Annecy, holidays between plains and mountains

Annecy, holidays between plains and mountains

All our apartments in Annecy

On a trip to France you really mustn’t miss Annecy, one of the most attractive towns in the Alps, set at the northern tip of Lac d’Annecy with stunning views of snow-capped mountains.

The town’s small medieval quarter is interlaced with arcaded streets, canals and flower-covered bridges. The canals are have gaily decorated shops, restaurants and bars on each bank. The Palais de l’Isle, a 12th century prison in the middle of the Thiou canal and the turreted Chateau d’Annecy, set high up on the hills with magnificent views of the old town and the crystal clear lake beyond really must be visited. The Chateau is now a museum with alpine anthropology, religious sculptures, fine arts and contemporary art, Savoyan furniture and temporary exhibitions.

Leisure Activities

Markets are quintessentially French and Annecy has one on virtually every day of the week (except Sunday and Mondays) for food, textiles and local farmers produce. If you like swimming the lake offers many beaches and summer lake water temperatures are around 24C. If you want some exercise, the old railway line that runs alongside the lake has been turned into a 30km long cycle track, allowing you easy access to the beaches and the picnic areas and restaurants that abound. Eating out in Annecy is an experience not to be missed even on a short break; try one of the three 1 and 2* restaurants in the town or the other 13 restaurants featured in the Michelin guide for Annecy which range from authentic and convivial bistros to contemporary cuisine with fish from the lake.

You may be interested in