riviera travel lake annecy

• France Guides
• July 15, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Annecy’s Stunning Lake

Annecy’s stunning lake, nestled in the heart of the French Alps, captivates visitors with its enchanting beauty. Crystal clear waters beckon water sports enthusiasts, while charming lakeside villages offer a glimpse into local life. From hiking trails that showcase breathtaking views to cultural gems and delectable gastronomy, Annecy’s Lake is a haven for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and foodies alike.

In The Ultimate Guide to Annecy’s Stunning Lake, we will explore some of the best activities and attractions, discover delicious local delicacies, learn about nearby day trips, and provide our top tips for planning your next visit. So grab your swimming gear and join us on an adventure to uncover the beauty of Annecy’s Lake!

Discover the Beauty of Annecy’s Lake

Discover the Beauty of Annecy’s Lake, nestled in the picturesque French Alps, where nature’s enchantment meets stunning landscapes. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding majestic mountains, Annecy’s Lake captivates visitors with its ethereal beauty. Dive into a world of water sports and recreational activities or explore the charming lakeside villages that exude old-world charm.

Embark on scenic hiking trails, uncover cultural gems, indulge in savory gastronomy, and immerse yourself in the vibrant festivals and events that bring this magical place to life. Whether seeking tranquility or adventure, Annecy’s Lake offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you mesmerized by its unrivaled allure.

Exploring Annecy’s Lake: Top Activities and Attractions

With its crystal clear turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it’s no wonder this lake is one of the most visited destinations in France. Here’s a list of the top activities and attractions to explore while you’re there:

1. Lakeside Stroll – Take a leisurely stroll along the beautifully landscaped pathways lining the lake. The views are absolutely breathtaking and make for excellent photo opportunities.

2. Boating on the Lake – Rent a paddleboat, sailboat, or motorboat and experience the lake up close. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the azure waters and soak in the scenic beauty.

3. Swimming – During summer, the lake’s water temperature can reach up to 24 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal spot for swimming. There are several designated swimming areas around the lake to ensure safety.

4. Cycling Around the Lake – The 42-kilometer cycling path that goes around the lake offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscapes. Bike rentals are available in several spots around the lake.

5. Visit the Old Town – Just a short distance away from the lake is Annecy’s old town, filled with picturesque canals and pastel-colored houses. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Palais de l’Isle located in the heart of the old city.

Water Sports and Recreation: Diving into the Crystal Clear Waters

Renowned for its crystal clear waters and stunning mountainous backdrop, Lake Annecy in France is a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts. With a multitude of activities available, from wakeboarding to sailing, there’s something for everyone in this aquatic playground.

Stand Up Paddleboarding : A popular activity on Lake Annecy. It’s perfect for all abilities, offering a unique way to explore the lake at your own pace. The calm and clear waters, along with the scenic mountain views, make it an incredible SUP spot.

Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, and Wakesurfing : For those seeking a bit more thrill, Lake Annecy offers ample opportunities for wakeboarding, waterskiing, and wakesurfing. The early mornings or evenings when the lake is calm provide the best conditions for these exhilarating sports.

Sailing and Pedalo : Lake Annecy is also a fantastic location for sailing. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a complete beginner, you can enjoy the gentle breeze and stunning panorama. Pedalo boats are another fun way to navigate the serene waters of the lake.

Scuba Diving and Canyoning : Lake Annecy is not just about the surface; there’s a whole world to explore beneath the water too! Scuba diving is a popular sport here, with visibility varying depending on the conditions. Canyoning, meanwhile, offers a mix of walking, climbing, jumping, and swimming, providing an adventurous way to discover the natural beauty of the area.

Lakeside Villages: Charming Towns Around Annecy’s Lake

Lake Annecy is a gem that’s hard to overlook. Its dazzling blue waters, framed by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery, beckon travelers from across the globe. However, it’s not just the lake itself that’s stunning. The charming lakeside villages that dot its perimeter each offer unique attractions, making them must-visit destinations. Let’s explore these quaint towns around Lake Annecy.

Menthon-Saint-Bernard: An Idyllic Retreat

Menthon-Saint-Bernard is a tranquil haven for those seeking peace and relaxation. This beautiful village is home to the iconic Menthon Castle, an architectural masterpiece with over a thousand years of history. Spend your days exploring the castle’s grandeur or take leisurely strolls along the serene lakeside.

Talloires: Beauty and Tranquility Personified

Talloires, although quieter than some other lakeside towns, is no less captivating. It’s a perfect destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its scenic landscapes and relaxed vibe, Talloires offers an unparalleled sense of peace and tranquility.

Duingt: A Historical Gem

Duingt is another charming village, known for its rich history and stunning views. Don’t miss out on visiting the Duingt Castle, a historical monument that stands majestically on a peninsula extending into the lake.

Saint-Jorioz: A Blend of Nature and Adventure

Saint-Jorioz, surrounded by meadows and forests, is a nature lover’s paradise. It’s also a great spot for adventure enthusiasts, offering a plethora of outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports.

Veyrier: Convenience and Charm Combined

Veyrier, closest to Annecy, blends convenience with charm. Offering easy access to Annecy and boasting its own array of shops and restaurants, Veyrier serves as an excellent base for exploring Lake Annecy and its surroundings.

Gastronomy and Dining: Savory Delights by the Lake

With a variety of restaurants offering breathtaking views of the lake, dining in Annecy is an experience that combines both visual and culinary delight. Here are some savory delights by the Lake you mustn’t miss:

Restaurants with a View

Indulging in delicious cuisine while enjoying a breathtaking view is a perfect combination for a memorable dining experience. Annecy’s Lake offers a variety of restaurants that not only serve mouthwatering dishes but also provide stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re looking for lakeside dining or panoramic mountain views, here are some top restaurants with a view in the Annecy area:

1. Les Terrasses du Lac

Address : 7 Rte du Semnoz, 74000 Annecy, France

Opening Hours : 12–2 PM, 7–9 PM

Phone : +33 4 50 45 34 86

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here .

For directions, click here .

2. La Guinguette du 1er Mets

Address : 2 Rue Saint-Maurice, 74000 Annecy, France

Opening Hours : 6 PM–1 AM

Phone : +33 4 57 09 10 54

3. La Voile

Address : 1 All. de l’Impérial, 74000 Annecy, France

Opening Hours : 

Phone : +33 4 50 09 36 38

Foodie Things To Do In Annecy

Annecy, with its rich culinary heritage and proximity to fresh alpine ingredients, is a haven for food enthusiasts. Exploring the local gastronomy and indulging in culinary experiences is a must for any food lover visiting this charming city. From bustling markets to delectable delicacies, here are some top foodie things to do in Annecy:

Cheese Tasting : Indulge in a cheese-tasting experience, savoring the renowned Savoyard cheeses such as Reblochon, Beaufort, and Tomme de Savoie. Visit fromageries (cheese shops) or dine at restaurants that offer cheese platters paired with local wines.

Chocolate Delights : Explore Annecy’s artisanal chocolate scene by visiting boutique chocolates. Sample delectable handmade chocolates, truffles, and pralines, and learn about the chocolate-making process from local experts.

Savoyard Cuisine : Delight in the hearty and flavorful Savoyard cuisine, known for its cheese-based dishes. Try classic specialties such as tartiflette (potato, cheese, and bacon gratin), raclette (melted cheese over potatoes and charcuterie), and fondue savoyarde (melted cheese for dipping).

Wine Tastings : Discover the local wine regions near Annecy, such as the Savoie and Bugey regions. Visit vineyards, participate in wine tastings, and learn about the unique grape varieties and winemaking techniques of the area.

Patisseries and Bakeries : Indulge your sweet tooth by visiting the patisseries and bakeries in Annecy. Sample delicious pastries, macarons, tarts, and traditional French bread. Look out for local specialties like bugnes (fried doughnuts) and croissants.

Practical Tips: Planning Your Visit to Annecy’s Lake

Planning a trip to Annecy’s Lake requires careful consideration to make the most of your experience in this stunning destination. From logistics to local customs, here are some practical tips to help you plan your visit:

Best Time to Visit

• The peak tourist season is during summer (June to August) when the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities are in full swing.
• Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer milder weather and fewer crowds.

Getting There

• Annecy can be reached by air via Geneva International Airport, located approximately 45 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a shuttle or taxi to Annecy.
• If you’re traveling by train, Annecy has direct connections to major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Geneva.

Transportation

• Annecy’s Lake is easily accessible on foot or by renting a bike to explore the lakeside paths.
• Local buses and taxis are available for traveling to neighboring towns or reaching attractions outside the city center.

Weather and Clothing

• Check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Summers can be warm, so lightweight clothing is suitable, but also carry layers for cooler evenings.
• If you plan to engage in water activities, bring swimwear and towels.

Language and Local Customs :

• French is the primary language spoken in Annecy. Basic knowledge of common phrases can be helpful.
• It’s customary to greet with “Bonjour” (hello) and say “Merci” (thank you) when interacting with locals.

Safety and Health

• Annecy is generally a safe destination, but take standard precautions like safeguarding your belongings and being aware of your surroundings.
• Carry travel insurance and check if it covers outdoor activities and water sports.
• It’s advisable to carry any necessary medications and have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

In conclusion

From the crystal clear turquoise waters of Lake Annecy to its charming lakeside villages, this magical destination offers an unforgettable experience. With a wide variety of activities and attractions available, from stand-up paddleboarding to exploring historic castles, Annecy’s Lake is the ideal spot for travelers seeking tranquility or adventure. From gastronomy to outdoor recreation, immerse yourself in the beauty of Annecy’s Lake and create memories to last a lifetime.

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Lake Annecy: Places to Visit and Things to Do

Last Updated:  22 April 2024

The steep wooded and snow-capped mountains rising majestically above the stunning yet peaceful turquoise waters of Lake Annecy provide an unforgettable view. With the historic town of Annecy , famous lakeshore villages such as Talloires , and fairy-tale castles like Menthon and Duingt , Lake Annecy is one of France’s most spectacular settings. We’ve been lucky to make it our home base and, when we lived in the Tarentaise Valley, to drive along its banks very often. Each time, this lake amazed us. And I hope it will make the same impression on you!

🎦 Watch our short video of Annecy:

What is Lake Annecy – a little description

The lake is located at an altitude of 446 metres above sea level and is dominated by the Tournette mountain (2351 m) and the pointed needles of the Dents de Lanfon (1824m) to the east and the Semnoz Mountain (1699m) to the west.

Lake Annecy is one of France’s largest lakes, although smaller than the neighbouring Lake Geneva and Lake Bourget.

It is at its widest between Veyrier and Sévrier (3,350m) and at its narrowest between Duingt and the Roc de Chère (800m).

The lake’s dimensions

The lake is 15km long and has a perimeter of 38km.

Its area covers 27,59 km2, compared to

• 44,5 km2 for Lake Bourget , and
• 581,3 km2 for Lake Geneva .

The lake is fed by seven main streams and by a powerful underwater spring known as the Boubioz, bubbling up from a depth of 80 metres near the shores of Annecy. The main outlet is the Thiou, which flows through the historic old town of Annecy  before reaching the Fier River in the town’s suburbs.

Lake Annecy’s two lakes!

The lake comprises two different basins:

• the Grand Lac (Great Lake), and
• the Petit Lac (small lake),
• Both are linked at the strait of Duingt between the peninsula of Ruphy Castle and the steep hill of Roc de Chère near Talloires.

The Petit Lac has a more austere look where steep, wooded mountains border its shores.

On the contrary, the shores of the Grand Lac are wide enough to support villages and cultivation.

One of Europe’s purest lakes

In the late 1950s, the lake suffered badly from pollution and faced the disappearance of its wildlife. The local authorities decided to take drastic steps to clean it up.

This mission was successful, and today, Lake Annecy is one of Europe’s purest lakes. Its birdlife and fish are back.

The next challenge is finding the right balance between preserving the lake’s natural environment and the high tourism and housing development level around its shores.

Where to stay in the region of Annecy?

This affiliate link will direct you to a list of accommodations in the Lake Annecy region.

You can also navigate through the following map – zoom in/zoom out/go left and right to make the accommodation appear.

Main Sights in the region of Lake Annecy

For the best lake experience, take a cruise from Annecy or drive around the lake, stopping at Veyrier, Menthon, Talloires, le Bout-du-Lac, Duingt, Saint-Jorioz, and Sévrier.

Annecy, the Venice of the Alps

Annecy is one of France’s most tourist cities, with its flower-decked canals crossing the medieval old town. Clustered at the foot of its imposing castle, the “Venice of the Alps” are historic buildings and churches such as the fortress of Palais de l’Île , Notre-Dame de Liesse and the St. Claire Gate.

The Jardins de l’Europe and the lawns of the Pâquier offer magnificent views over the crystal clear lake and the surrounding mountains.

Find out more about Annecy

The West Side of the Lake

The eastern shore of Lake Annecy enjoys a lot of  sunshine and stretches from Veyrier-du-Lac to the commune of Verthier. There are three villages of importance: Veyrier-du-Lac, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires, all situated at the foot of the towering mountains of the Prealps.

Veyrier-du-Lac

From a former wine-growing village, Veyrier-du-Lac has become a wealthy residential suburb of Annecy. Stretching for 5km along the D909 road, Veyrier-du-Lac is a popular tourist spot with gastronomic and accommodation facilities .

Menthon-Saint-Bernard

There are three sites to discover in the pretty village of Menthon-Saint-Bernard: the lakeshore with its harbour, beach and promenade, the old Savoyard village and the medieval castle of Menthon .

The 13th-century castle is still owned by the Menthon dynasty, who came from Burgundy in 1190.

Find out more about Menthon-Saint-Bernard .

Roc de Chère

Between Menthon and Talloires, the rocky hill of Roc de Chère is covered by 200 hectares of forest, offering fabulous views over the lake.

Due to a favourable climate, Mediterranean and mountain species of animals share the same home. This has led to creating a natural reserve where typical forest wildlife (wild boar, deer, squirrels, woodpeckers, reptiles and butterflies) live.

A marked path links Talloires to Menthon through the reserve.

The small lakeside village of Talloires is situated in a charming setting at the foot of the sharp rocky ridges of the Dents de Lanfon. Its little marina faces the romantic silhouette of Ruphy castle in Duingt. The village houses many celebrated hotels and restaurants and is accessible by boat from Annecy .

The village is overtopped by the shrine of St. Germain (Ermitage Saint-Germain). The church terrace commands stunning views of the Bay of Talloires and the castle of Duingt.

Find out more about Talloires .

The East Side of the Lake

The eastern shore of Lake Annecy stretches from Sévrier to Le Bout-du-Lac (commune of Lathuile) and follows the slopes of the Semnoz  Mountain and the Taillefer Ridge.

A residential suburb of Annecy , Sévrier, is crossed by the cycling path linking Annecy to Faverges.

Located on Place de l’église, the Ecomuseum of Lake Annecy reveals an extensive collection of objects and old local customs with entertainment and re-enactments of everyday life in the 19th century.

The Paccard Museum , situated outside the village towards Saint-Jorioz, is dedicated to the amazing story of the Paccard Bell Foundry.

Saint-Jorioz

The small town of Saint-Jorioz (pop. 5,800) is one of the roads that access the Regional Natural Park of the Bauges, which covers the Prealps massif between Annecy, Chambéry, and Albertville. The crescent-shaped harbour is the lake’s biggest marina, with 368 mooring rings.

Starting at the marina, the ‘ Sentier des Roselières ’ (Roselières footpath) follows the shore of the lake with spectacular views over the Dents de Lanfon and the Tournette. Extending over three kilometres, the path borders the lake’s largest reed beds, which offer protection and shelter to many species of water birds. Many instructive panels describing the lake’s natural environment are dotted along the way. The reeds play an important natural cleaning function in the lake, contributing to the water’s purity.

The village of Duingt enjoys an idyllic setting tucked away between Lake Annecy and the last slopes of the Taillefer mountain .

Duingt is a small place but has retained a number of typical Savoyard houses from the 17th and 18th centuries along the old and narrow streets. The commune has two private castles, the Dhéré and Ruphy castles.

Find out more about Duingt .

Le Bout-du-Lac

Situated at the southern end of Lake Annecy, the locality of “Bout-du-Lac” (end of the lake) belongs to the commune of Lathuile. You’ll find a camping site and a trendy beach in the summer months.

The marshlands are a protected natural reserve in Doussard . This is one of our favourite sites. You can explore this part of the lake by walking on marked paths all year round. From the top of an old watchtower, a magnificent view of the lake awaits. 

Annecy Mountains, aka the Prealps of Annecy

Lake Annecy is surrounded by several iconic mountains, which offer spectacular views over the lake and the surrounding summits of the French Alps .

The Semnoz (pronounced the ‘z’) is 16km long and rises to 1699 metres above sea level at Crêt de Chatillon. The summit is accessible by car and offers breathtaking views over the French northern Alps from Mont-Blanc to the Vanoise and Écrins massifs.

Only a tiny part of Lake Annecy is visible (Duingt). For a better view of the lake, it is recommended to walk to the Belvédère de Bénévent, accessible on the way down to Annecy through a ‘route forestière’.

Mounts Veyrier and Baron

The two mountains rising above the village of Veyrier-du-Lac are linked by a ridge known as the ‘sentier des crêtes’.

The Mount Baron Belvedere (1254m) offers a beautiful panoramic view over Annecy , the lake, the Bauges massif on one side and the Aravis and  Mont-Blanc on the other. An orientation table shows the names of the surrounding mountains.

Col de la Forclaz

The Forclaz Pass or Col de la Forclaz (1150m) is situated between Talloires and Montmin on the D42 road. The view from the belvedere reveals the entire lake, the Arcalod, and the Bauges massif’s summits, the Dents de Lanfon, and the Tournette. Spectacular is the word!

The Angon Waterfalls

In the heights of Talloires, the lofty 60 m tall waterfalls of Angon are a hidden gem. You must park your car at the hamlet of Verel (between Talloires and Col de la Forclaz). A word of caution, though: children must be observed closely when walking near the waterfall as it is slippery.

The mysterious Pont des Fées (Fairies Bridge) is just above the waterfalls.

The Tournette

The Tournette Mountain (2351m) is the highest summit of the mountains encircling Lake Annecy. Its shape resembling an armchair is visible from Annecy  and the western shore.

Its summit is accessible by a steep and sometimes awkward path, with metal stairs and a chain to hold on to at the very top. From the top, the spectacular view extends from the Semnoz to the Lake on one side and to the Aravis and Mont-Blanc on the other. This is one of the rare mountains I haven’t climbed (yet), as I suffer from vertigo!

