Updated September 2023
One of the most beautiful places in Europe, Annecy is nothing short of a dream. Canals lined with perfectly manicured flower pots lead to the stunning Lake Annecy, providing endless options for summer adventures.
With a history and rich culture centered in the Haute-Savoie region of France, Annecy is idyllic for a summer trip. Its cobblestone streets and old buildings provide a romantic setting for tasty regional food like raclette and fondue. There’s plenty to do in the nearby mountains or on the lake, making Annecy a destination that truly has it all.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Annecy:
- Le Clos des Sens, for the best boutique hotel
- Rivage Hôtel & Spa Annecy, for the best spa resort hotel
- Les Loges Annecy Vieille Ville, for the best apartment stay
- Hôtel des Alpes, for the best budget-friendly hotel
For more incredible Annecy stays, don’t miss my guide to the best hotels in Annecy and why Annecy is my favorite place in the world!
The Summer Guide to Annecy, France
What to Know Before Visiting Annecy, France
- The town is easily reached by train from major cities like Lyon, Paris, and more.
- Once on ground, you can walk to most things if based in Annecy.
- A car would be needed to visit nearby villages and would be ideal for those wanting to explore the surrounding region more. I use Discover Cars to find the best rental car deals.
- I recommend three to four nights to truly enjoy the lake and surrounding area.
- Summertime is warm and can be busy. To beat the crowds, get up early to explore the town and spend afternoons along the lake.
- Euros should be carried for smaller purchases though most vendors accept credit cards.
Where to Stay in Annecy, France
Annecy has a wonderful array of accommodation options in both the Old Town and along the lake. I’ve included a short list of favorites below that covers a range of locations and budgets. For a more comprehensive overview of the top hotels in Annecy, check out my guide to the best hotels in Annecy!
Le Clos des Sens
If you’re looking for a luxury boutique experience, Le Clos des Sens is the spot to be. Set near the lake with a Michelin-starred restaurant on the property, it’s the perfect place for those looking for a secluded and relaxing stay. Book the best rates here.
Rivage Hôtel & Spa Annecy
Located on the lake, Rivage Hôtel & Spa is one of the best spa hotels in the area. If you want a space to unwind with modern design notes, great amenities, and dining on-site, look no further. Book the best rates here.
Les Loges Annecy Vieille Ville
Les Lodges is a set of 5 delightfully designed apartments located in the historic center. The apartments are a perfect home base for exploring Annecy’s canals, shops, and restaurants. Book the best rates here.
Hôtel des Alpes
If you’re looking for a well-located, budget-friendly stay, Hôtel des Alpes is a good option. The hotel is located around the corner from the train station, a 10-minute walk from the lake, and 5-minute walk into the heart of the historic center. The rooms are cozy and nicely appointed. Book the best rates here.
Where to Eat in Annecy, France
Le Freti
This is indeed the best restaurant in Annecy for local raclette and fondue. It can be tough to get a reservation, but often walk-ups at opening will get you a table. We loved it so much we ate here twice.
L’Auberge de Savoie
A wide range of food, the open space is really nice to have lunch or dinner in.
What to Do in Annecy, France
- Rent bikes and ride around the lake.
- Stroll through town, and the winding canals.
- Take a boat ride around the lake for either an hour or two-hour tour.
- Take a boat to Talloires, walk along the lake and sunbathe near the lake. It’s the perfect thing to do on a hot afternoon — just bring drinks!
- Le Semnoz is around the corner and perfect for those looking to hike in the mountains.
- Rent a paddle boat or motorized boat to enjoy the lake.
- Shop the farmer’s markets which happen periodically though the best one is on Sunday.
- Climb to the top of the hill and tour the Château d’Annecy
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
18 Comments
Annecy looks absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing! | http://ourpassportpages.com
Thanks!
My boyfriend is from Grenoble not long from Annecy, and whenever we’re back visiting his parents, we like to go there for the day. Although usually very crowded in the summer time, I would definitely recommend anyone to go there. Such a cute and beautiful city, and the lake is perfect for so many activities or just relaxing (:Camilla | http://cammi.dk
I couldn’t agree more!
A place I’ve always wanted to see, since school days. 🙂 🙂 It looks idyllic!
Idyllic is the perfect word for Annecy!
On my bucket list! Looks completely amazing!
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Definitely one of those special places!
Gorgeous photos.
Thank you!
How cute & picturesque. I love all the bright colours in the canals. The mountains across the water are so scenic too!
http://thefashannmonster.com
It’s truly picturesque!
i have always wanted to visit annecy, so beautiful, thanks for all the info!http://www.thestyletune.com
Absolutely!
I am looking forward to visiting Annecy for a few days in the fall! I decided to stay at Hotel Un Lieu Unique for its eclectic chic design and location by the canal. Thanks for the awesome suggestion!
https://doghipsters.com
Ah very nice!
Heading back for the second time this summer, can’t wait to try some of the restaurant you recommended! They look fabulous.
Can I just say wow, your photos are absolutely gorgeous and I love your writing style!
Annecy is such a charming place to visit and I loved me summer time visit recently. I really fell in love!
This will definitely be useful for everyone planning their getaways!
Thanks 🙂