# Annecy A medieval old town crossed by canals at the outlet of a clear alpine lake, with a 33 km greenway along its shore. Two or three nights. Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/france/auvergne-rhone-alpes/annecy · Revisado: 2026-11-12 ## What is there to see in the old town? Old Annecy can be walked in a morning. It is crossed by the Thiou, a river just 3.5 km long that is the lake's natural outlet and for centuries drove mills and forges. In the middle of the river, on a rocky islet, stands the Palais de l'Isle, a fortified house from the 12th century that was in turn the castellan's residence, a prison, a court, a mint and an archive. It is the photo of Annecy, and it is best in the early morning, before the bridges fill up. From there climb the arcaded rue Sainte-Claire to the château, built by the counts of Geneva and bought by Savoy in 1401. Today it is a museum and houses an observatory devoted to alpine lakes, and from the esplanade you see the roofs of the old town. Then go down towards the lake via place Notre-Dame and rue Royale. ## And the lake? It begins where the old town ends. The Pont des Amours, an iron bridge from 1907, separates the lake from the Vassé canal, full of boats and plane trees. On one side are the Jardins de l'Europe, an English-style park with century-old trees labelled with plaques, and on the other the Pâquier, a large grassy esplanade beside the water with a viewpoint table naming the surrounding mountains. Lake Annecy is 14.6 km long, from 0.8 to 3.2 km wide and up to 80 m deep, at an altitude of 447 m. Its water is famous for being clear and in summer you can swim from the beaches of the town and of the villages on the shore. You can tour it by boat, with cruises leaving from the centre, or hire a rowing boat, a kayak or a paddleboard. To see it from above, the paragliding take-off near the Dents de Lanfon, on the east shore, is internationally known, and there are tandem flights with a pilot. ## Can you ride all the way round by bike? Yes, and it is the best plan for a day. The greenway leaves Annecy and follows the west shore for about 33 km to Marlens, on a lane separated from traffic, almost flat: some 20 m of cumulative ascent. It is suitable for bikes, rollerblades, wheelchairs and walkers, and continues as far as Albertville. The full circuit of the lake is about 40 km with some 200 m of ascent, with a climb of around a hundred metres on the east shore, via Talloires-Montmin, and stretches shared with cars in the villages. In Annecy and around the lake there are shops that hire electric bikes, road bikes, tandems and child trailers. Watch out in autumn 2026: because of roadworks on the Talloires-Montmin road, the road and the greenway on that stretch are closed day and night from 14 September to 18 December, weather permitting. ## How do you get there and where do you park? The easiest way from Spain is to fly to Geneva, about 50 km away, or to Lyon, about 125 km; from both airports there are trains and coaches to Annecy. There is a direct TGV from Paris and regional trains from Lyon. By car, the A41 motorway has two exits: 16, Annecy Centre, if you are coming from Lyon or Chambéry, and 17, Annecy Nord, if you are coming from Geneva. From La Jonquera it is about 670 km on toll motorway via Lyon. The centre is small and can be walked. In summer, parking near the lake is expensive and slow: if you are staying outside, leave the car and come in by bike or bus. Without a car, Annecy is one of the easiest places in the Alps: the station is ten minutes' walk from the old town. ## Dónde está - Zonas: Alps - Cerca: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (a 57.0 km), Lavaux (a 79.5 km · Switzerland), Gran Paradiso (a 100.8 km · Italy), Écrins National Park (a 118.3 km) ## Qué hacer - **Old Town and Palais de l'Isle** (2 h · Everyone · On your own · free): What it is Annecy's old town is crossed by the Thiou, the 3.5 km river that drains the lake. In the middle of the canal, on a small island, stands the Palais de l'Isle, a fortified house from the 12th century that has been a residence, prison, court and mint. Around it are streets with arcades, stone bridges and colourful facades. The walk Start at the Palais de l'Isle, continue along quai de l'Île and rue Sainte-Claire, with its arcades, and go down towards the lake via place Notre-Dame and rue Royale. Finish at the Pont des Amours, between the lake and the Vassé canal, and in the Jardins de l'Europe. Without stops, it takes about two unhurried hours. When to go First