Activities in Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy is the base for many sporting activities and cruises across the lake.

Here’s a selection of activities and sightseeing by our partner Get Your Guide:

Water Sports

Water sports such as bathing, sailing, water skiing and diving are popular in summer. The average water temperature is 6 °C in January and 22 °C in July. There are many public beaches around the lake. The most popular are in Annecy  (Plage des Marquisats and Plage de l’Impérial).

Throughout the year, cycling is an activity enjoyed by the locals. A dedicated cycling path linking the old town of Annecy to Faverges runs alongside the lake’s western shore. 40 km long, it follows the old railway line which used to link Annecy to Albertville.

Find out more about cycling around the lake .

Mountain Sports

In summer, hiking, mountain biking, via-ferrata and canyoning occur in the mountains around the lake.

Lake Annecy is reputed for its paragliding activity, where winds are generally gentle, and air conditions are perfect.

You can reach Col de la Forclaz to see the fantastic launch of paragliders. And maybe you’ll be tempted to try it too!

Lake Cruises

Several boat companies run cruises across the lake, from a one-hour tour to a full-day excursion.

The main embankment is located opposite Quai Napoléon III (Jardins de l’Europe) in Annecy .

English-French Vocabulary

(f) for  féminin , (m) for  masculin , (adj) for  adjective  and (v) for  verbs

• Alps = Alpes (f,p)
• bathing = baignade (f)
• beach = plage (f)
• boat = bateau (m)
• castle = château (m)
• cruise = croisière (f)
• cycling path = piste cyclable (f)
• diving = plongée (f)
• embarkment = embarcadère (m)
• hiking = randonnée (f)
• lake = lac (m)
• Lake Annecy = Lac d’Annecy (m)
• marina = port de plaisance (m)
• mooring = amarrage (m)
• mountain = montagne (f)
• needle = aiguille (f)
• reed = roseau (m)
• sailing = voile (f)
• shore = berge, côte (f)
• village = village (m)
• water skiing = ski nautique (m)
• water sport = sport aquatique (m)

Annecy and Haute-Savoie on the blog

Here’s a little list of articles on Annecy + Region to find out more about places to see:

• The département of Haute-Savoie
• The historic province of Savoie
• The old town of Annecy
• The castle and village of Menthon-Saint-Bernard
• The village of Talloires
• The village and castle of Duingt
• The Semnoz Mountain
• The Paccard Bell Foundry Museum (Sévrier)
• Cycling around Lake Annecy

Finally, visit the Annecy Tourist Office website  for more practical information about Lake Annecy.

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About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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Merci, Pierre! J’aimerais bien y aller… mais… he’las! De l’Ame’erique, personne ne nous veut pas. C’est un vrai cadeau de voir vos photos… Bon se’jour. Bisous!

Un jour viendra ! 🙂 Thank you for your message!

Pierre, your photos are stunning; what a beautiful area! This and your other articles have made me eager to visit Annecy. I’m so sad that I have to cancel a planned visit to France at the end of this year, but I hope to be able to visit next year and Annecy will be on my itinerary! Merci!

Merci beaucoup Ellen ! J’espère que je serai à Annecy en même temps pour vous guider dans la vieille-ville comme promis !

Annecy is one of my favorite places in Europe. It’s fairy tale charming. We took the boat ride around the lake—it was stunning—and had a fantastic lunch outdoors at a restaurant in Talloires. I want to return to discover more of the villages around the lake. Thank you for another in-depth article!

Thank you very much, Janis! Annecy is really a beautiful place 🙂

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24 PLACES TO SEE IN FRANCE

16 Things to do in and around Lake Annecy France

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 17/02/2024

Many people have heard of Lake Annecy France, but not many are aware of how many wonderful things there are to do in and around it. From the oh-so-charming and beautiful old town of Annecy to the surrounding countryside to the nearby mountains, the Annecy mountains region is busting with fantastic activities, jaw-dropping beauty, and of course, outstanding gastronomy.

Here are 16 interesting things to do in and around Lake Annecy France.

17 Things to do in and around Lake Annecy France

On arrival in the Lake Annecy area, the first thing I noticed was the amazing color and clarity of Lake Annecy. The quality of water in the lake is known to be quite exceptional. This is all thanks to a doctor who lived in the area in the 1950s. He liked to dive in this French lake and saw that, at that time, it was very polluted.

He convinced the surrounding villages to build a sewage pipe around the lake with a treatment plant at the start of the 1960s. This was very unusual at the time. The lake itself is fed by pure water coming from the top of the mountains and in July and August, the lake can reach temperatures of up to 24 degrees.

1. Walk the streets of the incredibly beautiful Annecy old town.

I have visited many beautiful towns in my time as a travel blogger but wow, Annecy’s old town has to be one of the most stunning. Annecy was lucky enough not to be bombed during World War Two as it wasn’t strategically important. However, the old town fell into an unattractive state until locals recognized the power of tourism from Lake Annecy.

From the 1970s, the town began painting its buildings and repairing its lovely canals. From June through to September, they employ over 100 gardeners to keep what feels like every railing in town filled with blooming flower baskets.

The streets are narrow and winding but also filled with cafes and shops plus there are some beautiful arcades. It really does look like something out of an Instagram fairytale!

2. Visit the most photographed spot in Annecy – Palais de L’ile

Ironically, in such a beautiful town the most photographed spot was actually a prison. This 12th-century building was actually a justice court as well as a prison, thus the name Palais de L’ile. The building was used as a prison up to 1864 and was even rejuvenated for that purpose for some captured German soldiers in 1944.

It is possible to visit the inside of Palais de L’ile. It is open every day except Tuesday. The best photos, of course, are of the outside of the Palais de L’ile and its unique ship shape.

3. Walk along the Annecy canal

The lovely Annecy canal begins at Pont des Amours, the lover’s bridge, and even dips underground at several points. Annecy is known as the Venice of the Alps because of its canals.

4. Visit Annecy Castle and admire the view

Annecy Castle was the residence of the Counts of Geneva in the 13th and 14th centuries. Today it is a museum that runs regular exhibitions. It is a beautiful building but perhaps best of all are the panoramic views of Annecy’s old town, Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains.

5. Visit the church where everyone wanted to be buried

Eglise St Maurice was built by the Dominicans in the 15th century and it is the oldest church in Annecy. The church is quite simple inside, but this was the place to be buried in Annecy and there are many bodies buried underneath the church.

6. Visit the Breathing Lotus Flower

The breathing lotus flower has been exhibited outside Annecy’s Hotel de Ville for the last three summers. It was created by Korean artist Choi Jeong Hwa. The petals of the pink flower actually move, thus the name of the breathing lotus flower. It is quite stunning and a fantastic photo opportunity.

7. Rent a boat/kayak/stand up paddleboard and get out on the lake

Of course, the best way to enjoy Lake Annecy is to be on it and there are many opportunities to do that. While there are many places around the lake to rent equipment, Bout du Lac at the eastern edge of the lake has everything you could need to enjoy the lake, including a beach of its own.

NB: There are many beaches around Lake Annecy. The general rule is if you pay for parking, you don’t pay for the beach or vice versa. There are also beach clubs and private beaches that are part of a hotel or restaurant. In July and August, the buses that run around the lake are free.

8. See if you have the balance for Yoga on a SUP

I am a yoga regular at home in London , but I had never before tried to do yoga on a stand-up paddleboard. Lake Annecy seemed like a great place to do so! Yoga on a SUP offers all the usual benefits of yoga, plus it places additional demands on your core and stability. And did I mention the amazing mountains and lake all around?

I was quite nervous about falling in. My teacher was fantastic and tethered my SUP to her SUP and we stayed close to the dock. This allowed me to get comfortable with doing the postures on the unfamiliar base of a stand-up paddleboard and contain my fears of turning a downward dog into a swim!

Classes run for 90 minutes and include 60 minutes of actual yoga (the idea is to move around the lake). I would absolutely do this again as it was so wonderful to be in the fresh air doing yoga and by the end of the lesson, I felt quite comfortable with the stand up paddleboard.

9. Take a walk through the Bout Du Lac Nature Reserve.

One of only two natural reserves in the Annecy mountains region, Bout du Lac nature reserve is located on the shores of Lake Annecy. It is a wetland area crossed by two rivers, the Eau Morte and the Ire, both of which feed Lake Annecy. The area has been protected since 1974.

The reserve is filled with various flora and fauna and has a pedestrianized walkway.

10. Cycle Around Lake Annecy

It is now possible to cycle the entire distance of Lake Annecy for the first time. The distance around the lake itself is 40 kilometers If you’d like to extend the ride, it is 50 kilometers round trip to Val de Chaise where the bath connects with other mountain trails.

The path can be used by cyclists, in-line skates, pedestrians, and dogs if on leads, and it is accessible. It is not open to those on horseback or motorised vehicles of any type.

11. Have a wellness experience at Villa Caroline

When Villa Caroline opened in December 2020, it was a unique concept for France. This lake-side boutique hotel/spa focuses completely on wellness. Guests take part in either a fast or a detox program which allows up to 1000 calories a day. All of the ingredients are local.

The hotel has 18 beautifully furnished rooms, all with views over Lake Annecy. Villa Caroline is located directly on Lake Annecy, so there is no need for a pool. There is a wonderful grassy outdoor area as part of the hotel, with direct access to the lake. I had a wonderful swim in Lake Annecy when I visited.

In addition to offering paddle boards and bikes, Villa Caroline has a fitness room with the usual rowing machine, weights etc. Yoga classes are run every day on the first floor of the hotel, and there are many walks around the hotel. Plus, the Villa has a spa that offers outstanding massages.

If you’re looking for a well-being break, this is a stunning spot. However, if you’re in the area and not after a complete well-being break, it is possible to visit Villa Caroline for the day or to come just for a massage.

12. Learn How to Make Soap

Letitia Hespel is a trained herbalist who grows organic plants on her beautiful property in the Annecy mountains. Laetitia trained at the French Institute for Herbalism, and she now hand-picks and dries her plants at low temperatures. Half of her plants are sold to Clarins and the balance is used in things like herbal tea, soap and massage oil.

In 2019 Laetitia started to make soap in the traditional style and set up soap-making workshops that are run at her home in Alex Village. Visiting her lovely home and seeing the amazing gardens is a key part of the charm of a Cimes and Racines workshop.

I had never made soap before and had never thought about how it was made. Laetitia guided us through the saponification process. This traditional method of soap making ensures that all of the glycerine which softens the skin stays in the soap. Hot production processes remove glycerine.

We became amateur scientists with our coats, glasses and beakers. We mixed oil with caustic soda to create our base soap. We then had a range of different plants and oils we could choose from to customize our soap to our tastes.

The end result was what looked like a loaf of soap that we could take home. The soap then couldn’t be used for 3 months. I have now used up over half of my soap “loaf,” and I definitely notice that my skin is smoother after washing versus traditional commercial soaps.

13. Take a Cow Art Walk in Le Grand-Bornand

Le Grand-Bornand is a traditional mountain village located on the Western slope of the Aravis mountain range. Not only is this charming village the birthplace of Reblochon cheese, but it is also home to a permanent exhibition about cows. There are cow sculptures, paintings, photos and even comics throughout the resort.

The cow exhibition began in 2000. It was the year 2000, there were 2000 cows in the area and 2000 people lived in the town permanently. The cow exhibition was such a success it became permanent. Head to the tourism office in Le Grand-Bornand and pick up the walking tour brochure for cow art. Each piece has a QR code that will tell you its story.

14. Brave the cold with Tuomo Yoga

Tuomo Yoga means inner fire in Tibetan. I must admit, I had never heard of it before traveling to the Annecy Mountains. Local Alexia Vulliet trained at Philippe Djoharikian’s “Babaschool” and now offers tuomo yoga to those in the Annecy Mountains.

This form of yoga is all about tapping into our resistance to the cold to aid deep purification through a mix of methods. We met Alexia at the edge of a forest. We removed our shoes to walk through the forest and connect with the earth.

Once we arrived at the side of a small freshwater lake, we practiced meditation and postures to clear our minds of negative thoughts and focus on our belly chakra to connect to our inner heat. Part of the meditation is also to help detach from the fear of immersing oneself in freezing cold water!

Following about 20 minutes of meditation, breathing and postures, we removed our layers and headed into the fresh water. The method suggests staying in the water for the same length of time as the temperature eg if the water is 10 degrees, don’t stay in it for longer than 10 minutes.

Thank goodness there was no need to submerge the head, but the practice favors immersion through one’s shoulders. I managed to get into the water and it took a few minutes for me to adjust and relax enough to submerge my shoulders. At that point, I am afraid to say that I only lasted a few more seconds!

However, Jane, who was traveling with me, could stay in the water submerged to her neck for nearly ten minutes, so it absolutely can be done. I am a big fan of using cold water techniques to invigorate the body and would definitely try tuomo yoga again.

15. Visit La Clusaz

Lovely little La Clusaz is a charming mountain town that can be explored all year round. There are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants to keep visitors busy and both reblochon cheese and skiing museums. The main square in town is made for sitting and people-watching. And don’t miss popping into Patrick Agnellet for some ice cream and/or chocolates.

If you visit La Clusaz in summer, the town also runs a popular yoga festival.

16. Explore Thones

Just 20 kilometers from Annecy, this charming mountain village (the French are excellent when it comes to charming mountain villages!) is located halfway between the city and the mountains and is a great base for exploring the mountains.

However, don’t just use Thones as a base. It is a very pretty village with a 17th-century church, a small heritage museum, a pedestrianized main street full of shops and cafes and some lovely mountain views.

17. Experience the Alpes at La Source

La Source is a family attraction in the Annecy Mountains that opened in 2021. It is a multi-disciplinary shared exploration and creative space. There is a small farm with lots of animals made for visits from children. The area has plenty of games as well as a visual history of the surrounding village.

There are also more cows – on the side of the building as well as sculptures with light and movement. A range of small huts brings to life different elements of the Alpes..

Where to stay around Lake Annecy

Near the lake – les o d’annecy.

The beautiful guest house Les O D’Annecy is my kind of boutique hotel. This bed and breakfast is run by a delightful couple and half of the rooms are essentially in their home (they have their own private area). There are just five rooms in total, each unique but with a similar comfortable yet stylish design theme. The rooms are all quite large and have separate large bathrooms with walk-in showers.

But the wow factor is the view of Lake Annecy from Les O d’Annecy. All of the rooms have some type of view and some their own terrace. Plus, depending on the weather, breakfast is served outside with a view or rest on one of the stylish red loungers.

In addition to the view, there is an indoor swimming pool, a cute hut/caravan for massage, hammocks and an area to rest in the treetops. There is a warm and inviting lounge on the ground floor of the house and chairs and other comfy seating options spread out throughout the property.

Breakfast is served buffet style on the ground floor and offers every French breakfast delicacy you could imagine, including fresh pastries, homemade jams, eggs cooked any style, yoghurt and fruit etc etc.

I was only able to stay at Les O d’Annecy for one night. I very much wished I had stayed longer to take full advantage of this charming property.

Check Availability for Les O d’Annecy – Read more reviews on TripAdvisor

Between the lake and the mountains – Au Bois du Moulin

If you’re looking for somewhere different to stay around Lake Annecy and the Mountains, check out Au Bois du Moulin .

A mix of glamping and gite, Au Bois du Moulin sits at the edge of the forest in the middle of an equestrian center. The site also has a natural water pool and the horses and other animals can be seen from the site.

There are three accommodation options at Au Bois du Moulin – a wooden caravan, a tiny house with mezzanine beds, and a crystal dome. I climbed up the spiral staircase and stayed in the crystal dome which was like a night under the stars but far more comfortable. The bathroom facilities are a short stroll away inside the main house. Each of the accommodation options has its own bathroom facilities.

Au Bois du Moulin is known for offering a very tasty cheese fondue in the evenings that come with meat, bread, a big salad and local Savoie wine. Breakfast is local bread, fresh fruit depending on the season (I enjoyed apricots when I was there), homemade jams and yoghurts.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit different to stay then Au Bois du Moulin could be for you. I particularly recommend it to families.

Check the availability of Au Bois du Moulin

In the Mountains – Hotel La Ferme – La Clusaz

This charming chalet is situated at the top of the town of La Clusaz, providing fantastic views. Every room at this cozy boutique hotel has a view of the village, and if that isn’t enough, there is a giant terrace with full panoramic views and a sauna.

The rooms at Hotel La Ferme aren’t huge but they are stylish with wooden floors, a feature wall, and simple high-quality linen and towels. The bathroom has a walk-in shower and comes with Molton brown toiletries. The toilet has its own separate space.

La Ferme is also justifiably well known for its bar and restaurant. In addition to the large terrace there is another terrace at the top of the hotel which turns into a bar in the evening. The restaurant has a wonderful wooden paddle menu that is filled with mountain classics like raclette and fondue.

By this point, I had already eaten my fair share of cheese, so I ordered a lovely chicken in honey with a vegetable salad with some great local Chardonnay. Alas, I couldn’t completely hold out on more cheese but I only shared their local cheese platter after the meal.

Check availab ility for Hotel La Ferme – Read more Reviews on Tripadvisor

How to get to Lake Annecy

The nearest major airport to Lake Annecy is over the border in Geneva which is only 40km away. Within France the nearest airport is Lyon which is one hour and 45 minutes away from Annecy.

The train between Paris and Annecy only takes three hours and 45 minutes IF you take the direct TGV service. The average train time between the two cities is closer to six hours.

Lake Annecy in Conclusion

The region around Lake Annecy France has everything from charming old towns to the amazing Lake Annecy to the stunning Annecy Mountains. There are loads of activities to do to enjoy nature in the region all year round. The gastronomy is outstanding and there are many cultural activities to complement enjoying life in the French outdoors. I highly recommend a trip to Lake Annecy, France!

If you enjoyed this article you may like to read my posts on the nearby towns of Grenoble and Vaujany .

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is lake annecy famous.

Lake Annecy is famous for its pure water and beauty. The lake is fed with water from the nearby mountains.

Can you swim in the lake in Annecy

Absolutely and I did. It is also possible to kayak on the lake, take boats, paddle boats and do stand up paddleboarding.

Is Lake Annecy in France or Switzerland?

Lake Annecy is located in France quite near the border between France and Switzerland.

How many days is enough for Annecy?

