Annecy, the Venice of the Alps

Lakeside hotels: a stay with your feet in the water

Sleeping facing the lake is one of the most sought-after pleasures for visitors. Several hotels in Annecy offer this idyllic view. Le Rivage Hotel & Spafor example, features contemporary architecture, a luxury spa and rooms with balconies overlooking the water.

A little more intimate, Hôtel du Palais de l'Islelocated in the heart of the historic city center, also offers rooms with canal views, perfect for a romantic getaway.

Hotels in the old town: charm and authenticity

To experience Annecy's medieval ambience at close quarters, choose a hotel in Annecy located in the old town. The cobbled streets, colorful facades and small bridges create a unique atmosphere. Hotel de Savoiefor example, is located just opposite the famous Palais de l'Isle. Simple but charming, it lets you enjoy the city on foot, day and night.

Another favorite: Hébé HotelA chic, discreet address with a beautiful designer decor and a personalized welcome.

Wellness breaks and luxury hotels

If your stay in Annecy rhymes with relaxation, opt for a hotel in Annecy with a spa or wellness area. Les Trésoms Lake and Spa ResortNestled high up in the mountains, it combines top-of-the-range comfort, gourmet cuisine and exceptional panoramic views of the lake and mountains.

For discerning travelers, Imperial PalaceThis iconic 4-star hotel features a casino, gourmet restaurants, spa and even a private beach in summer.

Economical and eco-responsible hotels

Annecy also offers affordable options without sacrificing comfort. Chains such as Ibis, Campanile or Ace Hôtel Annecy offer practical solutions for tight budgets. For a more committed stay, The PelicanThis contemporary, eco-responsible hotel uses sustainable materials, local products and optimized energy management.

With so many options available, choosing a hotel depends on what you're looking for: lake, old town, spa, budget or nature. Whatever your preference, you'll always find an address where you can put down your suitcases and enjoy this exceptional city.

Annecy, a City of Culture and Events

Explore Annecy, a vibrant and creative city known for its internationally renowned cultural events. After taking in the lake and its breathtaking scenery, immerse yourself in Annecy’s cultural atmosphere. Whatever your interests—film, music, theater, art, or fine dining—Annecy has something to delight your curiosity and your senses.

The International Animation Film Festival

One of the city's highlights is the Festival International Animation Film Festival, a must-see event that has been held every June since 1960. It attracts animation professionals and enthusiasts from around the world, featuring a competition among films using various techniques and spanning different categories, as well as out-of-competition screenings, retrospectives, exhibitions, meet-and-greets, workshops, and other activities. The festival celebrates new trends and talents in animation, paying tribute to leading figures in the field, at iconic venues throughout the city and during open-air screenings by the lake.

Venetian Carnival and Lake Festival

Nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy strengthens its ties with Venice through the Venetian Carnival and the Lake Festival. The Carnival, held on the second weekend after Mardi Gras, features hundreds of Venetian masks bringing the streets of Old Annecy to life with a spectacular display of sumptuous costumes. The Fête du Lac, meanwhile, is Europe’s largest fireworks display, taking place on the first Saturday in August and attracting nearly 200,000 spectators for a magical evening of music, lights, and fireworks.

Discover local Savoyard gastronomy

Savoyard cuisine, rich and flavorful, is the perfect way to round out your stay in Annecy. Based on local ingredients, it offers a variety of specialties such as fondue, tartiflette, raclette, diots, and many others, paired with Savoie wines or local liqueurs. An authentic and comforting culinary experience awaits you.

The Most Beautiful Sites and Villages to Visit Around Annecy

Annecy's Alpine charm, canals and turquoise lake are just some of the attractions on offer, but the surrounding area is also full of wonderful discoveries. Whether you're a lover of nature, heritage or charming villages, you'll find plenty to discover. sites and villages to visit around Annecy to enrich your stay.

Talloires-Montmin: charm and panorama

Just 15 minutes from Annecy, Talloires-Montmin is one of the most elegant lakeside villages. Nestled at the foot of the mountains, this little gem offers exceptional panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere. It's also an excellent starting point for a boat trip or a hike to the Col de la Forclaz, famous for its spectacular views over Lake Annecy.

Menthon-Saint-Bernard and its fairytale castle

Impossible to talk about villages to visit around Annecy without mentioning Menthon-Saint-Bernard. Dominated by an impressive medieval castle, this picturesque village seems straight out of a fairy tale.