thing, before nine, the bridges are empty. On Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings there is a market on rue Sainte-Claire: more atmosphere and less room to walk. - **One-Hour Cruise on the Grand Lac** (1 h · Everyone · Desde 19 € per adult): What it is The simplest way to see the lake from the water: an hour's commentated cruise on the Grand Lac, the northern half, with no stops. The company also has a one-and-a-quarter-hour trip (Cœur de Lac) and another of an hour and a half that reaches the Petit Lac, in the south, and two-hour cruises with lunch or dinner on board. Price and season €19 for adults and about €14 for children aged 4 to 12; animals pay €5. It runs from 1 March to 30 November; in summer there are regular departures and the rest of the year it is worth checking the calendar on the website. Where it leaves from and how to book Normally from the quays in the centre of Annecy, next to the Pâquier. Note: from 23 September 2026, because of the low lake level, the trips leave from the Sevrier landing stage, on the west shore. Buy the ticket on the website, at the shop on place aux Bois or at the blue ticket booths on the quays. Boarding closes 15 minutes before. - **The Lake Greenway on a Hire Bike** (4 h · 33 km · Families; trailers for children · Desde 20 € per bike, half a day): What it is The greenway leaves Annecy and follows the west shore of the lake for about 33 km to Marlens, on a lane separated from traffic with about 20 m of ascent. It passes Sévrier, Saint-Jorioz and Duingt, where the lake narrows between mountains, and continues towards Albertville. It is for bikes, roller skates, wheelchairs and walkers. Hiring the bike Roul' ma Poule has shops in the centre of Annecy, in Annecy-le-Vieux and in Sévrier, already on the greenway. Its 2026 rates: leisure bike €20 for half a day and €27 for the day; electric from €44 and €57; trailer for one or two children €15 and €20. There are also electric cargo bikes for families. How far to go Annecy–Duingt and back is about 25 km flat: half a day with a swim. To Marlens and back is over 60 km. The full circuit of the lake is about 40 km with 200 m of ascent and stretches with cars on the east shore. In autumn 2026 the road and the track at Talloires-Montmin are closed for works from 14 September to 18 December. - **Musée-Château d'Annecy** (1 h 30 · Everyone; family visit with children): What it is The castle overlooks the old town from the top of the hill. It was built by the Counts of Geneva and passed to the House of Savoy in 1401. Today it is the Musée-Château, at 3 place du Château, with art and regional history collections, temporary exhibitions and an observatory devoted to Alpine lakes. From the esplanade you see the old town's rooftops and the lake. Getting there On foot from rue Sainte-Claire or place Saint-Maurice, by ramps and short stairs: a five-minute climb. There is no parking at the top. With children The museum schedules a family visit, "Le château à petits pas", and guided tours for the general public. Check the calendar with the tourist office; dates change with the season. - **Tandem Paragliding over Lake Annecy** (2 h · No experience needed; children with their own flight · Desde 105 € per person): What it is Lake Annecy is one of the best-known free-flight sites in Europe. A tandem flight takes you up to the take-off point with a qualified pilot and you glide down to the south shore, above Doussard. No experience is needed: you run a few steps and the pilot does the rest. Flights and prices Espace 3D, a Doussard school with the FFVL label, publishes the Zen flight of 10 to 15 minutes at €105 and the Panoramique of 20 to 25 minutes at €120. It also has flights for children and families, a thrill-seeking one and the Prestige, of 40 to 50 minutes using the thermals, which leaves from the Col de la Forclaz, above Talloires. Allow half a day between the meeting, the ride up and the flight. When The season for the longer flights runs from April to October. Everything depends on the wind: the pilot may change the time or the day. - **Impérial Beach** (3 h · Families · Desde 4 € per person in season): What it is A grass beach beside the lake, at 30 avenue d'Albigny, at the end of the promenade leaving from the Jardins de l'Europe. It has lifeguards and play equipment, and you get there on foot, by bus or on the cycle path. Price and hours From 4 July to 31 August 2026 entry is charged from 10:00 to 19:00: €4 at the standard rate. Outside those hours and dates, access is free, without supervision. Keep in