The old town of Annecy can be explored in one day. However, I would allow another two days to explore the area around the Lake and enjoy the lake itself. Then another two days to explore the many towns and activities of the nearby mountains. Five days is a good amount of time to explore the area. Why not make a week of it and spend a couple more days just relaxing by Lake Annecy?

Related Posts:

Things to do in Reims Champagne

Annecy Mountains covered all of the costs involved in writing this post about Lake Annecy, France. However, as always my opinions are my own. However, this post includes affiliate links. That means if you click through and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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At a glance

Request brochure - mont blanc, lake geneva and annecy, mont blanc, lake geneva and annecy, 8 days - classic escorted tours, holiday highlights.

• Happy by day two or we'll bring you home with a full refund
• Take the iconic Montenvers cog railway to the 7 km long, Mer de Glace, Europe’s longest glacier - ticket fee included
• Guided walking tour of medieval Annecy – the ‘Venice of Savoie’, plus enjoy a cruise of Europe’s purest lake
• Experience Europe’s highest cable car to the astonishing Aiguille du Midi, the jagged peak opposite Mont Blanc with utterly spectacular views of France, Italy and Switzerland - cable car fee included
• Visit the superbly preserved castle, Chateau de Chillon, with entrance fees included and relax in lakeside Montreux 
• Guided walk of Aosta’s remarkable Roman legacy and experience the Mont Blanc Tunnel under the Alps to Italy
• Visit ‘belle époque’ Evian, famous for its waters and medieval Yvoire nestling on Lake Geneva
• Option to join complimentary walk
• Seven nights in four-star accommodation, including all local taxes, with breakfast and two dinners at quality, local restaurants
• The Signature Tour option includes all of the above as well as:
• Dine at one of the highest restaurants in Europe at the very peak of Aiguille du Midi, a post-lunch hot drink will set you up for an afternoon of alpine adventure
• Take your senses on a journey of discovery amidst the fragrant and colourful gardens of medieval Yvoire
• Step into the ancient cellars of Château De Chillon for a private tasting of unique wines, made with grapes from the chateau’s vineyards

What's Included

• The price of this holiday is based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes: 
• Return flights and transfers
• Seven nights’ accommodation
• Daily breakfast and two dinners in local restaurants
• All tours as mentioned
• All local accommodation taxes and airport taxes
• The services of Riviera Travel tour manager
• Included excursions are guided tours of Annecy and Aosta, rail ticket fee for the Montenvers cog railway, entrance fee to the Chateau de Chillon, visits to Montreux, Evian and Yvoire, cable car fee for the journey to the Aiguille du Midi.

You should arrive at the airport to take your flight to Geneva from your selected airport, or take the Eurostar and TGV highspeed train to Annecy, then transfer to the iconic mountain town of Chamonix. On arrival, you will be taken to either the Hotel Les Aiglons or Hotel Mercure Centre Chamonix, both rated four star with superb views of Mont Blanc. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing you time to settle into the hotel and start exploring if you wish.

Fortified by buttery croissants and rich coffee, our exploration of this glorious region begins by boarding the narrow gauge ‘rack’ railway ascending nearly 900 metres (3,000 feet) from the valley floor to Montenvers' alpine meadows. Climbing through pine-scented forests, across viaducts, over meltwater streams and through cavernous tunnels, a sense of anticipation mounts until the tip of Europe’s longest glacier appears. Seven kilometres of Mont Blanc’s ice and snow converge here, forming the “Mer de Glace” (‘Sea of Ice’).  Should you wish you can take a cable car for the spectacular ride towards the glacier surface. A cave is carved into the ice and touching its sides you really understand why glaciers promote so much erosion,while the adjacent Glaciorum is a fascinating exhibition explaining the processes of glaciation. Don’t forget to look out for Nutcrackers and Black Woodpeckers, deer, mountain goats and perhaps an Ibex. This afternoon is free to explore Chamonix.

More glorious views as we drive to charming Annecy, where our guided walk reveals the fascinating history of this medieval lakeside town. There’s a real sense of ‘getting away from it all’ as we stroll amongst pastel-coloured, flower-bedecked houses, through twisting alleys alongside narrow canals, and admire the magnificent turrets and towers of its 12th-century castle, which was once the court of the Counts of Geneva. Annecy has many welcoming cafes and restaurants, but for lunch perhaps picnic on local cheeses, hams and patés by the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, said to be Europe’s purest lake. After a lake cruise, look out as we journey home for the red and white Savoyard Cross flags and “Savoie Libre” messages painted on the valley sides – reminders that this passionately independent region only became French in 1860.

Heading high – then even higher – to a land of snowcapped summits with jagged, iron-red pinnacles. We are on a cable car whisking you over 3,842 metres (12,568 feet) to the top of the Aiguille du Midi, towering above almost every other surrounding mountain. The upper section of the ride spans almost a vertical mile above the tumbling ice of the Pelerins glacier and the rock face of the Aiguille itself – note the climbers making the ascent the hard way. In fact, this is Europe’s highest point without climbing yourself!  Marvel at adjacent Mont Blanc, the surrounding French, Swiss, Italian Alps and, on a clear day, the Matterhorn, and Monte Rosa 80 kilometres distant. Signature Experience: The exhilarating fresh mountain air is sure to have given you an appetite, so we’ve arranged lunch at one of Europe’s highest restaurants. As you dine on traditional alpine fare in this stunning location take in the spectacular mountain views. A choice of hot drinks rounds off this memorable dining experience and then you are free to make your own discoveries, perhaps visit the mountaineering museum or maybe identifying glaciers from one of the panoramic terraces. The Aiguille du Midi may close at short notice for maintenance work, in the event of this an alternative itinerary will be offered.

A change of style as we travel to Lake Geneva. First, we discover one of the ‘most beautiful villages in France’ – 14th-century Yvoire. Wonderfully picturesque, it is dominated by a turreted castle and onion-shaped church steeple, but also boasts a tangle of alleys lined with balconied houses billowing with wisteria displays. Nearby is the spa town of Evian Les Bains, where in the 19th century its waters were held to be a ‘cure all’ for kidneys – this was big news due to the French fascination with wine and cognac! These medicinal qualities made Evian Les Bains one of the Belle Epoque’s most fashionable destinations for socialites and royalty, including Marcel Proust, the Aga Khan and George V. The world first film-makers, the Lumiere brothers, built a classic example of grandiose spa architecture here, now hosting cultural exhibitions, but the jewel in Evian’s crown is its Art Nouveau Promenade. Take a stroll along here, then take the water, filtered through the Alps for 15 years, at the Source Cachat. Signature Experience: In the heart of Yvoire discover the Garden of the Five Senses, home to hundreds of varieties of plants and flowers and inspired by medieval gardens of the past. Take all your senses on a journey as you wander at your own pace amid the glorious floral displays and fragrant herbs, all set against a natural soundtrack of musical birdsong. Explore the different textures of plants and taste some of the fruits that grow here, the knowledgeable gardeners who look after this magical labyrinth will also be on hand to answer your horticultural questions.

Today we encounter Europe’s longest tunnel – 11km under Mont Blanc itself – emerging in Italy. It’s astonishing that a short journey can result in such a change in people, style and climate, let alone the language and overall culture. We arrive at little-known Aosta, a remarkable mix of ancient culture and yet more spectacular scenery. It name derives from Augustus Praetoria and we have a guided walk of the Romans’ extensive legacies here, including an amphitheatre and an arch that originally formed the town’s entrance and incredibly still retains some of its original marble façade.

Today we drive through the Mont Blanc range, winding down the many hairpins to the fledgling River Rhone, before crossing into Switzerland to Chateau Chillon on Lake Geneva – inspiration for Byron’s “Prisoner of Chillon”. Almost perfectly preserved, this medieval castle is Switzerland’s most visited monument with a host of original features, including coats of arms, iron fireplaces and much of the original wooden structure and interior decoration. This being Switzerland, the castle’s medieval clock still works!  We then drive along the lake to Montreux, a picturesque resort town surrounded by vineyards and nestled against the Alps. You have free time to wander, so perhaps enjoy a peaceful stroll along the promenade, lined with colourful flowers, Mediterranean trees and belle-époque buildings. Look out for the bronze statue of Freddie Mercury, who fell in love with Montreux and settled here – if you’re a fan, you may wish to try the Queen Studio Experience in the renowned casino. A short walk away from the lake is the Old Town filled with cafés and restaurants, where you can sit and watch the world go by. Signature Experience: The wine cellar at the château dates back many centuries and your visit is enhanced with a private wine tasting. Sample a selection of the unique Clos de Chillon wines, made with grapes from the vineyards which you can see along the shores of Lake Geneva. These special wines are aged in barrels in the ancient underground cellars and they can only be sampled and purchased at the château.

Return to Geneva or Annecy for your homeward journey after an awe-inspiring holiday.

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11 Things to Do in Annecy, France’s Lakeside Gem

Tucked away in a small corner of France, just south of Geneva, sits the absolutely stunning town of Annecy: bordered by the cleanest lake in Europe and boasting a city center worthy of fairy tales, discovering all the fun things to do in Annecy is, without a doubt, an excellent use of a few days.

Looking for your next getaway in France? Here are all the best things to do in Annecy!

Table of Contents

The Best Things to Do in Annecy

Where to stay in annecy, how to get to annecy.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Stroll around Lake Annecy.

Just steps away from Annecy’s storybook-worthy Vieille Ville (Old Town) sits the absolutely stunning Lake Annecy: crystal-clear and known as Europe’s cleanest lake, no trip to Annecy is complete without strolling along these shores.

When you’re deciding what to do in Annecy, be sure to put a visit to Lake Annecy at the top of the list!

Hit the water in a paddleboat.

Not content to simply look at Lake Annecy? Hit the water in a colorful paddleboat to get a new perspective on the lake.

… Or go swimming, or biking, or paragliding…

There’s truly no shortage of ways to enjoy the lovely Lake Annecy, but if you’re visiting during the summer, swimming in the lake and biking along the trails that border it are definitely some of the most popular!

If you’re looking for a way to admire Lake Annecy while also getting your adrenaline pumping, you can even consider adding paragliding over the lake to your list of things to do in Annecy!

Feel like royalty at the Chateau d’Annecy.

What would a fairytale town be without a castle? The lovely Chateau d’Annecy dates back to the 12th century and once served as the home to the Counts of Geneva–today, it’s a museum and home to a beautiful view over the town.

Taste all the cheese.

Annecy is home to some absolutely delectable French cheeses, and an Alpine cuisine that shows them off at their best.

In between stuffing your face with all the specialties in town (more on that below), be sure to stop by a fromagerie or two to stock up on souvenirs!

Award-winning Pierre Gay is one of the best-known fromageries in town, and we highly recommend that all cheese lovers add a stop here to their list of fun things to do in Annecy: merely the smell of the place makes it worth a visit.

Be sure to wander past the busy front room into the back room of the shop, where you can look down and see wheels upon wheels of cheese aging underneath your feet!

… And also indulge in the delicious local dishes.

With its Alpine culture and location that brushes right up against Switzerland, it should come as no surprise that the food in Annecy tends to be two things: heavy, and full of cheese.

This, of course, is an absolute delight to experience (though you may want to consider eating lightly most of the day and splurging on one meal in the afternoon or evening–this food fills you up!).

Be sure to try fondue, tartiflette (potatoes, cheese, onions, bacon), baked reblochon, and raclette (a fantastic cheese that is often served by scraping it out of the wheel at your table!).

If you’re looking for restaurant recommendations in Annecy, we had a delicious tartiflette lunch at Le Freti, and though we didn’t order the raclette, the one that was delivered to the table next to us looked phenomenal.

Wander aimlessly through Vieille Ville.

Annecy’s Old Town is ridiculously beautiful: canals, small bridges lined with blooming flowers, and tiny shops with wares spilling out into the picture-perfect streets are all common sights.

Add in the smell of fresh-baked breads and croissants that wafts down the street each morning, and you have a combination that makes a walk through Vieille Ville, even without a particular destination in mind, one of the best things to do in Annecy.

We loved sipping our (expensive for what it was, but still) coffee in one of the cafes lining the canal each morning in Annecy, and consider the slight upcharge to be well worth the chance to savor such a magnificent location.

Steal a smooch on Lover’s Bridge.

Visiting Annecy with your beloved? Add a trip to Lover’s Bridge to your list of things to do in Annecy!

Legend says that couples who kiss in the middle of the bridge will experience eternal love–and romance aside, the views of Lake Annecy, the Jardins de l’Europe, and Vieille Ville from the bridge are worth seeing as well.

Stock up on fresh food (and other goodies) at the market.

Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings are market mornings in Annecy, and if you can, definitely plan your trip to Annecy to coincide with at least one of the market days!

On these days, the streets and even the bridges throughout Old Town swell with stalls hawking their wares, and if you hope to add a little shopping to your list of what to do in Annecy, this is the best time to do it!

Tuesday is the smallest market of the week, with just food up for grabs, while on Fridays and Sundays, hard goods like clothes and other textiles are also available.

Picnic in the Jardins de l’Europe.

Designed in the 19th century, this beautiful, English-style garden borders Lake Annecy, and is the perfect place to stop and relax while exploring–or even to have a picnic made up of all the treats you bought at the market!

Admire the most famous view in Annecy at the Palais de l’Isle.

If you’ve seen one photo of Annecy, it’s probably of Palais de l’Isle: this tiny, castle-like structure is located on a tiny island in the middle of the Thiou River is Annecy’s best-known building.

While the structure has served many purposes since it was built in the 12th century, it is perhaps most notorious for being a prison–that was its function during times as far apart as the 13th century and World War II, and at many points in between!

When deciding where to stay in Annecy, the biggest thing to consider is location: while prices might push you into staying outside of Vieille Ville, the closer you can get, the better. If staying within walking distance of Vieille Ville, make sure to choose a property with excellent public transport options.

Ace Hotel — Crisp, clean, modern, and comfortable: Ace Hotel makes the perfect base for budget travelers in Annecy. Though the 3-kilometer walk to Vieille Ville is less than ideal, consistent bus service to the area makes Annecy’s top attractions easy to access from the Ace Hotel.

Check rates & book your stay at Ace Hotel!

Hotel du Palais de l’Isle — The hotel with the absolute best view in Annecy… is also affordable on a midrange budget! This gorgeous hotel overlooks Annecy’s famous Palais de l’Isle and is literally in the  perfect location for exploring the city. Pair that with comfortable rooms and excellent reviews, and it’s hard to imagine a better place to stay in Annecy!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel du Palais de l’Isle!

Les Loges Annecy — Located in the heart of Vieille Ville, these beautiful, self-catering apartments will allow you to truly live in the lap of luxury. You’ll spend your stay just steps away from the best things to do in Annecy, while also having a beautiful retreat to rest in during your stay.

Check rates & book your stay at Les Loges Annecy!

Annecy is small enough that it doesn’t have its own airport, but it’s not terribly complicated to reach.

The closest airport to Annecy is in Geneva (yep–you can visit two different countries when heading to Annecy!), and another solid option is to fly into Lyon.

From there, you can take a bus, train, or rental car to Annecy itself. We personally took a Flixbus from Geneva to Annecy and found it a simple and affordable process. The bus took about an hour and dropped us off at the Annecy train station.

Since Annecy is located within a day’s drive of plenty of France’s highlights, from the Luberon Valley of Provence to Chamonix for those who would like to try skiing in France , it might be worth renting a car simply to use Annecy as a launching pad for a larger trip to France!

[convertkit form=3386241]

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

3 thoughts on “11 Things to Do in Annecy, France’s Lakeside Gem”

What a wonderful post! Thank you. We are considering going there this year, and this was really helpful to read.

Is it possible to rent a sailboat in Annecy?

My understanding is that it is possible, though less common than other kinds of boats. We’ve never done it ourselves, though!

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This French Town is Known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’ With Canals, Gourmet Restaurants, and a Medieval Château

Here’s how to plan the perfect trip to Annecy, France.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

• Best Hotels & Resorts
• Best Things to Do
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Best time to visit, how to get there, getting around.

Winding canals have made Venice one of Italy’s most famous tourism darlings. However, many other destinations across Europe also have scenic waterways. You’ve likely heard of Giethoorn, affectionately known as the “ Venice of the Netherlands .” But what about Annecy? This atmospheric mountain town settled at the tip of Lake Annecy in southeastern France lures travelers with its charming old town that’s crossed by canals and bridges — hence its nickname the “Venice of the Alps” — plus heritage-rich landmarks like Château d’Annecy and Palais de I'Île, churches, museums, cafés, cozy bistros, and Michelin-rated restaurants taking alpine cuisine to new heights. It’s also well regarded for stunning scenery — a sparkling lake with sandy beaches, rivers, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks — and the nature-oriented outdoor recreation that goes along with all that. Visitors have the choice of staying at boutique hotels, quaint guest houses, and campsites.

Whether you’re planning to stick around Annecy for a while or just stop by as part of a longer trip around the French Alps and maybe even the South of France (it’s less than four hours from Provence), it won’t take long to fall in love with this picture-perfect alpine escape.  

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Best Hotels & Resorts 

Rivage hôtel & spa annecy.

Rivage Hôtel & Spa Annecy occupies a prime position on the lake near several notable attractions. Besides being a convenient home base for exploring, it very much reads like a contemporary retreat with rooms that echo the natural beauty of the area, a pampering spa, and a sophisticated restaurant.  

Set in the heart of the old town a 10-minute walk from the lake, Hébé Hotel is a great place to unwind in between sightseeing, shopping, and eating without leaving the city center. The colors used throughout the interiors cue calm vibes while the clean lines, wood floors, and sleek furnishings create a cosmopolitan profile. 

Le Pélican 

So much of Le Pélican centers around the water. With a privileged perch on the banks of Lake Annecy, why wouldn’t that be the case? The property supplies the perfect vantage point to admire the placid blueness from the terraces. When you do decide to venture inside, comfy rooms and suites are equipped for restful ZZZs.   

Hotel Catalpa

Hotel Catalpa is a smart mid-range option that’s steps from the lake and public beach and a short walk from the old town. Inside the stone façade are 52 rooms replete with all the requisite comforts and a dash of French flair. There’s also a restaurant, bar, and terrace.

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Best Things to Do 

Lake annecy.

One of the largest and most pristine lakes in France, Lake Annecy is fed by pure mountain springs that trickle down from snow-capped peaks. It offers sandy beaches for sunbathing in the warmer months. Watersports are a huge draw for aquatic enthusiasts who have the option of paddleboarding, wakeboarding, scuba diving, and catamaran rentals. 

