Annecy is one of the most picturesque towns in Europe. The quaint architecture, the perfectly turquoise waters and the vibrant flowers make it just beautiful throughout the year. I love visiting this town whenever we are in the region. It never disappoints and you can pack a lot in. If you are planning a day trip to Annecy, read ahead to get the most out of your time there.
Day Trip to Annecy | Plan Your Perfect Visit
Getting to Annecy
Annecy is in a great location and is easily accessible from both France and Switzerland. From Geneva, the train takes just over 90 minutes and runs here relatively frequently. There are also regular buses that drive along this route.
Alternatively, if you are coming in from France, the journey is just as easy. From Lyon, the journey is slightly longer (around 2 hours). When we visited in 2018, we stayed in the nearby town of Aix-les-Bains, which took just over an hour.
Both of the journeys have incredible, picturesque views of this alpine part of Europe. I would say that both (Geneva and Lyon) are equally doable as day trips and you do not necessarily need to stay in nearer towns. However, Aix-les-Bains was an ideal base to explore.
Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the town before it gets crowded, especially in the summer months.
What to Do in Annecy – Visit the Town
Annecy does not have loads to see, but it is perfect for leisurely strolling, relaxing and taking in the alpine air.
First up on your journey will likely be Stalingrad Square. You’ll find a stunning fountain at its centre and classical buildings around it. Nearby are the myriad of small canals. The flow throughout the Old Town which have won the town such accolades as the ‘Venice of the Alps’. I would say that this is the most charming bit of the town and is the most unique aspect. There are plenty of cafes here too. One of my favourite things to do is to have a drink by the canal.
Annecy is filled with multiple historical buildings and a lot of them are well-worth a visit. Firstly, you have Annecy Castle, where you can find a museum and an exhibition that showcases local animals and plants from the area and lake. You can also find churches here too, such as Église Notre-Dame-de-Liesse or the Basilique de la Visitation, each of which have gorgeous architecture.
Near Église Notre-Dame-de-Liesse, you’ll find a grand stone archway leading to the shops and markets of the rue Filaterie. You could spend ages looking around these. Make sure that you buy some local cheeses and breads; they are extra delicious!
What to Do in Annecy – The Lake
Without doubt, the main attraction to Annecy is the lake. Before heading here, make sure that you cross the famous Pont des Amours. This bridge is legendary for being one of the most romantic bridges in France, and incidentally has one of the best views of the lake.
From here, you have a few options. Firstly, you can rent a boat and get up-close with the lake. You can either rent a powerboat, or take it more leisurely on a pedalo! These are relatively cheap (maximum €65 per hour on a powerboat) and easily gives you the best views of both the lake and alps. Alternatively, there are plenty of walks and cycle paths around the lake that you can complete. The longest one is a whopping 35km, which definitely needs further planning!
What to Do in Annecy – Try the local food
Annecy is a paradise for food lovers, offering a rich array of Savoyard specialties. Indulge in local favourites like tartiflette, a hearty dish made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, onions, and lardons.
Don’t miss raclette, where melted cheese is served with boiled potatoes, cured meats, and pickles.
For a sweet treat, try gâteau de Savoie, a light and fluffy sponge cake that pairs perfectly with coffee. Visit a local crêperie for savoury buckwheat galettes or classic sweet crêpes. Pair your meal with a glass of crisp white wine from the nearby Savoie region to complete the experience.
Alternatively head to the Marché de la Vieille Ville (market in the old town) and pick up some local cheese and fresh bread. Head down to Péquier Park for a peaceful lakeside picnic.
What to do in Annecy – Other options for your visit
Lake Cruise: Take a boat tour to explore Lac d’Annecy and admire its serene waters and charming villages along the shoreline.
Cycling: Rent a bike and ride along the Voie Verte, a scenic bike path that circles part of the lake.
Visit the Gorges du Fier: Just a short drive from Annecy, this natural wonder features a dramatic gorge with a suspended walkway offering spectacular views.
Hike to Mont Veyrier: For stunning panoramic views of Annecy and the lake, take a hike to this nearby peak. It’s a rewarding experience for nature lovers
How Long do I Need in Annecy?
It all depends on what you would like to do! If you are not interested in walking / cycling around the lake, then I would say that a few hours is more than enough. This gives you time to see the main sights and to relax by the lake/ canals. If you are planning to go walking though, make sure that you give yourself time. You also probably need to stay in a nearby town to avoid a long travel day.
Final Thoughts | Day Trip to Annecy
I hope that you have found my post useful for planning your next day trip to Annecy. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or would like me to add anything.