mind Animals are not admitted. For safety, the trampolines and the slide beside the beach are prohibited. The lake water is cold outside July and August. ## Dónde comer - **Le Fréti** (Restaurant, Annecy, €€). Qué pedir: a fondue or the wheel raclette; at lunchtime, the dish of the day. - **Le Clos des Sens** (Restaurant, Annecy-le-Vieux, €€€€). Qué pedir: the tasting menu; in summer, dinner on the terrace under the chestnut trees. - **Old Town Market** (Market, Annecy, €). Qué pedir: Savoy cheese, bread and fruit for a picnic at the Pâquier. ## By plane: Fly to Geneva and Take a Train or Car to Annecy Geneva is the gateway to Annecy for anyone leaving Spain: there are direct flights from several Spanish cities and the airport is about 50 km away, less than an hour along the A41 motorway. Lyon, about 125 km away, is the alternative. From both there is a train and coach to Annecy station, so you can arrive without driving and get around the town on foot, by bus and by bike. ### Dónde dormir if you're flying - **Les Trésoms** (Spa hotel): A hotel above the lake, on the edge of the town Les Trésoms is at 15 boulevard de la Corniche, where the climb to the Semnoz begins, above the west shore of the lake. It is an early 20th-century building mixing Art Deco and contemporary decor, surrounded by a garden, with an open view of the lake and the mountains. It has held the Clef verte eco-label since 2011. You are away from the bustle, but the old town is a few minutes by car or a downhill stroll. Rooms, spa and table There are rooms and villas, with air conditioning and, depending on the type, a bath. The spa has an indoor pool and an outdoor one, sauna, hammam, whirlpool bath and treatment rooms, with a view of the lake. Outside there is a tennis court, padel, a golf green for putting practice and a pétanque court, and the house lends or hires bikes, electric ones too. For eating you have La Rotonde des Trésoms, with a Michelin star since 2021 and menus from €99 to €199 on the 2026 rate, plus a children's menu, and L'Atelier, more informal, with a shaded terrace. The bar is open every day. Getting there and parking By car, from the centre head towards the Semnoz along boulevard de la Corniche. The hotel has covered, supervised, paid parking and electric-car chargers. The greenway runs along the shore, at the foot of the hill. - **Le Clos des Sens** (Small hotel, desde 270 € / night): Eleven rooms above a three-star Le Clos des Sens is a five-star hotel and Relais & Châteaux member at the top of Annecy-le-Vieux, above the town and the lake. It has only eleven rooms, each different, all with a bath at the foot of the bed, a fireplace and a terrace. From the house you see the sunset over the valley. Breakfast is made with local produce. Downstairs is the three-Michelin-star restaurant, with lake and garden cooking, and in summer the informal Cortil table in the herb garden. The house Outside there are terraced gardens and a heated lap pool lane. There is a lift, a room adapted for reduced mobility, a reserved space and electric-car chargers, room service, massages and electric bikes for hire. Animals are admitted with a supplement. The 2026 rate published by the tourist office ranges from €270 to €600 for a double room. Getting there It is at 13 rue Jean Mermoz, in Annecy-le-Vieux, about ten minutes by car from the old town; it has its own parking. If you arrive from Geneva on the A41, Annecy-le-Vieux is at the town's north entrance. - **HI Annecy Youth Hostel** (Hostel): A hostel in the woods, above the town The Hostelling International hostel is at 4 route du Semnoz, at the edge of the forest, above the west shore of the lake and the old town. It is open all year. It has 117 beds in 30 rooms of one, two, three, four or five beds, so it suits a couple as well as a group of friends or a family. Meals and services It serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and packed lunches to take away, useful if you are walking or cycling all day. There is a bike garage. Reception is open from 8:00 to 22:00 and the building can be accessed 24 hours. The car park mentioned in the listing is for group coaches: if you come by car, ask when booking. Getting there without a car City bus line 15 stops 20 m away, at the "Auberge de jeunesse" stop, and in summer on weekends from June to August a summer line also passes. Lines 6 and 14 stop about 800 m away. From the railway station, take the bus or walk up: it is uphill. To the centre and the lake you walk down. ### Servicios - **Annecy Railway Station**: Trains