Vieille Ville

Compact and exceedingly pedestrian-friendly, Vieille Ville exudes fairytale charm with cobbled streets, canals, and pastel houses ornamented by flower boxes. It’s the sort of place you don’t mind getting lost. In fact, wandering around — maybe stopping by one of the boulangeries or sitting down at a sidewalk café — is part of the laid-back allure of the old town. 

Palais de I'Île

Built on a rocky island way back in the 12th century, Palais de I'Île has served many functions over the years:  a prison, a courthouse, a minting workshop, an administrative building, a gymnasium, and a school for stone carvers. Deservedly listed as a historic monument in 1900, the original medieval structure now plays host to a museum.

Château d’Annecy

Built on a hilltop above town, the storybook Château d’Annecy was home to the Counts of Geneva back in the 13th century. Today, it houses a museum with different sections that display local furniture, sculptures, and art as well as natural science exhibits.

Jardins de l'Europe

While the Gardens of Europe sit on the shore of Lake Annecy, this tree-lined park is a destination in its own right — not just somewhere to pass through in between other waterfront activities. Designed by Henri Porreaux in 1863, this lovely green space provides the ideal spot to relax, whether that’s with an afternoon picnic or a leisurely stroll. 

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Best Shopping 

Annecy farmers market.

The Annecy Farmers Market operates every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday throughout the year. That means no matter what season you decide to visit, there will be an abundance of fresh produce and regional products like salami and cheese up for grabs.  

Galeries Lafayette Annecy

The famous French department store Galeries Lafayette (perhaps you’re familiar with the flagship location on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris?) has an outpost in Annecy. It’s the place to go for contemporary and luxury designers, shoes, accessories, items for kids and men, beauty products, and home goods. 

Pâtisserie Philippe Rigollot

The first stop for many travelers keen to indulge their sweet tooth while on holiday in Annecy, Pâtisserie Philippe Rigollot is a dessert shop known for its whimsical confectionery. With decadent cakes, scrumptious fruit tarts, and delicate macarons, it’s impossible to pick a favorite. 

Chapellerie Pochat

The best souvenirs aren’t knick knacks but rather items that tell a story and have a distinctive sense of place. One of the oldest operating shops in Annecy, Chapellerie Pochat carries on century-old millinery traditions. The shelves are stocked with impeccably handcrafted hats you’ll wear forever. 

Fromagerie Pierre Gay

The French know a thing or two about cheese, and Fromagerie Pierre Gay certainly confirms that fact. Established in 1935, this small shop is chock-full of the creamiest, most delectable reblochon, chevrotin, and aged goat tomme. 

L'Esquisse

Awarded a coveted Michelin star for its innovative twists on homestyle French alpine cuisine, L'Esquisse draws foodies from near and far. Attention to detail in plating elevates the carefully selected seasonal ingredients and skilled cooking techniques. The entire experience feels upscale yet still soulful and unfussy.

Michelin-rated Cozna draws diners with its accolades that are backed up by the delicious, harvest-driven food and relaxed atmosphere. The menu changes with the season; recent standouts included smoked eel maki with cabbage and mussels, fennel, and buckwheat floating in a seaweed herb sauce.

Racines Annecy

Racines Annecy is an award-winning legacy operation with a modern mindset. Everything starts with the very best ingredients — from milk-fed veal to fresh-picked seasonal produce and herbs. Plates that look like art and, more importantly, taste divine are paired with natural wine.  

Le Bistro du Rhone

Featuring deep red booths, colorful pop art, and mood-setting lighting, Le Bistro du Rhone oozes ambiance. The gastro food hits the mark, too. Diners especially praise the venison filet mignon with red wine-poached pear and slow-cooked Iberico pork as well as desserts like brown sugar crème brûlée.

Tête de Cochon

Further evidence that bigger doesn’t mean better, Tête de Cochon is a pint-sized eatery in the heart of Annecy that’s almost always packed thanks to its artful charcuterie boards, raclette tartine, and rich rillettes alongside crusty bread, plus interesting chalkboard-inspired decor and warm, friendly service. 

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Many people think of the French Alps as a winter destination but Annecy proves it’s worth the journey any time of year. The colder season means access to skiable terrain and powder-dusted photo ops. When the temperature warms up, outdoor recreation in the form of lakeside strolls and boating takes center stage. The annual Annecy International Animated Film Festival takes place in June.

Annecy sits just 30 minutes from Chambéry Airport (CMF). Most travelers, however, opt to fly into Geneva Airport (GVA), located about 45 minutes away across the border in Switzerland, because it’s larger and welcomes more international arrivals. Alternatively, if you’re coming from somewhere nearby in France, it might be worth taking the train or bus since Annecy acts as a main hub for the Rhone-Alps region and the stations are conveniently located in the city center.   

Annecy is quite walkable, especially the old town and lake shore, and easy to navigate on foot. The Voie Verte, one of the oldest greenways in France, attracts many cyclists. If you’re planning to explore neighboring villages, it’s a good idea to consult the bus and train schedules. It might be worth renting a car. 

Related Articles

Lake Annecy travel guide

Visit Lake Annecy (Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, France)

Lake Annecy is sourced from mountain streams, and by a deep spring at the Annecy end of the lake which provides 30% of the water in the lake. The resulting fresh clean water of Lake Annecy and surrounding scenery is home to activities all year round and attracts many visitors.

Touring Lake Annecy

Tours of the lake and its villages are available from the Annecy end of the lake. Tours are available on large ferries with a meal included, or faster, smaller tours are also available on small wooden motor boats where the captain might lend his hat to another passenger for a quick steer at the helm. Both feel luxurious.

For something truly local, try the water taxi – a ferry that stops in three of the most popular villages (Talloires, Menthon St Bernard and Veyrier) and leaves from Annecy three to five times a day in summer.

Most of the public beaches around the lake have an entrance fee, but the beach on the Marquisats side of Annecy, just five minutes by foot from the old town, is free.

Towns and villages around Lake Annecy

Visitors will all want to visit Annecy itself but be sure to allow time to explore some of the villages around the lake.

Veyrier-du-Lac is a small and expensive place to pass time. The beachfront is mostly residential apart from the port, but the area does provide some walks in the direction of the mountains. You can dine in a Michelin 3-star restaurant (La Maisons de Mark Veyrat) or one of the many others dotted through the village.

Menthon-Saint-Bernard boasts its very own castle, still privately owned by the Menthon family, and open in summer for tourists to visit and gasp at the glorious views of the lake and mountains. The village has a port, where swimming is free, or a beach which is only free in the evenings.

Paddle boats can be hired from the port, which also has a restaurant, pétanque alleys, lots of parking, and views of the picturesque hotel just along from the port. (The hotel itself allows guests or visitors to dine with lovely views of the lake as the sun sets in summer.)

Talloires is further along the lake away from Annecy. It has some great local shops, a charming port and amazing beachfront views. The port is contained in a small cove with some restaurants and hotels overlooking the water. The walk towards the North end of the port, towards the cliffs, can be romantic in the quieter months when less people are in town.

Villages on the west side of the lake miss a lot of the afternoon sun because of the nearby mountains. The villages are more residential, but still contain accommodation, restaurants and some activities. Unlike the east side of the lake these villages benefit from the dedicated cycle/walk/rollerblade track which continues towards Albertville .

When to visit Lake Annecy?

Unsurprisingly, most people only brave the water in summertime, when the temperature of the lake can reach the mid- to high-twenties. (According to locals at least one person, now in her eighties, swims across the lake and back each day of the year, although student divers prefer the comfort of their dry suits in winter.)

Summertime on the lake includes all the usual activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, swimming and diving. For safety reasons, kite surfing and wind surfing are only allowed within a certain distance from the shore, to avoid the areas where speed boats and large ferries regularly pass.

Where to stay when you visit

As Europe’s cleanest lake, Lake Annecy is a popular summer destination for families, couples and singles alike, with a wide variety of accommodation and villages to stay in.

Although the city of Annecy is the largest town, the villages dotted around the lake provide a much more private atmosphere, with those on the east side being generally more expensive and catching the afternoon sun, while those on the west side of the lake provide more campgrounds and less summertime events and activities.

Something for the adventurous

Lake Annecy is also one of the few places in France where paragliders can practice chute failure, allowing them to drop into the water below as part of their training. This takes place a the south end of the lake, where many paragliding schools have landing fields and waiting boats for those who land in the water.

See more scenic highlights in France . You can find more travel ideas in the Haute-Savoie guide and the Rhone-Alpes guide .

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Annecy is a very lovely town with a great deal to enjoy, enhanced further by the mountain backdrop

Veyrier du Lac

The port area is among the highlights in this pretty village on the banks of Lake Annecy

Menthon Saint Bernard

After exploring the quaint village of Menthon-Saint-Bernard you can hire a boat to explore the shores of Lake Annecy

Talloires is one of the most lovely of the villages on the shores of Lake Annecy

La Clusaz is one of the smaller ski resorts and very popular with French families

Aix-les-Bains

Aix-les-Bains is one of the best preserved 'belle-epoque' spa towns in France

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Haute-Savoie

Address: Lac d'Annecy, Rhone-Alpes, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.89813239, longitude 6.14067

Plan your visit to Lake Annecy, Haute-Savoie

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby.

• Annecy : town of art and history
• Mont Veyrier: site of natural beauty (3 km)
• Lac d'Annecy : site of natural beauty (5 km)
• Roc de Chere: site of natural beauty (8 km)
• Gorges du Fier: site of natural beauty (8 km)
• La Roche-sur-Foron: recommended detour (23 km)
• Massif des Bauges: regional natural parc (24 km)
• Col de la Colombière: site of natural beauty (28 km)
• Aix-les-Bains : ville fleurie 4* (29 km)
• Aquarium du Lac du Bourget: aquarium (30 km)
• Albertville : town of art and history (32 km)
• Mole: site of natural beauty (34 km)

The French version of this page is at Lake Annecy (Francais)

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Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva & Annecy

Every day a different ambience, from alpine France to sophisticated Switzerland and historic Italy. The raw beauty of Mont Blanc with its immense glaciers, serene Lake Geneva and medieval Annecy are inspirational.  Rising in a great wall of granite and schist between France, Switzerland and Italy, the glorious, awe inspiring beauty of the Alps attracted Europe’s first “tourists” almost three centuries ago.

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Chamonix nestles amongst the sweet scented pine forests at the foot of mighty Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak. From here you will discover a perfectly blended, unrivalled variety of landscapes, historic towns, stunning ice blue lakes and twisting mountain roads with amazing views of some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.

You will be awestruck by the sheer scale of immense glaciers. Drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to stunning Aosta boasting some of northern Italy’s finest Roman remains. Stroll around photogenic Annecy, famed for its lovely medieval castle and picturesque canals. Lake Geneva’s shoreline is studded with elegant “Belle Epoque” towns like Evian, haunt of the rich and famous and source of the eponymous water, and Yvoire, the quintessential medieval lakeside village.

The finale of this excellent tour takes us over the mountains from Chamonix to Lake Geneva’s stunning Swiss Riviera, scaling seemingly impossible mountain roads with extraordinary panoramic views, to gorgeous Montreux. Not forgetting the wonderful medieval castle of Chateau Chillon, immortalized by Byron and resplendent on its lakeside outcrop just crying out to be explored.

Chamonix retains a delightful alpine atmosphere, full of tiny bistro’s offering the wholesome regional specialities that have fueled the hardy locals for centuries. Visitors here are guests in a natural theatre, with countless simple pleasures to savour. Take a walk or cable car for outstanding views as the sun slowly sinks. As the light fades with shadows climbing the mountainside you are treated to one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles. The gradual tinting of the peaks in the wonderful rose coloured hue of the sunset is a magical natural light show to behold. 

Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva & Annecy Itinerary

You should arrive at the airport to take your flight to Geneva from your selected airport, or take the Eurostar and TGV highspeed train to Annecy, then transfer to the iconic mountain town of Chamonix. On arrival, you will be taken to either the Hotel Les Aiglons or Hotel Mercure Centre Chamonix, both rated four star with superb views of Mont Blanc. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing you time to settle into the hotel and start exploring if you wish.

Fortified by buttery croissants and rich coffee, our exploration of this glorious region begins by boarding the narrow gauge ‘rack’ railway ascending nearly 900 metres (3,000 feet) from the valley floor to Montenvers' alpine meadows. Climbing through pine-scented forests, across viaducts, over meltwater streams and through cavernous tunnels, a sense of anticipation mounts until the tip of Europe’s longest glacier appears. Seven kilometres of Mont Blanc’s ice and snow converge here, forming the “Mer de Glace” (‘Sea of Ice’).  Should you wish you can take a cable car for the spectacular ride towards the glacier surface. A cave is carved into the ice and touching its sides you really understand why glaciers promote so much erosion,while the adjacent Glaciorum is a fascinating exhibition explaining the processes of glaciation. Don’t forget to look out for Nutcrackers and Black Woodpeckers, deer, mountain goats and perhaps an Ibex. This afternoon is free to explore Chamonix.

More glorious views as we drive to charming Annecy, where our guided walk reveals the fascinating history of this medieval lakeside town. There’s a real sense of ‘getting away from it all’ as we stroll amongst pastel-coloured, flower-bedecked houses, through twisting alleys alongside narrow canals, and admire the magnificent turrets and towers of its 12th-century castle, which was once the court of the Counts of Geneva. Annecy has many welcoming cafes and restaurants, but for lunch perhaps picnic on local cheeses, hams and patés by the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, said to be Europe’s purest lake. After a lake cruise, look out as we journey home for the red and white Savoyard Cross flags and “Savoie Libre” messages painted on the valley sides – reminders that this passionately independent region only became French in 1860.

Heading high – then even higher – to a land of snowcapped summits with jagged, iron-red pinnacles. We are on a cable car whisking you over 3,842 metres (12,568 feet) to the top of the Aiguille du Midi, towering above almost every other surrounding mountain. The upper section of the ride spans almost a vertical mile above the tumbling ice of the Pelerins glacier and the rock face of the Aiguille itself – note the climbers making the ascent the hard way. In fact, this is Europe’s highest point without climbing yourself!  Marvel at adjacent Mont Blanc, the surrounding French, Swiss, Italian Alps and, on a clear day, the Matterhorn, and Monte Rosa 80 kilometres distant. You can lunch at Europe’s highest restaurant, too, but there is one surprise left: ‘step into the void’ – a walk onto a clear glass floor hanging high above the rocks below! The Aiguille du Midi may close at short notice for maintenance work, in the event of this an alternative itinerary will be offered.

A change of style as we travel to Lake Geneva. First, we discover one of the ‘most beautiful villages in France’ – 14th-century Yvoire. Wonderfully picturesque, it is dominated by a turreted castle and onion-shaped church steeple, but also boasts a tangle of alleys lined with balconied houses billowing with wisteria displays. Nearby is the spa town of Evian Les Bains, where in the 19th century its waters were held to be a ‘cure all’ for kidneys – this was big news due to the French fascination with wine and cognac! These medicinal qualities made Evian Les Bains one of the Belle Epoque’s most fashionable destinations for socialites and royalty, including Marcel Proust, the Aga Khan and George V. The world first film-makers, the Lumiere brothers, built a classic example of grandiose spa architecture here, now hosting cultural exhibitions, but the jewel in Evian’s crown is its Art Nouveau Promenade. Take a stroll along here, then take the water, filtered through the Alps for 15 years, at the Source Cachat.

Today we encounter Europe’s longest tunnel – 11km under Mont Blanc itself – emerging in Italy. It’s astonishing that a short journey can result in such a change in people, style and climate, let alone the language and overall culture. We arrive at little-known Aosta, a remarkable mix of ancient culture and yet more spectacular scenery. It name derives from Augustus Praetoria and we have a guided walk of the Romans’ extensive legacies here, including an amphitheatre and an arch that originally formed the town’s entrance and incredibly still retains some of its original marble façade.

Today we drive through the Mont Blanc range, winding down the many hairpins to the fledgling River Rhone, before crossing into Switzerland to Chateau Chillon on Lake Geneva – inspiration for Byron’s “Prisoner of Chillon”. Almost perfectly preserved, this medieval castle is Switzerland’s most visited monument with a host of original features, including coats of arms, iron fireplaces and much of the original wooden structure and interior decoration. This being Switzerland, the castle’s medieval clock still works!  We then drive along the lake to Montreux, a picturesque resort town surrounded by vineyards and nestled against the Alps. You have free time to wander, so perhaps enjoy a peaceful stroll along the promenade, lined with colourful flowers, Mediterranean trees and belle-époque buildings. Look out for the bronze statue of Freddie Mercury, who fell in love with Montreux and settled here – if you’re a fan, you may wish to try the Queen Studio Experience in the renowned casino. A short walk away from the lake is the Old Town filled with cafés and restaurants, where you can sit and watch the world go by.

Return to Geneva or Annecy for your homeward journey after an awe-inspiring holiday.

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Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva and Annecy

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Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.

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Cultural , History

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Sightseeing , Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour overview.

Every day a different ambience, from alpine France to sophisticated Switzerland and historic Italy. The raw beauty of Mont Blanc with its immense glaciers, serene Lake Geneva and medieval Annecy are inspirational.  Rising in a great wall of granite and schist between France, Switzerland and Italy, the glorious, awe inspiring beauty of the Alps attracted Europe's first -??tourists-? almost three centuries ago. Chamonix nestles amongst the sweet scented pine forests at the foot of mighty Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak. From here you will discover a perfectly blended, unrivalled variety of landscapes, historic towns, stunning ice blue lakes and twisting mountain roads with amazing views of some of the world's most spectacular scenery. You will be awestruck by the sheer scale of immense glaciers. Drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to stunning Aosta boasting some of northern Italy's finest Roman remains. Stroll around photogenic Annecy, famed for its lovely medieval castle and picturesque canals. Lake Geneva's shoreline is studded with elegant -??Belle Epoque-? towns like Evian, haunt of the rich and famous and source of the eponymous water, and Yvoire, the quintessential medieval lakeside village. The finale of this excellent tour takes us over the mountains from Chamonix to Lake Geneva's stunning Swiss Riviera, scaling seemingly impossible mountain roads with extraordinary panoramic views, to gorgeous Montreux. Not forgetting the wonderful medieval castle of Chateau Chillon, immortalized by Byron and resplendent on its lakeside outcrop just crying out to be explored. Chamonix retains a delightful alpine atmosphere, full of tiny bistro's offering the wholesome regional specialities that have fueled the hardy locals for centuries. Visitors here are guests in a natural theatre, with countless simple pleasures to savour. Take a walk or cable car for outstanding views as the sun slowly sinks. As the light fades with shadows climbing the mountainside you are treated to one of nature's most beautiful spectacles. The gradual tinting of the peaks in the wonderful rose coloured hue of the sunset is a magical natural light show to behold. 

