (31 °F) | 112.5 mm (4.4 in) | 78.2 | Medium (Christmas) | Medium | ⚠️ Cold, Christmas atmosphere |
- Spring (April-May): ideal for cycling and low-altitude hiking; the peaks often keep their snow until May.
- Summer (June-August): swimming, water sports and paragliding; July and August are very busy, with heavy traffic around the lake. Late-afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Autumn (September-October): still mild in September, colourful forests in October, far fewer people.
- Winter (November-March): the town is quiet; nearby ski resorts (La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, the Semnoz) are less than an hour away. Christmas events set up in December.
The main events (the international animation film festival in spring, the lake festival in summer) change dates every year: check the Lake Annecy tourist office website. For more summer ideas, see where to go in July.
Where to stay in Annecy
| Area | For whom? | Pluses |
|---|---|---|
| Old town | First visit, without a car | Everything on foot, charm; noisy in the evening, hard to park |
| Station area and town centre | Practical, by train | Plenty of hotels, 10 minutes’ walk from the old town |
| Annecy-le-Vieux, lakeside | Couples, families | Beaches, quiet, lake views; more expensive |
| West shore (Sevrier, Saint-Jorioz) | Cycling, mid-range budget | On the greenway, campsites and rentals |
| East shore (Talloires, Menthon) | A quiet stay | Exceptional setting, upmarket hotels; a car is useful |
How much does a trip to Annecy cost?
| Item (per person per day) | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (sharing a double room) | about €40 to €60 (hostel, campsite, simple hotel) | about €90 to €180 |
| Food | about €25 to €35 (market, crêperie, picnic on the Pâquier) | about €50 to €80 (Savoyard restaurants, lakeside) |
| Transport | about €5 to €15 (bus, bike hire) | about €15 to €30 (e-bike, car, parking) |
| Activities | about €5 to €15 (beaches, castle) | about €30 to €100 (cruise, paddleboarding, paragliding) |
| Total | roughly €80 to €120 per person per day | roughly €160 to €280 per person per day |
Getting there and getting around Annecy
- By train: Annecy station is served by TGV inOui high-speed trains and regional trains, sometimes with a change in Lyon or Chambéry (Wikipedia, « Gare d’Annecy »). See our tips for travelling cheaply by train.
- From Geneva: coaches and shuttles from the airport, or the regional Léman Express train via Annemasse.
- In town: the old town and the lakeside are walkable; the Sibra bus network serves the urban area.
- Around the lake: bike on the greenway, regional buses and boats in season; a car is handy but traffic and parking are difficult in summer.
- Parking: paid underground car parks near the centre; park-and-ride car parks are a better option.
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025): you may enter the Schengen area, including France, for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa; your passport should be valid at least three months beyond your stay, and officers may ask for proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket.
- UK citizens (GOV.UK, updated 22 October 2026): no visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a tourist; your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before you arrive and be valid at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is being implemented: fingerprints and a photo may be taken at your first entry, free of charge.
- Health: take out travel insurance that covers medical costs; UK residents can also use a GHIC or a valid EHIC (GOV.UK).
- Safety: the UK FCDO considers that terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in France; stay alert in crowded places (GOV.UK).
- Mountains: check the weather and conditions, don’t go alone and leave your itinerary with someone (GOV.UK).
- Crossing to Switzerland: France has temporarily reintroduced controls at its borders with Schengen neighbours, so carry your passport for a trip to Geneva (travel.state.gov).
- Emergencies: 112 (European emergency number), 15 for medical emergencies (travel.state.gov, GOV.UK).
Practical tips for Annecy
- Summer: arrive early at the beaches and car parks, and book activities (paddleboarding, paragliding) in advance.
- When it rains: Annecy castle museum, Palais de l’Île, the bell museum in Sevrier, La Turbine sciences (for families), the covered market.
- With children: the Pâquier and Jardins de l’Europe, lifeguarded beaches, pedal boats, the car-free greenway.
- Food: reblochon cheese, tartiflette, fondue, diots (Savoy sausages), perch or féra fillets from the lake, Savoie wines.
- Environment: the lake is strictly protected; respect the swimming and boating zones, and leave no litter.
- Time: France is one hour ahead of London and usually six hours ahead of New York.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Annecy?
One day for the old town, the castle and a cruise; two to three days to add cycling round the lake, Talloires, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, swimming or the Gorges du Fier.
Can you swim in Lake Annecy?
Yes, at the equipped, lifeguarded beaches in summer, in Annecy and the lakeside towns. According to our calculations from Météo-France normals, July and August offer on average 4 to 5 days in 7 above 25 °C (77 °F), the best swimming window.
What is the best time to visit Annecy?
June to September: afternoon highs of 21 to 27 °C (70 to 80 °F) according to the Météo-France data sheet for Annecy-Meythet. June and September are less crowded than July and August.
How do you get to Annecy?
By TGV high-speed or regional train to Annecy station, or by air to Geneva, then by coach, shuttle or car.
What can you do in Annecy when it rains?
The castle museum, the Palais de l’Île, the bell museum in Sevrier, La Turbine sciences with children, the covered markets and Savoyard restaurants.
What is there to see around Lake Annecy?
Talloires, the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Duingt, the Bout du Lac reserve, the Col de la Forclaz, the Semnoz, the Gorges du Fier and the Plateau des Glières.
Our sources
- Météo-France: climate data sheet for the Annecy-Meythet station (temperatures and rainfall 1992-2020, sunshine 1993-2017), including days with highs ≥ 25 °C and ≥ 30 °C
- Destination de Voyage calculations: swimming window (hot days and rainy days over 7 days) and sunset (NOAA solar algorithm, IANA time zone Europe/Paris)
- Wikipedia: « Gare d’Annecy » article (TGV inOui services, Léman Express)
- Entry requirements, health and safety checked on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, France country information (last updated August 11, 2025) and UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for France (updated 22 October 2026).
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
For other lakes, see our guides to Lake Como and Lake Garda; to go further, see our pages on Chamonix and Lyon, our France travel guide and our destinations in Europe.