from Geneva, Lyon and Paris · Vélonecy bikes, city buses and coaches to the lake and the Aravis ## Car-free: Car-Free: On Foot, by Bus and by Bike Annecy is one of the easiest Alpine towns without a car: the station is ten minutes from the old town, the centre is flat and pedestrian, and the lake greenway can be ridden on a hire bike. In summer, too, you save the lakeside parking, expensive and slow. Presupuesto orientativo: 50–90 € por persona y día. ### Dónde dormir without a car - **HI Annecy Youth Hostel** (Hostel): A hostel in the woods, above the town The Hostelling International hostel is at 4 route du Semnoz, at the edge of the forest, above the west shore of the lake and the old town. It is open all year. It has 117 beds in 30 rooms of one, two, three, four or five beds, so it suits a couple as well as a group of friends or a family. Meals and services It serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and packed lunches to take away, useful if you are walking or cycling all day. There is a bike garage. Reception is open from 8:00 to 22:00 and the building can be accessed 24 hours. The car park mentioned in the listing is for group coaches: if you come by car, ask when booking. Getting there without a car City bus line 15 stops 20 m away, at the "Auberge de jeunesse" stop, and in summer on weekends from June to August a summer line also passes. Lines 6 and 14 stop about 800 m away. From the railway station, take the bus or walk up: it is uphill. To the centre and the lake you walk down. - **Le Belvédère Municipal Campsite** (Campsite, desde 18 € / pitch): A campsite fifteen minutes from the old town Le Belvédère is Annecy's municipal campsite. It lies at the foot of the Semnoz, at the forest's edge and above the lake, with a view over the water and Mont Veyrier. It covers about 3 wooded hectares with about 90 pitches, all with 16 A electricity, a water tap and drain, plus equipped chalets and a motorhome area. You walk down to the old town, the harbour and the beach in a quarter of an hour. Facilities There is a room for eating your own provisions, a TV room, library, children's games, mini-golf and a pétanque court, laundry, a small grocery shop and wifi. The toilet blocks are wheelchair-adapted and ten accommodations are declared accessible. In July and August the city bus reaches the campsite. Animals are admitted. Prices and season It opens from 27 March to 11 October 2026. The 2026 rate published by the tourist office ranges from €18 to €34.75 per pitch, from €25.10 to €34.75 for a motorhome, and from €485.10 to €772.50 a week in a chalet. From here It is a starting point for walking and mountain-bike routes on the Semnoz. The lake greenway starts below, on the shore. ### Servicios - **Annecy Railway Station**: Trains from Geneva, Lyon and Paris · Vélonecy bikes, city buses and coaches to the lake and the Aravis ## By car: By Car, with the Lake Around You By car you come from the La Jonquera border in about 670 km by motorway via Lyon, and it lets you drive round the lake and up to the passes. Within Annecy, though, leave the car: the centre is pedestrian and in summer parking by the lake is expensive and slow. Presupuesto orientativo: 90–180 € por persona y día. ### Dónde dormir if you're driving - **Les Trésoms** (Spa hotel): A hotel above the lake, on the edge of the town Les Trésoms is at 15 boulevard de la Corniche, where the climb to the Semnoz begins, above the west shore of the lake. It is an early 20th-century building mixing Art Deco and contemporary decor, surrounded by a garden, with an open view of the lake and the mountains. It has held the Clef verte eco-label since 2011. You are away from the bustle, but the old town is a few minutes by car or a downhill stroll. Rooms, spa and table There are rooms and villas, with air conditioning and, depending on the type, a bath. The spa has an indoor pool and an outdoor one, sauna, hammam, whirlpool bath and treatment rooms, with a view of the lake. Outside there is a tennis court, padel, a golf green for putting practice and a pétanque court, and the house lends or hires bikes, electric ones too. For eating you have La Rotonde des Trésoms, with a Michelin star since 2021 and menus from €99 to €199 on the 2026 rate, plus a children's menu, and L'Atelier, more informal, with a shaded terrace. The bar is open every day. Getting there and parking By car, from the centre head towards the Semnoz along boulevard de la Corniche. The hotel has covered, supervised, paid parking and electric-car chargers. The greenway runs along