Happy by day two or we'll bring you home with a full refund

Take the iconic Montenvers cog railway to the 7 km long, Mer de Glace, Europe’s longest glacier - ticket fee included

Guided walking tour of medieval Annecy – the ‘Venice of Savoie’, 

plus enjoy a cruise of Europe’s purest lake

Visit the superbly preserved castle, Chateau de Chillon, with entrance fees included and relax in lakeside Montreux 

Experience Europe’s highest cable car to the astonishing Aiguille du Midi, the jagged peak opposite Mont Blanc with utterly spectacular views of France, Italy and Switzerland - cable car fee included

Guided walk of Aosta’s remarkable Roman legacy and experience 

the Mont Blanc Tunnel under the Alps to Italy

Visit ‘belle époque’ Evian, famous for its waters and medieval Yvoire nestling on Lake Geneva

Option to join complimentary walk

Seven nights in four-star accommodation, including all local taxes, with breakfast and two dinners at quality, local restaurants

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Location: Geneva, Annecy, Chamonix

Accommodation: hotel, meals included: no meals.

You should arrive at the airport to take your flight to Geneva from your selected airport, or take the Eurostar and TGV highspeed train to Annecy, then transfer to the iconic mountain town of Chamonix. On arrival, you will be taken to either the Hotel Les Aiglons or Hotel Mercure Centre Chamonix, both rated four star with superb views of Mont Blanc. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing you time to settle into the hotel and start exploring if you wish.

Location: Mont Blanc, Chamonix

Meals included: breakfast.

Fortified by buttery croissants and rich coffee, our exploration of this glorious region begins by boarding the narrow gauge ‘rack’ railway ascending nearly 900 metres (3,000 feet) from the valley floor to Montenvers' alpine meadows. Climbing through pine-scented forests, across viaducts, over meltwater streams and through cavernous tunnels, a sense of anticipation mounts until the tip of Europe’s longest glacier appears. Seven kilometres of Mont Blanc’s ice and snow converge here, forming the “Mer de Glace” (‘Sea of Ice’).  Should you wish you can take a cable car for the spectacular ride towards the glacier surface. A cave is carved into the ice and touching its sides you really understand why glaciers promote so much erosion,while the adjacent Glaciorum is a fascinating exhibition explaining the processes of glaciation. Don’t forget to look out for Nutcrackers and Black Woodpeckers, deer, mountain goats and perhaps an Ibex. This afternoon is free to explore Chamonix.

Location: Annecy

More glorious views as we drive to charming Annecy, where our guided walk reveals the fascinating history of this medieval lakeside town. There’s a real sense of ‘getting away from it all’ as we stroll amongst pastel-coloured, flower-bedecked houses, through twisting alleys alongside narrow canals, and admire the magnificent turrets and towers of its 12th-century castle, which was once the court of the Counts of Geneva. Annecy has many welcoming cafes and restaurants, but for lunch perhaps picnic on local cheeses, hams and patés by the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, said to be Europe’s purest lake. After a lake cruise, look out as we journey home for the red and white Savoyard Cross flags and “Savoie Libre” messages painted on the valley sides – reminders that this passionately independent region only became French in 1860.

Location: Aiguille du Midi

Heading high – then even higher – to a land of snowcapped summits with jagged, iron-red pinnacles. We are on a cable car whisking you over 3,842 metres (12,568 feet) to the top of the Aiguille du Midi, towering above almost every other surrounding mountain. The upper section of the ride spans almost a vertical mile above the tumbling ice of the Pelerins glacier and the rock face of the Aiguille itself – note the climbers making the ascent the hard way. In fact, this is Europe’s highest point without climbing yourself!  Marvel at adjacent Mont Blanc, the surrounding French, Swiss, Italian Alps and, on a clear day, the Matterhorn, and Monte Rosa 80 kilometres distant. You can lunch at Europe’s highest restaurant, too, but there is one surprise left: ‘step into the void’ – a walk onto a clear glass floor hanging high above the rocks below! The Aiguille du Midi may close at short notice for maintenance work, in the event of this an alternative itinerary will be offered.

Location: Yvoire, Évian-les-Bains

A change of style as we travel to Lake Geneva. First, we discover one of the ‘most beautiful villages in France’ – 14th-century Yvoire. Wonderfully picturesque, it is dominated by a turreted castle and onion-shaped church steeple, but also boasts a tangle of alleys lined with balconied houses billowing with wisteria displays. Nearby is the spa town of Evian Les Bains, where in the 19th century its waters were held to be a ‘cure all’ for kidneys – this was big news due to the French fascination with wine and cognac! These medicinal qualities made Evian Les Bains one of the Belle Epoque’s most fashionable destinations for socialites and royalty, including Marcel Proust, the Aga Khan and George V. The world first film-makers, the Lumiere brothers, built a classic example of grandiose spa architecture here, now hosting cultural exhibitions, but the jewel in Evian’s crown is its Art Nouveau Promenade. Take a stroll along here, then take the water, filtered through the Alps for 15 years, at the Source Cachat.

Location: Aosta

Today we encounter Europe’s longest tunnel – 11km under Mont Blanc itself – emerging in Italy. It’s astonishing that a short journey can result in such a change in people, style and climate, let alone the language and overall culture. We arrive at little-known Aosta, a remarkable mix of ancient culture and yet more spectacular scenery. It name derives from Augustus Praetoria and we have a guided walk of the Romans’ extensive legacies here, including an amphitheatre and an arch that originally formed the town’s entrance and incredibly still retains some of its original marble façade.

Location: Chillon Castle, Montreux

Today we drive through the Mont Blanc range, winding down the many hairpins to the fledgling River Rhone, before crossing into Switzerland to Chateau Chillon on Lake Geneva – inspiration for Byron’s “Prisoner of Chillon”. Almost perfectly preserved, this medieval castle is Switzerland’s most visited monument with a host of original features, including coats of arms, iron fireplaces and much of the original wooden structure and interior decoration. This being Switzerland, the castle’s medieval clock still works!  We then drive along the lake to Montreux, a picturesque resort town surrounded by vineyards and nestled against the Alps. You have free time to wander, so perhaps enjoy a peaceful stroll along the promenade, lined with colourful flowers, Mediterranean trees and belle-époque buildings. Look out for the bronze statue of Freddie Mercury, who fell in love with Montreux and settled here – if you’re a fan, you may wish to try the Queen Studio Experience in the renowned casino. A short walk away from the lake is the Old Town filled with cafés and restaurants, where you can sit and watch the world go by.

Location: Geneva

Return to Geneva or Annecy for your homeward journey after an awe-inspiring holiday.

What's Included

The price of this holiday is based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:; Return flights and transfers Seven nights’ accommodation Daily breakfast and two dinners in local restaurants All tours as mentioned All local accommodation taxes and airport taxes The services of Riviera Travel tour manager Included excursions are;guided tours of Annecy and Aosta, rail ticket fee for the Montenvers cog railway, entrance fee to the Chateau de Chillon, visits to Montreux, Evian and Yvoire, cable car fee for the journey to the Aiguille du Midi.

Accommodation

Seven nights’ accommodation

Airport Transfers at Destination

All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

Entrance Fees

Local Taxes

Daily breakfast and two dinners in local restaurants

What's Not Included

Check out our q&as, are the local guides on the tour english speaking, are children permitted to take part in the tour, are all entrance fees included in the price, are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour, are airport transfers included in this tour, are flights included in this tour, how long has the tour company been trading.

For almost 40 years

I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

Do I require travel insurance?

It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

What is my luggage allowance?

You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this operator

This review is for the....

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

I have been on three...

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Thankyou Riviera and all the...

Thankyou Riviera and all the staff on the William Wordsworth Danube River cruise. My husband and i have just travelled on the Danube to celebrate my husbands 60th and we had such a lovely experience. We were younger than most of the travellers but we met so many lovely people so this wasnt a problem. The staff were so lovely and professional. The service we experienced was so high. The boat was beautiful, the food amazing and the excursions were informative and well managed. I would definately recommend riviera as a company. In fact we are now considering their Japan holiday.

We would go again in a heartbeat

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Second escorted tour with this...

Second escorted tour with this company. Did 5 days in Iceland tour. Everything went smoothly, excellent tour guide, Per. Extremely knowledgeable and interesting guy. Very friendly too. Highly recommend. Just let down by the room given at the hotel, but I guess the travel company doesn't have control over this.

Riviera South Africa tour - awesome

Riviera have amazing holidays and tours to choose from. The one we chose was South Africa and wow! It turned out to be our best trip ever - incredible memories we will never forget. We’ve been all over the world which was because of all our experiences, this one was awesome. The organisation of the holiday, the guide and the travel was e cells that. The choice of hotels, meals, restaurants, trips was absolutely fantastic - very good quality and character - nothing bland or boring! The Riviera guide was permanently with us along with a South Africa guide and they were both extremely friendly, professional, informative and you could ask any questions you want! I would massively recommend this holiday/trip and when you’ve experienced it, you realise how reasonable the price is. We reflect on this trip a lot and thank you Riviera for giving us such a wonderful experience.

Rhine Christmas markets cruise

Just completed a 5 day trip on the Rhine. Our first river cruise and a tester for future cruises. The boat was well appointed and the cabin and public areas were spotlessly clean. The staff were attentive and contributed to the very relaxed atmosphere on the boat. The quality of the food surpassed that which we have experiened on sea cruises in recent years. I have written little because it was a faultless experience. We have booked a further cruise (in France) on the basis of our experience.

Although most people seem to...

Although most people seem to book and pay for their holidays online, because we live close by we prefer to make a personal visit. In my opinion if they are offering this as an option they should be better equipped to accommodate visits in person. We have not been on our river cruise yet, so can't comment on that yet.

My 3rd Riviera trip within...

My 3rd Riviera trip within a year and I wasn't disappointed 😁 This time it was https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/southern-india-coastal-route-solo-travellers This trip, although not cheap, it really offers exceptional value for money as you see a lot of Tamil Nadu and Kerela, stay in fantastic hotels, excellent breakfasts every day as well as some lunches and dinners also included. George Bareham, our "Tour Manager" was brilliant, very professional, but also friendly and diligent. Satheeshan, our local guide was helpful and picked me up antibiotics when I got ill, he was a nice chap, if (for my taste) went on a bit and used 20 words when 1 would suffice. Mr Sweeny, our coach driver was fantastic,really professional and an exceptionally good driver. His assistant, Murgon wad a delight, always smiling and attentive. This is a full on trip, early morning starts and quite a packed itinerary, but still leaving time to laze around some brilliant hotel swimming pools. Only a couple of suggestions to improve the holiday. More shopping time in Cochin and change carriers from Etihad who, unfortunately aren't the excellent airline they used to be. But, will I use Riviera Travel again - Yes 😁

Presently in Croatia staying at...

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

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Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

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We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.

Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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France: 8 essential things to do in Annecy and around the lake

📌 Read in / Lire en : Français ( French )

If you want to find yourself a moment of peace while enjoying the attractions of a city, then take a trip to Annecy. This pearl of Haute-Savoie, in the east of  France , has become one of the most popular tourist destinations for French people. Europeans are not insensitive to its charms, either. Annecy is not lacking in natural and cultural riches, and a fascinating history. This jewel of the Alps has plenty of activities in store for you to try out and magnificent landscapes to capture. To help you once there, here are eight essential things to do in Annecy and its surrounding region.

🏔️  In the Austrian Alps . Another popular destination in this beautiful mountain range is Salzburg. See  our essen t ial list of things to see in this beautiful region.

🗒️ What you need to know before your trip to Annecy

Before starting our list of things to do in Annecy, here are some tips for your next trip.

What is the most beautiful shore of Lake Annecy?

We start with a tricky question because, let’s face it, there are few places around Lake Annecy that are not worth a visit. We love the  beach of Talloires on the east bank, which has a view of the mountains and endless entertainment to offer. But if you want to enjoy a sublime landscape, the more southern  beach of Angon  is for you. Although there is a charge for it in high season (to ensure your safety), it is the best place to swim as its water is so clear.

Where to go to see Lake Annecy from above

There are several breathtaking viewpoints around Lake Annecy. We love the view offered by  Mont Veyrier , which culminates at more than 1200 meters above sea level, and above all value its accessibility. To the east of the lake, the  Roc de Chère  also offers a beautiful view, especially of the Château Duingt. Finally, another essential place to see Lake Annecy from above is the  Col de la Forclaz . It is an exceptional place to contemplate the expanse of the water below.

Which hotel should you choose in Annecy?

Due to the beauties of the region, the prices of hotels around Lake Annecy are not cheap. Luxury establishments follow one another, with a strong emphasis on the well-being of visitors. In this vein, you have  Les Tresoms, Lake and Spa Resort , a magnificent establishment, colourful and equipped with a spa and a magnificent panorama from the room or the outdoor swimming pool.

At more affordable rates and with all the convenience of the brand, you can also opt for the  Best Western Hotel International , right in the centre of Annecy. Unlike the first hotel, you won’t have your feet in the water, but you can still take advantage of the establishment’s designer spa, and all for a hundred euros a night.

Finally, if you want an unforgettable stay in Annecy, have a look at the  Imperial Palace ! A caring staff, a magnificent view of the lake, a spa, and a casino, all in a high-standing building with large, tastefully decorated rooms. A touch of luxury with a price tag to match.

If the view from your room is what counts for you, here’s our selection of hotels with a breathtaking view of Lake Annecy .

🛎️  Further north . If you’re making a detour to Geneva, don’t miss our  exclusive selection of hotels on the shores of Lake Geneva . A luxurious rest guaranteed!

🔝 Eight essential things to do in Annecy

So much for the practical side, here are what we believe to be the eight essential things to do in Annecy.

Walk and swim in Lake Annecy

We cannot mention Annecy without mentioning its famous lake. It is the main tourist attraction of the city. The translucent waters of the lake reflecting the Alps that surround it. This is the first thing you should look for after you put down your suitcase, especially since the magnificent setting of this lake lends itself to many activities.

First of all, a bike ride. This practice is rooted in the habits of travellers and locals alike. You will find several rental points around the lake, and you can do the complete tour by following the greenway, about 33 kilometres of cycle paths. You can then enjoy many viewpoints and find small, somewhat isolated beaches where you can get away from the crowds, even in the summer.

The calm and clarity of the waters of Lake Annecy also invite you for a swim. Put some freshness in the summer heat by taking a dip at one of the dozen beaches offered by this lake:

• Albigny beach
• Angon beach (our favourite)
• Duingt beach
• Talloires beach (the liveliest)
• Marquisats beach
• Imperial beach
• The beaches of Veyrier-du-Lac
• Menthon-Saint-Bernard beach
• Doussard beach
• Saint-Jorioz beach
• Sevrier beach

Apart from swimming, you can indulge in water activities such as water-skiing ( Club Servier Annecy  ,  Skiwake74  , etc.), wakeboarding, or diving.

Paragliding in Annecy

In addition to cycling, you also have the possibility of discovering Annecy in a different way by paragliding. This will give you a unique view of the lake and the surrounding Alps. Moreover, Annecy regularly hosts the world championship of this discipline. It is therefore not for nothing that it is the most visited site in Europe by paragliding enthusiasts and the most popular activity in the area.

Boat trip in Annecy and cruise on the lake

As we have just said, Lake Annecy offers many activities, and the boat trips are among the most popular. There is no shortage of boat rental companies and various choices of boats are available to you, from pedal boats to motorboats that can be driven without a licence. You even have the option of a mini-cruise on  Annecy’s famous “Dragonfly” boat-restaurant , to enjoy all the natural attractions offered by the lake and a good meal.

The old town of Annecy and its canals

Among all the things to do in Annecy, visiting the old town and its canals is a must. This is one of the best ways to soak up the cultural and historical heritage of the city’s glorious past.

Indeed, this city’s nickname, the “ Venice of the Alps “, is thanks to its historic district and the Thiou canal which crosses it. You can walk through its cobbled streets and arcades and follow the canal along  the Louis-Lachenal promenade  which will take you through pretty passages lined with trees. You can also take the opportunity to take beautiful photos and do some shopping.

A restaurant outing

Getting to know Annecy also means discovering its local gastronomic specialities. And what better way to do it than by eating in one of the excellent restaurants that abound in the old town? There are also “tourist” restaurants, as they are known, serving both typical Savoyard dishes and more refined dishes, of quite decent quality here too. We like Les Cimes, which is value for money, or even, if you want to really treat yourself, the Michelin-starred Restaurant Vincent Favre Félix.

Les Cimes  | 19 Avenue du Rhone, Annecy

Restaurant Vincent Favre Felix  | 15 Abbey Road, Annecy-le-Vieux

Attend the Lake Festival

The Annecy Lake Festival is a pyrotechnic show rich in sound and light. It is one of the most important shows in the area, a real local tradition. It takes place every year on the first Saturday of  August .

The fires are drawn from Lake Annecy and bleachers are erected nearby so that everyone can enjoy them. There is a charge for the show, but that doesn’t stop tourists and locals alike from flocking every year to party, listen to music, dance and admire the sights. ( official site )

Explore the Gorges du Fier

This is a short walk to a natural site about ten kilometres west of Annecy ( official site ). The Fier gorges are the result of the erosion of the rock by water, which has created a large canyon more than 25 meters high. These gorges are a special natural site, and the bravest among you can cross them along the secure footbridges that run along the bed of the torrent.

Visit villages around Annecy

If you want to withdraw a little from the centre of Annecy to discover the hidden treasures of the area, we advise you pay a visit to one of these charming villages:

• Annecy-le-Vieux  : Different from old Annecy which corresponds to the old town, this village is home to Albigny beach and the restaurant  Le clos des sens , which has three stars in the Michelin guide.
• Veyrier-du-Lac  ( official site ): Located 5km at the foot of Mount Veyrier, this is a popular place for its hiking trails which offer a superb views of Lake Annecy.

Well, we hope that this selection of things to do in Annecy, France, has helped you prepare for your trip. Any other suggestions? Share them in comments below.

Destination(s) Europe

Contenu rédigé par les blogueurs de la rédaction | Article by the Editorial Staff

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CALL US ON 020 7251 0045 9am - 5pm Mon-Fri

Lake Annecy 7 nights Tour

All tours on this holiday have now departed. Future departure dates will be confirmed in due course.

We have a handy rating for each tour to let you know how strenuous it maybe.