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy, Menthon-Saint-Bernard is a picture-postcard village, appreciated for its peaceful atmosphere, natural setting and rich heritage. Dominated by a majestic medieval castle, this enchanting place is a must for anyone visiting the Annecy area.

Visit Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernardperched on a rocky outcrop, looks like something out of a fairy tale. It is said to have inspired Walt Disney to create the castle of Sleeping Beauty. Open to visitors, it offers splendid views of the lake and mountains.

The village itself is an inviting place to stroll: flower-filled lanes, small shops, access to the lake for swimming or paddle-boarding, everything you need for a moment of relaxation. It also boasts a number of fine restaurants.

Just 10 minutes from Annecy, Menthon-Saint-Bernard is perfect for a nature and heritage getaway. A place where Savoyard charm is around every corner.

The Col de la Forclaz: a balcony overlooking the lake

Among the places to visit around Annecythe col de la Forclaz is a must for panorama lovers. At an altitude of 1150 metres, it offers one of the finest views of the lake. It's also a popular take-off spot for paragliders. At the end of the day, the golden light on the lake is worth the detour.

Veyrier-du-Lac: a gentle way of life

On the eastern shore of the lake, Veyrier-du-Lac seduces with its tranquil atmosphere and opulent waterfront homes. It's one of the most popular spots for swimming and picnicking in summer. A charming footpath links the village to the town, ideal for a stroll or bike ride.

The Bauges massif: nature and secret villages

A little further on, the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park of authentic villages such as Lescheraines or Le Châtelard. Less touristy, these places are perfect for discovering a Savoie between forests, waterfalls and alpine pastures.

Visit sites and villages to visit around Annecy offer a variety of experiences to suit all tastes: nature, history, relaxation or gastronomy. Each has its own unique atmosphere, to be discovered as the seasons change. To extend your trip, discover our complete guide to visit France and its most beautiful regions.

Soccer Club d'Annecy: a Savoyard club on the rise

Visit Annecy soccer club is an emblematic figure in Haute-Savoie sport, with a rich history and a spectacular rise to professional soccer. Founded in 1927, the club has weathered the ravages of time, alternating exploits, crises and rebirths, to become a regional pride today. Its French Cup triumph and return to Ligue 2 bear witness to its renewed ambition.

A story of ups and downs

Created under the name of US Annecy, the Annecy soccer club began modestly in local competitions before making a name for itself on the national scene. In the 1960s, the club won the French Amateur Championship, and enjoyed a golden period that led to professionalism in 1988, when it moved up to Division 2. This golden era was marked by intense matches at Annecy's Parc des Sports, a stadium that would become the club's symbol.

However, in 1993, financial difficulties forced the club to give up its professional status. Renamed Annecy FC, it fell back into the regional divisions. For almost two decades, the club focused on developing young talent and rebuilding a strong identity around its red and white colors.

The renaissance began in 2015. Visit Annecy soccer club The club's ambitious project led to a series of promotions: CFA2, CFA, then National in 2020. In May 2022, the team finally returned to Ligue 2, marking a historic turning point for the Savoyard outfit.

Current momentum driven by ambition

Since moving up to Ligue 2, the Annecy soccer club never ceases to amaze. In 2023, it reached the semi-finals of the Coupe de France after eliminating Olympique de Marseille, a resounding performance that caught the attention of soccer fans. The 2024-2025 season confirms this momentum: the team finishes in a respectable 6ᵉ place, proving its ability to compete at professional level.

The club, chaired by Sébastien Faraglia and coached by Laurent Guyot, relies on a talented workforce and a global project including the renovation of the Parc des Sports. The strategy is also based on developing the training center and strengthening the women's section, symbols of a commitment to the future of local soccer.

Today, the Annecy soccer club is more than just a club: it's a source of identity and pride for the Haute-Savoie region. With clear ambitions for the years to come, it could well soon be among the elite of French soccer.

Weather Annecy

Annecy's climate is typically continental mountaininfluenced by its proximity to the Alps and the presence of lake. This combination results in a climate with marked contrasts: cold, often snowy winters, and pleasantly warm summers punctuated by thunderstorms 

Annual temperatures

• Visit average annual temperature revolves around 11 °C .

• Visit minimum average down to around -1.6 °C in Januarywith extreme records of up to -23 °C 

• In summer, the maximum average peak at 26 °C in Julywith peaks sometimes reaching 38 °C in the event of a heatwave .

Precipitation and snow

Annecy receives approximately 1,300 to 1,650 mm of rain per year, on approximately 95 to 125 days of precipitation. Rainfall is well distributed throughout the year, with a peak of autumn rainfall (September-October) and spring (April-May) .