the shore, at the foot of the hill. - **Le Clos des Sens** (Small hotel, desde 270 € / night): Eleven rooms above a three-star Le Clos des Sens is a five-star hotel and Relais & Châteaux member at the top of Annecy-le-Vieux, above the town and the lake. It has only eleven rooms, each different, all with a bath at the foot of the bed, a fireplace and a terrace. From the house you see the sunset over the valley. Breakfast is made with local produce. Downstairs is the three-Michelin-star restaurant, with lake and garden cooking, and in summer the informal Cortil table in the herb garden. The house Outside there are terraced gardens and a heated lap pool lane. There is a lift, a room adapted for reduced mobility, a reserved space and electric-car chargers, room service, massages and electric bikes for hire. Animals are admitted with a supplement. The 2026 rate published by the tourist office ranges from €270 to €600 for a double room. Getting there It is at 13 rue Jean Mermoz, in Annecy-le-Vieux, about ten minutes by car from the old town; it has its own parking. If you arrive from Geneva on the A41, Annecy-le-Vieux is at the town's north entrance. - **Le Belvédère Municipal Campsite** (Campsite, desde 18 € / pitch): A campsite fifteen minutes from the old town Le Belvédère is Annecy's municipal campsite. It lies at the foot of the Semnoz, at the forest's edge and above the lake, with a view over the water and Mont Veyrier. It covers about 3 wooded hectares with about 90 pitches, all with 16 A electricity, a water tap and drain, plus equipped chalets and a motorhome area. You walk down to the old town, the harbour and the beach in a quarter of an hour. Facilities There is a room for eating your own provisions, a TV room, library, children's games, mini-golf and a pétanque court, laundry, a small grocery shop and wifi. The toilet blocks are wheelchair-adapted and ten accommodations are declared accessible. In July and August the city bus reaches the campsite. Animals are admitted. Prices and season It opens from 27 March to 11 October 2026. The 2026 rate published by the tourist office ranges from €18 to €34.75 per pitch, from €25.10 to €34.75 for a motorhome, and from €485.10 to €772.50 a week in a chalet. From here It is a starting point for walking and mountain-bike routes on the Semnoz. The lake greenway starts below, on the shore. ## Luxury: Lake, Spa and Starred Tables Annecy has two houses that justify the trip on their own, both high above the lake: a hotel with a spa and a starred restaurant on the slope of the Semnoz and a small hotel above a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Annecy-le-Vieux. Presupuesto orientativo: From €300 por persona y día. ### Dónde dormir in style - **Les Trésoms** (Spa hotel): A hotel above the lake, on the edge of the town Les Trésoms is at 15 boulevard de la Corniche, where the climb to the Semnoz begins, above the west shore of the lake. It is an early 20th-century building mixing Art Deco and contemporary decor, surrounded by a garden, with an open view of the lake and the mountains. It has held the Clef verte eco-label since 2011. You are away from the bustle, but the old town is a few minutes by car or a downhill stroll. Rooms, spa and table There are rooms and villas, with air conditioning and, depending on the type, a bath. The spa has an indoor pool and an outdoor one, sauna, hammam, whirlpool bath and treatment rooms, with a view of the lake. Outside there is a tennis court, padel, a golf green for putting practice and a pétanque court, and the house lends or hires bikes, electric ones too. For eating you have La Rotonde des Trésoms, with a Michelin star since 2021 and menus from €99 to €199 on the 2026 rate, plus a children's menu, and L'Atelier, more informal, with a shaded terrace. The bar is open every day. Getting there and parking By car, from the centre head towards the Semnoz along boulevard de la Corniche. The hotel has covered, supervised, paid parking and electric-car chargers. The greenway runs along the shore, at the foot of the hill. - **Le Clos des Sens** (Small hotel, desde 270 € / night): Eleven rooms above a three-star Le Clos des Sens is a five-star hotel and Relais & Châteaux member at the top of Annecy-le-Vieux, above the town and the lake. It has only eleven rooms, each different, all with a bath at the foot of the bed, a fireplace and a terrace. From the house you see the sunset over the valley. Breakfast is made with local produce. Downstairs is the three-Michelin-star restaurant, with lake and garden cooking, and