Gentle : Some walking between sites and standing for viewing, good flat walking surfaces.

Moderate: Walking between sites, lots of standing for viewing.

Demanding:  On your feet all day, uneven terrain (e.g. cobbles)

For more detail refer to our mobility page below.

A Room with a View

Lake Annecy

Montenvers Railway

Les Grillons

Les Grillons Chef

Glorious lake and mountain scenery

Superb family owned Les Grillons hotel – a Travel Editions’ favourite for 20+ years

Pretty lakeside villages - Yvoire is delightful

Spa towns - Evian is an elegant resort

Cable cars or rack railways - Chamonix offers both

• Tour Details
• Availability
• What's Included

Lake Annecy is one of the most beautiful areas of France and our Lake Annecy by train tour offers the opportunity of a relaxing break close to the attractive lakeside village of Talloires. Visits are made by coach to the stunningly pretty town of Annecy itself, majestic Mont Blanc and Chamonix, Lake Geneva, the spa town of Evian, the medieval village of Yvoire and Geneva.

This is the 7 night/8 day version of this tour but we also have a 6 night/ 7 day tour available too.  Please click here for more information.

How many passengers in your party?

Day 1: Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras or to Lyon via Lille. On arrival, transfer by coach to Talloires (approx. 2 hours) and the Hotel Les Grillons. Day 2: Full day tour to Chamonix. A busy and cosmopolitan town, Chamonix sits at the foot of Mont Blanc surrounded by the best of mountain scenery – glaciers, snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows. It is the base for all mountain based activities, in summer and winter - for spectacular views take the Aiguille du Midi cable car up Mont Blanc itself, or, for those who aren’t big fans of heights, try the Montenvers rack railway which will take you to the foot of the Mer de Glace glacier. Day 3: Full day tour to Annecy. One of the most attractive and popular resorts in the French Alps, the town of Annecy sits on the banks of the lake surrounded by breath-taking alpine scenery. The imposing château on the hill and the Palais de l’Ile provide much historical interest, and you’ll find the canals and narrow passages of the 16th century old town enchanting, especially when the town’s many flowers are in bloom. Day 4: A full day free to explore or relax at your leisure. Day 5: Full day tour to Lake Geneva, Évian and Yvoire. The expanse of Lake Geneva (or Lac Léman to the French) forms a natural border between France and Switzerland. The awe-inspiring scenery and fine climate made the shores of the lake popular for health resorts the most well-known being Évian-les-Bains, where you can take a lovely stroll along the tree-lined waterfront. Take a bottle along to taste the famous water from the Source Cachat on the Avenue des Sources. Picturesque Yvoire is a lovely medieval village of narrow cobbled streets and stone houses sloping down to the edge of the water. The castle and two stone gateways date from the 14th century. Day 6: Full day tour to Geneva. In terms of being international and cosmopolitan there aren’t many cities that can compare with Geneva. Its location is fantastic, strung along the shore of mountainbacked Lake Geneva, and it is the place that many international organisations choose to base their European headquarters – you may see the UN, WHO and Red Cross. The museums here are world class and the old town is wonderfully picturesque – heading up the 16th century St Peter’s Cathedral gives great views over the city, lake and mountains beyond.

Day 7: Full day visit to Thones, the Resistance Museum and Chateau de Menthon This morning we head to the town of Thones for a visit to the Resistance Museum which tells the story of the underground fighters in WWII and free time for exploration and a spot of lunch (not included). This afternoon we visit the impressive medieval Chateau de Menthon, dating back in parts to the 12 th century and lavishly updated during the Renaissance. It has been home – and remains so – to the Menthon family for centuries.

Day 8: Transfer back to Lyon station to catch the return TGV to Lille. At Lille, board the return Eurostar service to St Pancras. NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.  Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 35 passengers. 

INCLUDED  

• Return train travel from St Pancras to Lyon via Lille 
• Seven nights' accommodation on dinner, bed and breakfast basis at three star Les Grillons Hotel in Talloires based on shared occupancy of a double room 
• Full coach touring programme as detailed in the itinerary above conducted by tour manager
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement
• Holiday insurance
• Standard Premier/1st Class upgrade on Eurostar/TGV. On the Eurostar this constitutes upgraded seating and light meal with complimentary drink with upgraded seating only on the French railway leg
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls.
• Porterage and gratuities.

PLEASE NOTE: As with most trains, passengers are responsible for carrying baggage onto and off the train. Baggage can be stored on overhead shelves or at the entrance to the carriages.Trollies are available at St Pancras and Paris, but bags do need to be carried on to the platform. Travel Editions recommends a luggage delivery service called  thebaggageman , where your suitcase can be picked up from your home before departure and delivered straight to your hotel; therefore removing the worry about carrying your cases onto and off the trains. Please  click here  for more information and we have arranged a 10% discount exclusive to Travel Editions clients off the  thebaggageman  service.  Tel: 01844 264890

Les Grillons Hotel, Talloires   The three-star family-run Les Grillons Hotel (now in its 3rd generation of the Casali family) is located 2km south of the lakeside village of Talloires, which is 10km south of the town of Annecy. The hotel is located on the lake and facilities include extensive grounds, swimming pool (seasonal opening), jacuzzi, bar, restaurant, lift to all floors and comfortable rooms with all modern amenities including air-conditioning, wifi, safe, telephone and TV. Dinner is served each evening in the atmospheric restaurant with 100% home-made food with fresh products from the local area all cooked by the chef Steve.  Guests will receive a friendly welcome at this family-run hotel with a welcome drink on arrival.  Les Grillons Hotel Website OUR VIEW ON THE HOTEL Many, many past clients have described Les Grillons as 'first class', 'excellent' and 'superb' - it has been receiving rave reviews for over a decade. You will receive a lovely warm welcome from the charming staff, and the hotel's position in lovely grounds is tranquil and beautiful. The hotel is just two kilometres outside the popular resort town of Talloires and offers views over the lake, surrounding mountains and meadows.  Pre-tour accommodation is available at the Premier Travel Inn, London Kings Cross St Pancras, about a 5 minutes walk from St Pancras International, at an approximate rate of £90 per room. Bookings can be made direct with the hotel on 0871 527 8672 or visit their website .

MORE INFO - Please click here to see full details of this tour

Recent reviews

Excellent holiday with interesting excursions at a really good hotel.Very nice room with balcony and view over garden ,lake and mountains. The Tour Manager Gill was first rate.She was very articulate and her management skills were excellent and knowledge was very impressive. My only criticism of the holiday was the inadequate portion size of vegetables with the dinners.

Review by Seabrooke who travelled 30-September-2023

Gill, the tour guide worked extremely hard and was very friendly and approachable. She helped us have a really enjoyable trip Jon Sutcliffe

Review by Sutcliffe who travelled 30-September-2023

Excellent trip.Good experience.we were lucky with the weather and Gill was caring and extremely helpful and informative.Your brochure describes everything as it is.My son and his partner felt just as we did it was their first trip with you and l don’t think it will be their last. Thank you.

Review by Anonymous who travelled 30-September-2023

Went on this tour over a Christmas period before the pandemic and had booked to go back over Christmas but hotel has changed hands within the family and they now don't open at Christmas! Absolutely excellent tour and with the new trip to the Resistance Museum made it even better. Tour guide, Gill Thompson, was very knowledgable about the area and very helpful.

Review by Stewart who travelled 30-September-2023

Tour manager Gill was fantastic - as before on previous trips she was effective, informative and friendly. The trip was very enjoyable, the hotel nice, the food good, the location beautiful and the weather good too ! The travel tor/from London was more stressful/tedious than usual because of the very large numbers of other travellers (possibly related to rugby events) and the number of changes. A train to Annecy itself would be better, or perhaps even via Geneva rather than Lyons ? One other point worth mentioning: at evening meals the tables were set for 8 people making it difficult to talk to those across the table owing to the high level of noise in the restaurant. Is it possible to set tables for 6 maybe? and to make moving around the tables on successive nights easier, rather than being stuck with the first group you happen to meet, as seemed to happen?

Review by Sharman who travelled 30-September-2023

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Review by Bullock who travelled 30-September-2023

The last trip to the resistance museum was not for me, i understand that most enjoyed it but I think we should have been told it was in French with sub titles. I have macular degeneration so I couldn't read the sub titles, If I had known I could have gone elsewhere.

Review by Harding who travelled 30-September-2023

Very enjoyable first holiday with your company. Excellent tour guide, had done her homework and nothing was too much trouble.

Review by Blackmore who travelled 30-September-2023

Particularly impressed with the high quality of the meals at Les Grillons. We were conscious of comments from a few of the tour group who would have been more comfortable with "meat and two veg" and maybe a little pre-warning eg a specimen menu would have helped them.

Review by Lamb who travelled 30-September-2023

View reviews from 2022

Beautiful holiday near Annecy in a friendly hotel. Good local food. The Tour guide was kind and led with interesting notes about the places we visited. Great people on holiday with us too. Thank you.

Review by Hitchcock who travelled 01-October-2022

It has been many years since our last Travel Editions holiday. The hotel was excellent in every way and Karen Blackwell our Tour Manager has reignited our interest in TE holidays. She was friendly, flexible, knowledgeable and got the balance just right.

Review by Anonymous who travelled 01-October-2022

Excellent trip and tours. The tour manager Karens knowledge of. the area was shown by her keeping all the group well informed. The train journey was excellent and incident free, unlike many of my friends are experiencing on airlines

Travel editions provided a most enjoyable holiday aided by warm sunny October weather. The rail coach journeys both out and back worked well with tour guide Karen ensuring we were at the right place at the right time. Les Grillon hotel proved to be a lovely place to stay with very friendly and efficient staff . Excellent continental breakfasts launched the day with fine dining provided in the evenings . The latter might have been too rich for some but courses could be easily skipped if so. Tours gave a good feel for the beautiful region. Karen was efficient and friendly throughout. We will certainly look to see what rail tours Travel Editions come up with in 23/24

Review by Anderson who travelled 01-October-2022

You cannot go hungry at Les Grillons! I'm a veggie and was served excellently. Enjoyed the holiday enormously but would have preferred a through train to Annecy from Paris, to eliminate the long and dull coach trip from/to Lyon. Karen (tour leader) excellent, weather unexpectedly superb for Oct, and the local tranquillity delightful at Talloires. The area can be expensive, but most places now accept cards. Evian to me only seems to trade on its water-history, but the Resistance Museum should be compulsory visiting - moving and informative. Not sold on the Chateau visit but others were. The free day should be after the Annecy visit, for those who would want to go back better informed. One tip - don't try walking to Annecy from the hotel (As I did and failed) - the first part is uphill, sometimes steep! Big issue across our destinations was accessibility - Outside of main centres, France has a way to go on providing ramps etc , but as the hotel now has a lift that doesn't apply to Les Grillons. Talloires and Yvoire are delightful; this was my forth attempt to take this holiday, the previous three hit by Covid, well worth the wait. Like some others, did not want to come home...

Review by Kosminsky who travelled 01-October-2022

Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-May-2022

Apologies for delay - just found this in spam. Angela was a very good guide, and got us all home safely when we were 4 hours late for the eurostar, but your previous guides had set a very high standard.

Review by Coker who travelled 06-May-2022

Outward journey was good. Only rated transport poor because of TGV breakdown between Lyon and Lille-Europe on the return journey. Great effort by Angela to get all of us seats on the later Eurostar

No fault of yours, TGV problem meant we were4 hrs late arriving in St Pancras. Fortunately our taxi was prepared to wait. Much praise to Angela Minton for managing to rebook Eurostar and her reassuring presence.

Review by Ward who travelled 06-May-2022

Superb accommodation with wonderful food. Angela Minton worked hard to ensure we had the best possible holiday especially when there was a glitch with our return journey. Can't praise her highly enough!

Review by Hunt who travelled 06-May-2022

Review by a who travelled 06-May-2022

This was a truly excellent holiday. It was well described beforehand and the reality well exceeded high expectations. Fabulous hotel in an amazing location. Tour guide Angela was truly amazing and kept everything really smooth and enjoyable for everyone. Even when the train broke down on the way back she was calm and well informed and made sure that replacement arrangements were in place. All the tours were interesting and there was a good mixture. Thank you a brilliant holiday.

Review by Beaty who travelled 06-May-2022

Lake Annecy is a very beautiful area and the hotel is situated by the lakeside with a lovely garden, pool and views of the lake. The hotel is very comfortable with large rooms and the service and food is outstanding. Angela the tour manager did a great job of managing the holiday, moving our visit to Chamonix and Mont Blanc, to ensure we had the best weather. Minor criticism is that the visit to Yvoir was too long and it is very commercialised with high restaurant prices. On the journey home our TGV broke down which delayed our arrival at Lille by several hours but Angela was excellent, kept us all informed and got us seats on the next Eurostar back to St. Pancras. I would highly recommend the Lake Annecy holiday and look forward to a return trip.

The last time we did this tour we went from St Pancras to Lyon direct avoiding a two and a half hour wait at Lille. Hotel was excellent with dinners maybe not quite as good as before. Considering the price of the tour and current price escalation’s probably not surprising. Chamonix tour disappointing and the cancellation of cheese factory tour a real pity. Enjoyed that last time around. Apart from getting Covid on tour it was a good holiday and I would still recommend it to all.

Review by Marshall who travelled 06-May-2022

Perfect, except for the French train breaking down on our way home, making a 3 hour journey 7 hours, and missing our connections. However, Angela sorted it all out, and we got home eventually.

Review by Collins who travelled 06-May-2022

View reviews from 2019

Our highest praise goes to our wonderful tour guide (? Karen Dean if I remember aright ?), who was a source of abundant information making every part of our holiday more fulfilling, and never ceased to watch out for those needing extra help. Also of exceptional merit was our mamzing family run hotel, with a gastronomic delight every evening, and creative menus using locally sourced ingredients.

Review by Anonymous who travelled 21-September-2019

Overall a very good holiday. Excellent tour guide who obviously had well researched the area and provided us with a lot of interesting information. Most of the excursions were excellent. unfortunately our time in Geneva was cut short due to a demonstration taking place. The day spent visiting Evian and Yvoire was somewhat disappointing as their season appeared to be over and the weather was not the best.. Travel was hectic and luggage space limited. The bar on the TGV was closed so we were not able to get any drinks though we had some water from the hotel. We were recommended to move from coach on the Eurostar as the steward on the train said they had a problem with the toilet which was causing a pungent smell. We appreciate this was not within your control as tour operator! Really helpful hotel staff and in spite of the journey we thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and would be more than happy to recommend Travel Editions.

Review by Marrison who travelled 21-September-2019

The whole tour worked very well and more than met our expectations. The tour manager, Karen was one the best we have ever had she was friendly, helpful and constantly thinking ahead to manage any problems.

The tour manager was very relaxed and experienced and knew the area well. The hotel was first class and the food gourmet. Some of the excursions were of greater interest for me than others .In retrospect I could have easily forgone the visit to Geneva in favour of something closer to the hotel and of more local and historical and cultural relevance to France. But that’s just me. Perhaps there’s just too much to see / choose from in a large city in only a few hours . The Resistance museum was very interesting as was Chamonix .

Review by Miles who travelled 21-September-2019

Review by Cooke who travelled 21-September-2019

Sadly the two rail companies ( Euro Star and TGV) left much to be desired. The French TGV on the return journey was a disgrace with flooded toilets in the First Class area, closed bar with no food or drink and wrecked tables and refuse containers in the bar. On Euro Star return journey the First Class area and facilities seemed to be clean and well prepared but I understand the Standard Class was disgusting with blocked toilets and foul odours throughout the caraiges and passengers having to request seating in First Class to escape the stench. Not the usual standards expected from these two companies. Travel Editions were, as usual. excellent in all areas of customer satisfaction, thank you.

Hotel was excellent, especially dealing with my diet (Coeliac) and my husband (vegetarian). Karen, Tour Manager, was very good as were most of the tours. Our only complaints was with the return TGV, which was old and crowded. Also Lille Europe was like a building site, perhaps alternative arrangements should have been made! J Maher, Wirral

Review by Maher who travelled 21-September-2019

Karen the tour guide was excellent The hotel, rooms, and food were faultless. The owners and staff were so helpful and courteous and absolutely nothing was too much trouble. We would highly recommend this trip. If there is a criticism it was the TGVs lack of space for luggage but that is not the fault of Travel Editions. Overall a trip to be recommended

Review by Wood who travelled 21-September-2019

We were surprised that the day in Geneva was so short. It was, in fact, only 4 hours in the City. We left the hotel at 9:00 and were back in the hotel before 4:30, which meant over 3 hours before dinner. We had expected to have 5/6 hours to spend in the city. The hotel was excellent with wonderful dinners provided for us all.

Review by Goodwin who travelled 29-April-2019

Hotel Les Grillons excellent with outstanding food.

Review by Bardell who travelled 29-April-2019

An excellent tour with a good mix of interesting destinations on the days out. We particularly enjoyed the day in Chamonix, the visit to Yvoire, and the “local” day visiting a cheese factory, a Resistance Museum and a nearby chateau. We were a little less enthused by the day in Geneva, though. On previous Travel Editions tours, we’ve tended to avoid ones where evening meals are included at the hotel, as we normally prefer to be adventurous with restaurants, but we need not have had any concerns - the cuisine and service were excellent, as many previous reviewers have noted. The hotel and its owners and staff were also most welcoming and helpful.

Review by Peters who travelled 29-April-2019

View reviews from 2018

Review by who travelled 03-September-2018

We particularly want to thank Karen,our Tour Manager. She was so knowledgeable ,pleasant and efficient that we could not fault her in any way. Hotel Grillons was one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in. The food was out of this world and wonderful comfortable bedroom. We had a wonderful holiday.

Review by Lawton who travelled 03-September-2018

Best tour yet, loved everything especially cuisine at Les Grillons, every meal a delight. Hotel had spacious well appointed rooms and staff were first rate. Our excursions were well planned, every day something to look forward to.

Review by Richardson who travelled 03-September-2018

The hotel was superb; no wonder you have been going there for 20 years. The room was outstanding and Auralie and the staff couldn't be faulted. The food was excellent (tho' to be picky we'd have preferred the odd casserole.) Karen was outstanding. Our only "good" marking is because we were not too impressed with Geneva, partly because of the "second mortgage" prices and,to us, the soulless atmosphere downtown.

Review by Nicholls who travelled 03-September-2018

This was our first experience of an 'organised' tour and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Karen was brilliant. Very organised, confident and well informed. We liked the fact that we were left to our own devices once we arrived at the tour destination. Itinerary good but found the last day a bit rushed. Would thoroughly recommend your company.

