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Annecy

Canal Old Town on a Clear Alpine Lake

Plan this trip
2 daysIdeal stay₹10,650From / night₹2,980Food / day₹1,920Entry

An old town of canals and flower-hung bridges at the head of Lake Annecy, one of Europe's cleanest lakes, ringed by mountains. Swim, take a lake cruise, cycle the lakeside path or paraglide from the Col de la Forclaz. Geneva airport (in Switzerland) is 45 minutes away; TGVs from Paris take about 3 h 45-4 h. Chamonix and Mont Blanc are 1 h 30 by road.

Highlights

  • Palais de l'Isle on the canal
  • Lake cruise
  • Swimming at the lake beaches
  • Cycling the lakeside greenway
  • Tandem paragliding over the lake
  • Gorges du Fier walkway
  • Reblochon and tartiflette

Things to do

  • Old town canals and Palais de l'IsleMorning · 2h
  • Lake Annecy cruiseAfternoon · 1h 30m
  • Cycle the lakeside greenway to TalloiresMorning · 3h 30m
  • Tandem paragliding from the Col de la ForclazMorning · 2h
  • Gorges du Fier walkwayApr–SepAfternoon · 2h

Tours & tickets

Tours & tickets in Annecyvia GetYourGuideTours & tickets in Annecyvia Klook

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When to go

Best time: May – September

Heads up

Lake Annecy in Winter

In winter the lake is too cold for swimming, cruises run a reduced timetable, and paragliding depends on the weather. The old town stays open and has a Christmas market in December; the ski resorts of La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand are 45 minutes away.