in summer the informal Cortil table in the herb garden. The house Outside there are terraced gardens and a heated lap pool lane. There is a lift, a room adapted for reduced mobility, a reserved space and electric-car chargers, room service, massages and electric bikes for hire. Animals are admitted with a supplement. The 2026 rate published by the tourist office ranges from €270 to €600 for a double room. Getting there It is at 13 rue Jean Mermoz, in Annecy-le-Vieux, about ten minutes by car from the old town; it has its own parking. If you arrive from Geneva on the A41, Annecy-le-Vieux is at the town's north entrance. ## As a family: A Lake to Swim In and a Flat Path to Cycle Annecy works with children of any age: the centre is flat, the lake has supervised beaches in summer and the greenway is separated from cars. Split the day between one thing in the morning and the water in the afternoon. ### What works best The greenway to Duingt, with a child trailer from €15 for half a day The one-hour cruise, with a children's rate for ages 4 to 12 Impérial beach, grassy and supervised in July and August The castle, with a family visit, "Le château à petits pas" ### Where to sleep Camping Le Belvédère, with games, mini-golf and chalets Les Trésoms, with family rooms and a pool ### Eating A picnic with what you buy at the market on the grass at the Pâquier Le Fréti, with a children's menu at €12.50 in 2026 ### Keep in mind The old town has bridges with steps: a baby carrier is better than a pushchair at peak times The lake water is cold outside July and August The greenway to Marlens and back is over 60 km: too much for children ### Qué hacer as a family - Old Town and Palais de l'Isle - One-Hour Cruise on the Grand Lac - The Lake Greenway on a Hire Bike - Musée-Château d'Annecy - Impérial Beach ## With a dog: With a Dog Around the Lake With a dog, Annecy offers walks round the old town and the shore, a boat that admits animals and accommodation that accepts them for a supplement. What does not admit dogs are the supervised beaches, such as Impérial. ### Walks The old town and the canals, on a lead; best first thing The west-shore greenway, on a lead and along the edge The one-hour cruise, with a €5 animal ticket ### Beaches and swimming Impérial beach does not admit animals: look for an unsupervised shore and ask at the tourist office ### Where to sleep Les Trésoms, with a supplement Le Clos des Sens, with a supplement Camping Le Belvédère, which admits animals ### Keep in mind In summer the old town and the greenway are very full by mid-morning Bring water: on the lane there is little shade on the open stretches ### Qué hacer with a dog - Old Town and Palais de l'Isle - One-Hour Cruise on the Grand Lac - The Lake Greenway on a Hire Bike ### Dónde dormir with a dog - Les Trésoms: With a supplement, according to the tourist office - Le Clos des Sens: With a supplement, according to the tourist office - Le Belvédère Municipal Campsite: Animals admitted, according to the tourist office ## Consejos ### Get up early for the Palais de l'Isle At eight the canals are empty and the light comes in sideways over the water. By mid-morning there is no room on the bridges. ### Look for the swans at the Pâquier The esplanade beside the lake is the place to sit at sunset, with the viewpoint table to put a name to each mountain. ### Decide how far you'll ride The greenway is out and back along the same shore: if you go as far as Marlens, it is more than 60 km in total. ### Check the forecast before paragliding Tandem flights depend on the wind: book with a margin to change the day. ## Preguntas frecuentes ### Can you swim in Lake Annecy? Yes, in summer, from the beaches of the town and of the surrounding villages. The water is cold outside July and August. ### How long is the bike ride round the lake? About 40 km with some 200 m of ascent. The west-shore greenway alone is 33 km, almost flat. ### How many days do I need? One for the old town and another for the lake by bike or boat. With three you add paragliding, a mountain route or Talloires. ### How do I get there from Spain without a car? By plane to Geneva or Lyon and from there by train or coach. Geneva is about 50 km away. ### Can I go with children? Yes. The greenway is flat and separated from cars, the shops hire child trailers, and the Pâquier and the Jardins de l'Europe give room to run. ### Is the greenway open in autumn 2026? Not on the Talloires-Montmin stretch, closed for roadworks from 14 September to 18 December. The rest of the greenway remains open.