Review by Jewell who travelled 03-September-2018

Our guide Karen proved to be immensely capable , knowledgeable and charming.

Review by Pendry who travelled 03-September-2018

View reviews from 2017

Review by who travelled 23-September-2017

View reviews from 2016

Friendly hotel, out standing area to visit.

Review by Mr D Porter who travelled 10-September-2016

Review by who travelled 03-September-2016

An excellent. And we'll run holiday Gill quitely looking after everyone's needs An excellent hotel with first class food

Review by Mr C Jones who travelled 10-September-2016

Another very well organised holiday.The hotel was very welcoming and the food excellent.Gill was always helpful and her local knowledge made every trip very enjoyable.

Review by Mrs Olive Clark who travelled 10-September-2016

Review by Mrs Alison Mackerell who travelled 10-September-2016

We enjoyed the Annecy trip more this second time as it was warm and sunny all week. Hotel still fabulous and hospitality great. Tom and I walked up 800 metres behind the hotel passing the waterfall and reaching the retreat at the top. Miss Emma is a delight and following in her mothers footsteps.We shall return

Review by Mrs Sally Byfield who travelled 10-September-2016

Lovely hotel with wonderful scenery. Food at the hotel was exceptional and the owners were extremely friendly and helpful. Tour manager was lovely and extremely knowledgeable about the area.

Review by Mr & Mrs A Bray who travelled 10-September-2016

Lovely hotel . Position ,staff , food excellent. Tour manager dealt well with people who needed extra help I.e wheelchairs on tour and at stations. Her history knowledge impressive also spoke French very well . Would recommend this holiday.

Review by Mrs Judith Harper who travelled 10-September-2016

We chose this tour after researching similar tours available from other organisers because it appeared to be more relaxing than the rest, which it proved to be. This was helped by the excellent tour guide who is very knowledgeable and v.helpful. This was our first ever holiday on an organised trip. We would consider others in the future.

Review by Mr David Billett who travelled 10-September-2016

Review by Mr Harold Milne who travelled 03-September-2016

Overall we had an excellent holiday. The only downsides were that nearly everything was closed in Geneva on the day we visited it (8th Sept) due to a public holiday and we would have liked more time at the Resistance cemetery/museum on 9th Sept. The hotel and food were superb.

Review by Mr peter thomas who travelled 03-September-2016

Burgundy, the River Rhône & Provence River Cruise with Lake Geneva & Golden Pass Extension

11 days from only $3,698pp

Price Includes

• Useful Info

Accommodation

Experience more with so much included

• Seven visits and tours, including Lyon, Arles, Avignon and Vienne; a wine tasting in Beaune, and excursions to the Ardèche Gorges, Popes’ Palace and the Pont du Gard 
• Four additional visits and tours including Chillon Castle, Lake Geneva cruise, Glacier 300 visit and Golden Pass train
• Seven nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, with river views 
• Three nights in an centrally located hotel in either Lausanne or Montreux
• All meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure, including a welcome dinner and the Captain’s Dinner
• B&B and one lunch on the extension tour
• Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides 
• Complimentary on-board tea and coffee 
• Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi

Make the very most of your vacation in this spectacularly scenic region with a three-night stay on the elegant shores of sparkling Lake Geneva with its chic lakeside towns, Mediterranean flavor and incredible Alpine backdrop. Soak up the old-world charm of picturesque Annecy, cruise the sophisticated palm-fringed Montreux Riviera and experience the thrill of Glacier 3000 and the magnificent Golden Pass, one of the world’s most scenic mountain rail journeys.

Your Itinerary

• DAY 1 EMBARK IN AVIGNON
• DAY 2 AVIGNON
• DAY 3 ARLES & PONT DU GARD
• DAY 4 ARDÈCHE GORGES & TAIN I'HERMITAGE
• DAY 5 VIENNE
• DAY 6 BEAUNE & BURGUNDY
• DAY 8 ANNECY
• DAY 9 CHILLON CASTLE AND LAUSANNE
• DAY 10 GLACIER 3000 AND GOLDEN PASS
• DAY 11 EXTENSION CHECK-OUT

EMBARK IN AVIGNON

Arrive in Avignon, where your five-star floating hotel is moored in the picturesque historic center. The dedicated English-speaking crew will welcome you on board and help you to your cabin. After settling in to your spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation, there’s time to familiarise yourself with this five-star floating hotel.

The light catching the red roofs of Avignon’s majestic skyline is a sight to behold over breakfast, after which we embark on a guided tour of one of the most extraordinary and intriguing cities in France. Avignon’s destiny changed during the 14th century when the Pope’s court moved here to avoid strife in Rome. Igniting a century of prosperity, the pontiff commissioned a host of ambitious building projects, and today the city is immaculately preserved, nestling behind its almost intact 14th-century walls and boasting more remarkable monuments, superbly decorated buildings, churches, chapels and convents than you can possibly count.

Most important is the stunning Popes’ Palace, made up of two buildings that together form the largest Gothic palace in the world. With turrets, towers, parapets, and other fortifications, its exterior resembles a mighty fortress, while the interior is a tour de force of medieval architecture and ornamentation, adorned with priceless frescoes, Gobelin tapestries, and graceful sculptures. The ceremonial hall, chapels, cloisters, and private apartments are all unmissable. But to truly embrace the feel of papal Avignon, imagine yourself here during the Middle Ages amid the Palace’s rich furnishings and extravagant decoration, with cardinals, princes, and ambassadors milling about its candlelit halls and corridors, while in the streets below countless pilgrims eagerly anticipate benediction. This was Avignon’s brief golden age when it was truly the center of Christendom.

After lunch you’re free to explore as you wish, perhaps visiting the nearby Petit Palais, the former home of the archbishops of Avignon, to cast a critical eye over the remarkable collection of over 300 paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including works by Botticelli and Carpaccio. Or take a stroll on the iconic Pont d’Avignon, which, dramatically, ends halfway across the river, made famous by the melody we all recall from our first French lessons. You may wish to do some shopping, or just find a quiet café in a shady Provençal square to watch the world go by. Perhaps though, return to the luxurious surroundings of our ship, finding a quiet spot to contemplate the many wondrous places you’ve seen and experienced over a quiet cup of tea.

Returning on board for dinner, the ship sets sail towards our next destination, Arles arriving later that evening.

ARLES & PONT DU GARD

You awake under the azure skies of deepest Provence, amid the warm stone colors of Arles, many of whose historic monuments are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Although small in size, it was the key stronghold on the Roman road to Spain, one of the empire’s richest possessions. Seagoing ships could reach here and the city became a regional capital, briefly ruling over Gaul, Spain, and Britain. Our guided tour will help you appreciate the finer points of Arles’ magnificent Roman remains, including the splendid amphitheater, one of the best-preserved in the world, the earlier theatre built during the reign of Augustus and the Alyscamps, the ancient necropolis with its extraordinary atmosphere. The disturbed but great genius of an artist, Van Gogh, lived in Arles for just over a year, from February 1888. It was his most prolific period and, inspired by Arles and the light and beauty of the Provençal countryside, he produced around 300 works, including The Night Café , The Sower and, of course, Sunflowers .

After lunch, we visit the amazing Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct, one of the wonders of the ancient world. No amount of fame can diminish the first sight of this 2,000-year-old structure, which was the highest bridge built in the Empire – the Romans themselves considered it the most important testimony to their greatness. Its statistics are staggering: over 900 feet long and almost 160 feet high, with its stones each weighing up to six tons. To put this in perspective, the span of the Pont du Gard is greater than the width of the River Thames at London Bridge – and no mortar was used in its construction! The situation is lovely too, with pine- and cypress-covered hills adding to the harmonious setting. Re-joining the ship in Avignon, we cruise towards Viviers during dinner.

ARDÈCHE GORGES & TAIN I'HERMITAGE

Ardèche Gorges

This morning we disembark after breakfast and whilst our ship effortlessly cruises upstream towards Le Pouzin, we will explore one of France’s most outstanding landscapes – the Ardèche Gorges, whose scale is a fitting reminder of Mother Nature’s awesome power. Sheer limestone cliffs plunge almost 1,000 feet to the river’s blue waters, which elegantly snake their way through stupendous rock formations, culminating in a huge natural arch, the Pont d’Arc. We enjoy marvellous views at every turn of caves, grottoes and natural sculptures before returning to the ship moored in Le Pouzin.  

Tain l'Hermitage

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board – perhaps catching up on some reading or just lazing in the sun as the temperature rises, before we arrive in Tain l'Hermitage, surrounded by steep vine-covered hillsides, where another of the world’s most revered wines is produced. After dinner, prehaps take a stroll along the river and wander across the oldest suspension bridge in France to the pretty provincial town of Tournon on the opposite bank of the river, with its imposing castle and tree-lined avenues.

After dinner, delight in a ballroom dancing performance in the lounge with the opportunity to learn some basic steps of a French madison line dance!

Included experiences:

Guided tour of the Ardèche Gorges & visit to Tain l'Hermitage & live ballroom dancing performance.

During breakfast this morning, we’ll slip our moorings and cruise north through one of the most spectacular sections of the Rhône Valley, as the river squeezes and twists pasts Condrieu, Saint-Rambert-d’Albon, and Saint-Vallier, with wooded cliffs rising high on both sides. Traditionally these stretches were the most dangerous due to fierce currents and varying water levels but, with the waters now tamed by a series of locks whose complex mechanisms never cease to fascinate, you can relax on the Sun Deck taking in the exceptional views. After lunch we arrive in the ancient Roman stronghold of Vienne, first a Celtic settlement, then a Roman stronghold under Julius Caesar. Here you'll be taken by train for a captivating tour, hosted by a local expert. Strikingly located in a narrow section of the Rhône, where the river meanders dramatically around a steep bluff, Vienne is a treasure trove of historic remains, including the stunning Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, and a walk around its streets really brings its heritage to life.

You will also have some free time to explore at your leisure before returning to the ship for dinner, during which we commence our cruise towards Chalon-sur-Saône.

BEAUNE & BURGUNDY

Overnight we have made steady progress north and mid-morning we arrive in and berth in Chalon, the gateway to Burgundy and the home of Nicéphore Niépce, the inventor of photography. On today’s tour, we see some of the pretty yet surprisingly small villages that produce some of the world’s most sublime wines – Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Gevrey-Chambertin and many more. Nearby is medieval Beaune, Burgundy’s wine capital, which is wonderful to wander around. At its center is the Hospices de Beaune, also known as the Hôtel-Dieu. Originally built in the 15th century as a hospital for the disadvantaged, it’s a jewel of High Gothic architecture, instantly recognizable for its colorful glazed roof tiles arranged in dazzling geometric patterns. A prestigious annual wine auction takes place here each November, with proceeds going to benefit the Hospices and its charity work. Of course, you can’t visit Burgundy without sampling its amazing wines, so we visit the cellars of a leading traditional winemaker for a tour and tasting.

Later we return to ship and as we slip our moorings once again, enjoy an aperitif with newly made friends in the convivial bar before tonight’s dinner.

One of river cruising’s great pleasures is the fascination of waking in a completely different location and on waking this morning, the ship arrives in Lyon. After our last splendid breakfast, we’ve a leisurely start enjoying a guided tour of Lyon, one of France’s most fascinating cities. The Rhône Valley had been the route of choice for marauding armies and peaceful traders for centuries, and Lyon’s current site, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, cried out to be fortified. In 43 BC the Romans founded the city, which subsequently grew in importance; Emperor Claudius, conqueror of Britain, was born here. There are many Roman remains to see, but it was the production of silk that brought Lyon to prominence during the Middle Ages, and throughout the city you can see signs of the wealth that poured in – Renaissance buildings, imposing churches and Europe’s largest pedestrian square, Place Bellecour, with a statue of Louis XIV as its focus. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is crammed with antique shops and intriguing traboules – narrow covered passageways enabling silk merchants to transport their wares to the river without getting wet – that today are a joy to amble through. As well as its glorious architecture, Lyon is generally acknowledged as France’s (and to locals, the world’s) gastronomic capital. In fairness it has much to commend it: nouvelle cuisine was invented near here and the city boasts a huge array of speciality food shops and eateries, including 20 restaurants with one or more Michelin stars and countless little places to eat.

It’s our final afternoon in which you are free to explore Lyon further or perhaps though, return to the sumptuous surroundings of your ship, head up on to the Sun Deck and just contemplate the wondrous places you have seen and experienced over a quiet cup of tea. This evening the Captain’s dinner takes place, serving specialities of the regions you have visited during your voyage of discovery through this fascinating country.

For those continuing with our three-night extension, we depart the ship in beautiful Lyon and head northeast to Geneva into the Bugey region. As we leave the city behind for the landscapes of the Haut-Rhone you’ll enjoy some of Europe’s most wonderful scenery so have your camera at the ready. The views are breath-taking, with gorges, lakes and marshes, interspersed with rich forest and pristine meadows and the world-famous alpine backdrop on the far horizon.

We break for some free time and lunch at leisure in the delightful alpine town of Annecy where Lake Annecy feeds into the Thiou River. Wander the quaint cobbled streets of its charming old town where its winding canals weave their way amongst the pastel-colored facades. The beautifully restored medieval stone walls and terracotta roofed turrets of the Château d’Annecy, once home to the Counts of Geneva, stands proud over the town. Today it contains a museum with a substantial collection of religious artworks, furniture and regional art and natural history exhibits. 

Sample some typical Savoie cuisine – a hearty bowl of gratin de crozets , a take on macaroni cheese with lardons, cream and local pasta made from buckwheat or perhaps indulge in a classic fondue! Afterwards you might want to walk it off with a visit to the art and history museum housed in a medieval prison in the middle of the canal.

We continue our scenic drive this afternoon arriving in Lausanne or Montreux on the edge of spectacular Lake Geneva, the largest lake in Switzerland. The chic Montreux Riviera is renowned for its picture-perfect landscapes of glass lakes, pristine meadows and a sensational mountain backdrop that has attracted artists, writers and travelers through the ages in search of tranquility and inspiration. We arrive at our hotel for the next three nights in either Montreux, or Lausanne. Enjoy dinner at leisure this evening and perhaps take a lakeside stroll along the palm-studded shores of this glistening lake. (B)

CHILLON CASTLE AND LAUSANNE

After breakfast we take a scenic drive  to Chillon Castle. This striking medieval fortress dating back to the 12 th century is dramatically located on a rocky promontory, enjoying exceptional views over the crystal water. It was once the residence and toll station for the Counts of Savoy and today is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. We enjoy a guided tour with a local expert learning more of its fascinating past and exquisite surroundings. Later we embark on a superb cruise of the lake. Enjoy lunch as we sail these clear glistening waters encased by high snow-capped peaks, whose fertile foothills are draped in row upon row of lush, neatly terraced regiments of vines and the views simply take your breath away.

The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore Lausanne under your own steam. Home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters, you might fancy visiting the Olympic Museum or head for the old town with its medieval labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets lined with traditional little shops, at the center a fine 12 th -century Gothic cathedral with strikingly ornate façade. Perhaps head for the 19th-century Palais de Rumine, an elegant Florentine Renaissance building housing impressive historic, scientific and fine art collections or simply unwind with a little café culture over tea and cake in the sun in this most refined city. If staying in Montreux, a return transfer to the hotel is included.

Enjoy dinner at leisure; seek out a cosy restaurant serving locally inspired dishes, a fusion of French and Swiss cuisine – try papet Vaudois , a sausage with cabbage in it and leeks and potatoes cooked together, or malakoff, pieces of cheese battered and fried. Don’t forget to sample some of the exceptional local wines, the best known is produced from the white Chasselas grape; wine production in the Lavaux dates from the 11 th century and today these painstakingly tended vineyards, creating a striking pattern on the landscape, are UNESCO protected. Only 1% of Swiss wine is exported - and when you taste it, you’ll realise why it’s such a well-kept secret! (B, L)

GLACIER 3000 AND GOLDEN PASS

This morning we head to Col du Pillon and take a memorable cable car ride into this world-famous alpine landscape. Prepare for an onslaught of jaw-dropping views from all sides as we climb 3000 meters to Glacier 3000, the highest point of the Vaudois Alps, their lofty summits iced with snow. Excitement mounts as we reach the summit with increasingly stunning views of the most iconic peaks in the world - the mighty Eiger, Jungfrau and Matterhorn. When we arrive there’s free time for lunch and to enjoy some of the activities on offer in this winter wonderland. Not for the faint-hearted, try the exhilarating Peak Walk – a 107 meter suspension bridge and the only one in the world linking two summits! Enjoy a thrilling ride on the Alpine Coaster or a fun sleigh ride drawn by huskies as you take in the dazzling panoramic vistas.

Later we take a short but stunning drive to the smart resort of Gstaad in the heart of the Bernese Oberland to board the magnificent Golden Pass train, one of the world’s greatest rail journeys. Sit back and savour the views from the train’s panoramic windows of this exquisite mountain scenery – a fairytale landscape where the sheer mountainsides are cloaked with dark pine forest and laced with surging mountain streams, bubbling springs cascade into the valley below, and dotted here and there, picturesque mountain villages nestle into the slopes as we journey over high bridges and through incredibly engineered tunnels. As we pass through the Jaman tunnel, you’ll spot the names of the villages change from German to French and we begin to descend into a lush Mediterranean landscape once again as we approach Montreux.

On arrival in Montreux departures staying in Lausanne will take the short drive back to the hotel.  

Tonight, enjoy dinner at leisure after which perhaps a final stroll by the lake to soak up the views before a digestif in the hotel’s bar. (B)

EXTENSION CHECK-OUT

Today we check out of the hotel at the appropriate time after a truly fascinating and memorable tour into one of the most unspoilt corners of Europe.

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of Sole Occupancy cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement. The price includes: 

• Full board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day; if you choose to travel with us on any of the full day excursions by coach, a packed lunch will be provided. Anyone choosing to stay on the ship may of course have lunch in the restaurant.
• Morning/afternoon tea and coffee on board the ship
• All visits and excursions as mentioned
• Coach travel as mentioned
• The services of a Riviera cruise director

The Extension:

• Three nights in a hotel in Lausanne or Montreux with breakfast. 1 lunch included on the lake cruise.
• An expert Riviera tour manager

Useful Information

• Currency: Euro & Swiss Francs/CHF
• Language: French
• Country: France & Switzerland

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for the duration of your cruise. Please note that speeds may vary.

