Annecy

The charm of the Venice of the Alps

Annecy is a town in the Haute-Savoie département with a population of 52,000.

It lies precisely between the lake bearing its name and several mountain ranges known as the Northern Pre-Alps. Annecy borders the communes of Cran-Gevrier and Sévrier to the west and south respectively, and borders Annecy-le-Vieux to the north-east, which is similar to its residential suburb. For example, you can find your holiday rental in Annecy to the north and south-west of the commune, a fairly flat area where the main amenities and population are concentrated. Other accommodation is available to the south-east, a less populated area occupied by the Semnoz mountain. During your stay, share the flavours of a delicious Savoyard fondue, an emblematic Haute-Savoie recipe made with melted cheese and bread. A white wine from the region, such as Chardonnay or Jacquère, goes perfectly with this dish. You'll also have the chance to try fricassée de Caïon, an appetising meat speciality and then bugne, a dessert that is traditionally prepared at carnival time.

Discovering Annecy's historic heritage

Annecy's cultural wealth is sure to amaze you! Saint-Pierre Cathedral is one of the tourist attractions erected in the 16th century. It stands out for its superb facade adorned with Tuscan pilasters and stained glass windows that bring a little light into a fairly dark setting. Don't forget to take a photo of Château de Ruphy during your trip around Lake Annecy. This monument is inhabited by its owners and unfortunately cannot be visited. Holidaymakers visiting Annecy are particularly fond of strolling through the historic centre. It's not for nothing that it's nicknamed the Venice of the Alps, with its canals adding to its charm and making every outing a change of scenery! The Palais de l'Isle, the Château d'Annecy and the Manoir de Novel are other monuments that arouse the curiosity of travellers, which you can admire during your stay. Lake Annecy attracts visitors thanks to a variety of sporting activities. Two golf courses, for example, surround this large expanse of water. Paragliding flights are also organised near this site, allowing you to discover some simply stunning panoramas!

Must-see activities and sites around Annecy

La roche aux fées, la mer des rochers or les marmites de géants: they're the result of rock erosion and promise an epic walk. Discover them in the heart of the Gorges du Fier around Annecy - you won't regret it! Another must-see in the region is the sumptuous Angon waterfalls. This is a walk for the general public, ideal for families and friends in summer. Are you planning to stay in Annecy during your winter holidays? Then the La Clusaz ski area could be just what you're looking for! It's made up of over 80 slopes of varying levels and offers a wide variety of off-slope activities.