• May is the wettest month, with an average of 11 days of rain and a daily probability of precipitation of 39 % 

• Auguston the other hand, is less wet despite the stormy summer, with around 8 to 10 days of rain .
  Snow falls in the winter, depending on elevation, with frequent snowfall between December and March, which is ideal for winter activities .

Sunshine

The region boasts some 1,942 to 2,224 hours of sunshine per year 

• The sunniest months are June to Augustwith a peak in July where sunshine is at its peak - around 277 hours

• Winter is darker: December to February culminating at just 70 to 117 hours of sunshine per month .

Cloudiness and thunderstorms

The sky is generally partly cloudy all year round.
The clearest period extends from mid-June to mid-September, with 67 % clear or partly clear sky weather 
Visit thunderstorms are frequent in summer (May to September), triggered by intense daytime heat and alpine humidity. .

Seasons and visiting tips

• Summer (June to September) Summer: ideal time for water sports on the lake, hiking and cultural events. The days are pleasant (up to 27°C)with thunderstorms possible in the late afternoon .

• Spring and autumn wet and unstable seasons - changeable weather, sometimes cold and rainy, but very beautiful at each transition period.

• Winter (November to March) The Alps: bitterly cold, snow-covered landscapes, ideal for winter sports, but bring warm clothing and access can be tricky in heavy snow.

Recent climate trends

Since 1999, the average annual temperature went from 11.4 °C to 13.0 °C in 2024 . The summer of 2024 was generally warm, 0.7 °C above the summer average (1991–2020) in France  punctuated by heavy thunderstorms.

Annecy's climate, marked by a continental-mountain characteris distinguished by cold, snowy winterswith minimum temperatures as low as -23°C and an average of -1.6°C, and hot, humid summerswhere maximum temperatures regularly reach 26°C, and sometimes exceed 38°C during heatwaves. Visit precipitationRainfall, which is abundant (1,300-1,650 mm/year), is spread over almost 100 days, with peaks in spring and autumn and a relative drop in summer, but regular thunderstorms. L'sunshine exceeds 1,900 annual hours, concentrated in summer, with a marked reduction in winter. Visit sky is often partly cloudy, mainly outside the summer season. Visit summer period (June-August) is the best time for walks around the lake, outdoor sports and festivals. Visit interseasons (April, October) are cool and wet, for lovers of nature in mutation. In winter, the city takes on a snowy face, perfect for skiing, ice skating, and mountain life. The effects of global warming are being felt: Annecy has seen its average temperature rise by 1.6 °C over the past 25 years, and the summer of 2024 was significantly warmer than normal, though still less extreme than 2003 or 2022.

This contrasting climate gives Annecy a unique seasonal charm: a warm, sunny dynamic summera magical winterand intermediate romantic periodsperfect for weather, nature and alpine enthusiasts.

If you'd like a specific weather update, such as «today» or «this week,» I can provide you with the latest detailed forecasts.

Annecy, the pearl of the Alps - Conclusion

It’s clear that the city has everything to offer. Whether your passion is nature, history, culture, or fine dining, Annecy will satisfy your desires, offering you a fulfilling and enriching experience. It’s a city to be experienced to the fullest and shared with others, capable of creating unforgettable memories and inspiring you to rediscover it again and again.

So don't delay, plan your stay in the city now. You won't regret it!

Annecy - FAQ

Is Annecy worth it?

Indeed, Annecy is a destination of choice if you appreciate breathtaking landscapes, the sport activities and diverse cultural attractions, as well as traditional Savoyard cuisine. This city offers you the opportunity to discover a lake Magnificent, with impressive mountains, a charming old town, and a wide variety of events throughout the year.

How to visit Annecy in 1 day?

If you have a day to explore the city, start with a stroll along the lake, either on foot or by bike. Follow that up with a visit to the market in the old town. Be sure to check out the Palais de l’Isle and the castle. End your day by relaxing on a restaurant terrace or enjoying a boat ride on the lake.

What is the most beautiful spot on Lake Annecy?

Opinions may vary on which spot on Lake Annecy is the most beautiful. However, the Roc de Chère is often cited for its exceptional panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding mountains, as well as for its remarkable flora and fauna.

When is the best time to visit Annecy?

The best time to visit the city is from May through September, when the weather is pleasant and sunny, and there is the widest variety of outdoor activities available. It is less advisable to visit Annecy in winter and early summer, due to low or excessively high temperatures and the increased risk of rain.

For more information, visit official website in the city of Annecy.