Visa Information

We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your vacation with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the vacation due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found here .

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• Val d'Isère & Tignes
• Annecy and lake
• Chambery & Vineyards
• Chamonix & Mont Blanc
• Aix Riviera des Alpes
• Genève & Lac
• Megève & Les Contamines
• Massif des Bauges
• Alpe d'Huez
• The 3 Valleys: Meribel, Courchevel, Val Thorens, etc...
• Massif de la Chartreuse
• La Clusaz & Le Grand Bornand
• Mountain Bike
• Off-the-beaten path
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• Lake Geneva
• Less than 2 hours
• A night of adventure

Boat Cruise on Lake Annecy

Dive into the crystal clear waters of Lake Annecy. Onboard your private boat, enjoy the sights of one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps during this off-the-beaten-path experience

What awaits you during this activity : Boat Cruise on Lake Annecy

Your guide for this activity in the Alps : Timothée

Our client's reviews for this activity in the alps, 1786 experiences service fee.

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• From reservation to 30 days prior to the activity: 25% of the total
• From 29 to 15 days prior to the activity: 50% of the total
• From 14 days prior to the day of the activity: 100% of the total

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Why visit Annecy, gateway to the shores and summits of the French Alps

In the Haute-Savoie region of south-eastern France, Annecy and its lake tend to grab the limelight, but extending your visit to the surrounding peaks makes for an all-round Alpine getaway.

Paul Cézanne thought Annecy picturesque to a fault. He’s said to have sneered when visiting in 1896, dismissing it as a landscape for travel sketchbooks. It could be why, when he painted it anyway, his work — titled Le Lac d’Annecy — portrayed a wilder scene than many might expect. Framing the view from Talloires, it captured the gentleness of the lake but a sense of mystery to the mountains behind it, too.

In life as in art, the allure of this destination lies in this contrast. Lake Annecy is found within the Annecy Mountains region, which includes the Aravis range and villages of Le Grand-Bornand, La Clusaz and Manigod. In summer, this means the best of both Alpine worlds: mess about on the water, then head higher for hiking, biking and fresh air.

Away from the trails, Annecy town is marking 20 years as one of France ’s ‘Villes et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire’, a label for destinations that promote their heritage; it has 28 historic sites to discover. Celebrate in August with the annual Fête du Lac, Europe’s largest firework display, or Au Bonheur des Mômes, a festival that brings theatre, dance and a mischievous spirit to Le Grand-Bonard.

Day 1: Cycling & city life

Morning To get a sense of the scale and beauty of the Annecy region, start with a cycling tour of the lake. Pack chocolate flapjacks from retro-style cafe Le Bar Roux d’Heure in Annecy town before picking up bikes from Roul’Ma Poule on Rue des Marquisats, a five-minute walk away. It couldn’t be better located, right opposite the beginning of the Voie Verte du lac d’Annecy — one of the oldest greenways in France. There’s the chance to complete a 26-mile, mostly flat loop around the lake; it takes around three hours to finish, but time goes by quickly as you pedal between beaches and small villages, and past gardens bursting with hollyhocks, bougainvillea and oleanders.

Afternoon Lots of boulangeries surround the Jardins de L’Europe park at the water’s edge of Annecy town, so pick up a quiche and find a shady bench for a picnic lunch. Then, join a guided tour led by local enthusiasts of the old town. It’s a maze of medieval streets lined with arcades and arches, crisscrossed with canals and offshoots of the River Thiou. At its mouth, you can’t miss the Palais de l’Ile — built on a rocky island in the 12th century as the lord of Annecy’s residence, it’s since been a prison, court and mint. Now surrounded by cafe terraces and colourful canal-side houses, with window boxes filled with geraniums, it’s Annecy’s most picturesque spot.

Evening Book a private dinner with Annecy Lounge Boat to feast on local charcuterie and cheese fondue as you cruise at sunset. It’s a good option for families or larger groups; the boats seat up to 12, and every seat offers tremendous views. Alternatively, hop on board a water taxi and head south to the shoreside village of Doussard, where the private pontoon of La Cuillère à Omble sets the scene for the seafood feast to come. This bistro sources char, pike, perch and more from Haute-Savoie’s three lakes and serves them on a terrace by the water. The restaurant is right by the Bout du Lac Nature Reserve, one of the lake’s last untouched stretches of shore, ensuring a tranquillity unmatched elsewhere.

Day 2:   Mountain drives & mighty peaks

Morning After a day on the lake, it’s time to head into the mountains, and while it’s possible to get around by bus, renting a car means stopping whenever a view catches your eye. Take a pit stop in the village of Manigod, a 30-minute drive from Annecy, where the Lo Garâjo coffeeshop has unbeatable views of the Aravis massif as well as a wine cellar, craft beers, a bookstore and a boutique. Continue over the Col de la Croix Fry into La Clusaz before climbing back up to Le Grand-Bornand — a spectacular drive on winding Alpine roads. A lunch of Reblochon cheese and blackberry tart is served at La Clé des Annes on the Col des Annes, where ingredients are largely sourced from the restaurant’s own farm.

Afternoon Walk off your meal exploring the surrounding Alpine meadow on marked footpaths, where the silence is broken only by the occasional ringing of a cow bell. For a gentle and panoramic stroll, head to Les Terres Rouges restaurant and loop back via the Fenil farm. Alternatively, allow at least two hours for the six-mile round trek from the Col des Annes to the Gramusset refuge at the base of Pointe Percée, the Aravis’ highest peak at 2,750m. When you start getting tired, drive down to Le Grand-Bonard to recharge at the cosy Shed Cafe . One of the latest additions to the village, it serves coffee, homemade smoothies and sweet treats — as well as beers, depending on your mood.

Evening In 2000, a group of artists joined forces to celebrate Le Grand-Bonard’s 2,000 inhabitants and 2,000 cows grazing on pastures at 6,560ft (2,000m). Aptly called The Cow Trail, the works are dotted around the village and include sculptures, murals and photo installations. Keep an eye out as you make your way to Confins des Sens , a stone-and-wood affair with a terrace facing the Aravis. It’s the place for mountain food with a gourmet twist: partners for more than 20 years, chefs Anthony Barrucand and Jean-Sébastien Faber change the menu seasonally, but expect everything from scallops with butternut squash, citrus and honey to veal with parsley sabayon and potatoes.

The best water activities to do in Annecy

1. Freediving Freedive in Lake Annecy with Planète Apnée, a venture launched in 2023 to tap into the sport’s growing popularity. There are sessions for beginners, as well as outings that will have you float over a shipwreck.

2. Toumo yoga Inspired by a Tibetan method, this yoga class features breathing techniques and visualisation — plus controlled exposure to spring-fresh, icy-cold water in mountain streams above Le Grand-Bornand.

3.   Kayaking Spot pike and perch as you glide in a see-through kayak around Lake Annecy. Watersports specialist Gliss’cool is based in Angon, an easy paddle away from Talloires and Roc de Chère National Nature Reserve.

4.   Canyoning Walk up streams, jump from waterfalls and abseil down the rock faces of pretty Angon canyon. As long as you can swim, you’re welcome — the guides will tailor the half-day experience accordingly.

5. Water hiking A gentle form of canyoning, this is ideal for children aged six and over. Walk through a river in La Sambuy, sometimes sliding down rocks, sometimes splashing into pools.

Where to stay near Lake Annecy

1.   Là Haut Set in the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park, this is a mountain refuge dressed up as a chic chalet, complete with a barrel-shaped sauna. Opt for the Shelters Experience to sleep inside a metal shelter repurposed from polar expeditions.

2. Refuge de la Pointe Percée Originally built in 1928, this is a mountain refuge through and through, so expect shared dorm rooms and communal dining. It’s a three-hour hike from Le Grand-Bornand but worth it for the sunsets on nearby Pic de Jallouvre alone.

3. Chalet Sisar Accessed via a dirt track through the forest, this renovated old farm sits on the Beauregard plateau, high above the village of La Clusaz. There are five bedrooms sleeping up to 12, a huge south-facing terrace and myriad trails right on the doorstep.  

Related Topics

• SHORT TRIPS
• FAMILY TRAVEL
• MOUNTAINEERS
• MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

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Riviera Travel offers new Rhône land tour extension 

The river cruise and tour operator has curated a selection of experiences for the extension.

Riviera Travel has launched a land tour extension on its 2022 Rhône river cruise itinerary, taking in some of the region’s highlights.  

The optional three-night Lake Geneva and Golden Pass Extension is available on seven sailings, from July to October . Guests will stay in a Lake Geneva hotel, and can take a guided tour of the medieval Chillon Castle and journey on the Golden Pass train. They can also enjoy a 3,000-metre cable car ride to Glacier 3000, which boasts views of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Matterhorn, a cruise with lunch on Lake Geneva and visits to Lausanne and the French alpine town of Annecy.

Prices for the cruise start from £1,569pp, with the extension option starting from £829pp, including  the cruise and hotel stays, and flights and transfers. 

The cruises have an expert cruise director and concierge throughout, and complimentary on board tea and coffee. The extensions have an accompanying tour manager at all times, with all hotels offering breakfast.

Katja Hildebrandt, Riviera Travel head of product river and ocean cruise, said: “Our new Rhône extension promises stunning snow-covered journeys and charming old towns steeped in history, all set against a picture-perfect Alpine scenery backdrop. And we promise guests they will do it in style: from sitting back on the Golden Pass train and watching the fairytale landscape go by, to climbing all the way to the clouds of the spectacular Vaudois Alps via cable car.”

In December Riviera Travel announced that Robin Shaw had been made its permanent chief operating officer .

Celebrity Cruises welcomes guests to CocoCay

Cunard takes delivery of Queen Anne

P&O Cruises releases summer 2026 itineraries

Barbara Muckermann replaced as Silversea boss

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Above , Château Duingt, on the shores of Lake Annecy. Below , Dramatic scenery, even on a cloudy day.

France Travel Blog

Is Lake Annecy Clean?

Lake Annecy is one of France’s largest and cleanest lakes. It sits amid snow-capped mountains and duly enjoys the epithet as Europe’s cleanest lake. As painted by Paul Cézanne, Lake Annecy is partly surrounded by a cycle path that course beyond Saint-Jorioz. This is part of the UNESCO Prehistoric Pile Dwellings in and around the Alps.

In the late 1950s, Lake Annecy suffered heavily from pollution and experienced the vanishing of its wildlife. This prompted the local authorities to make rigorous plans in cleaning it up. Fortunately, the executions worked well, and Lake Annecy has become one of the purest lakes in Europe. Its fish and bird-life are also back. The challenge on the hands of authorities now is how to find the required balance between the heightened tourism level and housing development around its shores. The preservation of the lake’s natural environment is another pressing issue.

>>Also Read: Is Lake Annecy Expensive?

Things To Know About Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy is situated at an altitude of 446 meters above sea level and is overwhelmed by the Tournette Mountain (2351 m) and the Semnoz Mountain (1699 m) to the west as well as the extended needles of the Dents de Lanfon (1824 m) to the east. Even though it is smaller in size compared to the nearby Lake Geneva and Bourget, Lake Annecy is one of the largest lakes in France. At 3,350 meters, it is at its broadest between Veyrier and Sévrier, while at 800 meters, it is at its lowest between Roc de Chere and Duingt.

Lake Annecy’s Dimensions 

It is 15 m long and has a perimeter of 38 km. The lake’s area reaches 27.59 km2 (2,759 hectares) in comparison to Lake Bourget’s 44.5 km2 and Lake Geneva’s 581.3 km2. The lake is serviced by 7 major streams and by Boubioz- an expansive underwater spring that burbles up from a depth of around 80 m close to Annecy’s shops. The Thiou is the major outlet that flows through the historic old town of the city before reaching the Fier River in Annecy’s outskirts.

Lake Annecy’s “Lakes”

Lake Annecy is made up of two distinct basins:

• The Grand Lac (Great Lake) and
• The Petit Lac (Small Lake)

Both basins are connected at the Strait of Duingt between Roc de Chere’s steep hill close to Talloires and Ruphy Castle’s peninsula. Meanwhile, the Petit Lac features a more plain presentation where its shores are adjoined by steep wooded mountains. This is unlike the shores of the Grand Lac that are broad enough to support cultivation and villages.

Major Sights in the Area of Lake Annecy

For the most scintillating experience of the lake, there are two options: a cruise from Annecy or drive around Lake Annecy with stops at Talloires, Veyrier, Duingt, Menthon, le Bout-du-Lac, and Sévrier.

>>Also Read: Most Beautiful Lakes in France

Annecy, the Venice of the Alps

Annecy is one of the country’s most touristic towns with its flower-embellished canals traversing the medieval old town. Grouped afoot its massive castle, the ‘Venice of the Alps’ are historic churches and buildings like the sanctuary of Notre-Dame, Palais de l’Île, and St. Claire Gate. The lawns of the Paquier and the Jardins de l’Europe offer splendid views over the clear and the encircled mountains.

The West Side of the Lake 

Lake Annecy’s eastern shore has several sunshine and ranges from Veyrier-du-Lac to the commune of Verthier. There are three significant villages: Menthon-Daint-Bernard, Veyrier-du-Lac, and Talloires, all located afoot the tall mountains of the Prealps.

Veyrier-du-Lac

 From an erstwhile wine-growing village, Veyrier-du-Lac has assumed an affluent residential outskirts of Annecy. Spanning for 5 km along the D909 road, Veyrier-du-Lac is a famous tourist destination with accommodation and gastronomic facilities.

Menthon-Saint-Bernard

There are three spots to visit in the fine village of Menthon-Saint-Bernard: the beach and promenade, the lakeshore with its harbor, and the medieval town castle of Menthon. Today the 1200s castle is owned and managed by the Menthon dynasty who, in 1190, came from Burgundy.

Roc de Chere

Between Talloires and Menthon, the craggy hill of Roc de Chere covered with hundreds of forest, providing fantastic views over the lake. Given the conducive climate, Mediterranean and mountain species of animals stay in the same habitat. Consequently, there has been a natural reserve where forest wildlife stay.

The petit lakeside village of Talloires is located in a beguiling setting at the foot of the rocky ridges of the Dents de Lanfon. Its small marina looks the stately silhouette of Duingt’s Ruphy castle. The village has several celebrated restaurants and hotels and can be reached by boat from Annecy. The village is also overlooked by St Germain’s shrine. The church terrace overtops beautiful views of the castle of Duingt and the Bay of Talloires.

The East Side of the Lake

Lake Annecy’s eastern shore spans from Sévrier to Le Boutdu-Lac (commune of Lathuile) and trails the slopes of the Semnoz Mountain and the Taillefer Ridge.

A residential outskirt of Annecy, Sévrier is traversed by the cycling path connecting Annecy to Faverges. Situated on Place de l’église, the Ecomuseum of Lake Annecy highlights a broad collection of items and old local customs with entertainment and reenactments of everyday life in the 1800s. The Paccard Museum, located outside the village nearby Saint-Jorioz, is earmarked to the terrific story of the Paccard Bell Foundry.

Saint-Jorioz

The small town of Saint-Joroiz is one of the ways to reach the Regional Natural Park of the Bauges by road. It covers the Prealps massif between Albertville, Chambéry, and Annecy. The lake’s biggest marina with 368 mooring rings is the curve-shaped harbor. The ‘Sentier des Roselieres’ (Roselieres footpath) begins at the marina and follows the lake’s shore with stunning views over the Tournette and the Dents de Lanfon.

Going over 3 km, the path adjoins the lake’s largest red beds that provide shelter and cover to water birds. Many informative panels highlighting the natural environment of the lake are marked along the way. The reeds have an unmissable role here by being a natural cleaning agent in the lake. This is part of why the water is pure.

The interesting village of Duingt has a pleasant setting, tucked away between the last slopes of the Taillefer Mountain and Lake Annecy. Duingt is a small spot that still has several typical Savoyard houses from the 1600s to the 1700s which are along the narrow and old streets. The Dhéré and Ruphy are the two private castles in the commune.

Le Bout-du-Lac

Located at the southern end of Lake Annecy, the area of ‘Bout-du-Lac’ (end of the Lake) is owned by the commune of Lathuile. Visitors can also find a camping site and a widely known beach in the summertime.

In Doussard, the marshlands are a secured natural reserve. All year round, visitors can explore this part of the lake by strolling on the identified paths. From atop an old watchtower, a stunning view of the lake expects you.

Annecy Mountains (the Prealps of Annecy)

The lake of Annecy is encircled by several majestic mountains that offer phenomenal views over the lake and the surrounding peaks of the French Alps.

Mount Semnoz is about 16 km long and elevates to 1699 m above sea level at Cret de Chatillon. The peak is accessible by vehicles and gives spellbinding views over the French northern Alps from Mont-Blanc to the Vanose and Écrins massifs. Only a little part of Lake Annecy can be seen (Duingt). Walk to the Belvedere de Benevent for a better view of the lake. It can be reached on the way down to Annecy through a ‘route forestiere’.

Mounts Veyrier and Baron

Two mountains towering above the village of Veyrier-du-Lac are connected by a ridge that is referred to as the ‘sentier des cretes’. The Mount Baron Belvedere (1254 m) provides a ravishing view over Annecy, the Bauges massif on a side, the Mont-Blanc on one side, and the Aravis on the other.

Col de la Forclaz

Col de la Forclaz also called the Forclaz Pass (1150 m) is located between Montmin on the D4 road and Talloires. The view from the belvedere shows the whole lake, the Arcalod, and the peaks of the Bauges massif, the Tournette, and the Dents de Lanfon.

The Tournette    

The highest peak of the mountains surrounding Lake Annecy is the Tournette mountain (2351 m). With its shape looking like an armchair, it can be seen from the city of Annecy and the western shore.

Its peak is accessible by a steep and sometimes difficult path, the top having metal stairs and a chain to cling to. From the summit, the phenomenal view spans from the Semnoz to the Lake on a side and to Mont-Blanc and the Arvais on the other. The Tournette is among the unique mountains you will ever climb.

>>Also Read: Best Places to Relax in France

Is Lake Annecy Clean? – Summary

Lake Annecy one of the cleanest lakes in France. It is also among the largest lakes in Europe. Thanks to the efforts of the local administration, Lake Annecy is environmentally protected despite being a high-level tourist destination. Apart from the man-made additions, a quintessential biological agent is responsible for the lake’s crystal-clear waters. The reeds serve a natural cleaning function in the lake to make the water pure. Do not forget to stop by at Lake Annecy when next you travel to the French Alps. You will be stunned by nature.

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

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