Annecy Lake Festival
In summer this lake festival gathers over 200,000 visitors around the lake for one of Europe's largest fireworks displays.
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Annecy-le-Vieux
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ℹ️Practical info — Annecy-le-Vieux
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Walk down to the lake early to beat the crowds at Albigny beach.
- The climb back up to Annecy-le-Vieux from the lake is steep; consider renting an e-bike.
- Parking is often easier in this hilly district than in the crowded downtown area of Annecy.
- Enjoy the spectacular sunset views over the lake from the viewpoints near the university campus.
🍽 Food
🍽
Tartiflette
A hearty Savoyard potato and cheese dish; look for traditional mountain-style restaurants in the area.
🍽
Friture du lac
Fried local lake fish, often served at the restaurants right along the lake promenade.
🍽
Artisanal Gelato
Grab an ice cream from the small parlors near the beach to enjoy during your walk.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Cheeses from local markets
Buy authentic Reblochon and Beaufort cheese directly from regional vendors.
🛍
Artisanal Bakeries
Try local pastries and fresh bread from the family-run bakeries in the neighborhood.
🧘
Parc des Glaisins
A sprawling park with wooded paths, well-suited for jogging or a quiet walk.
🧘
Plage d'Albigny
Visit the beach in the early morning or late evening for a peaceful atmosphere.
Water temperature…
Often considered the tranquil and elegant residential counterpart to the bustling center of Annecy, Annecy-le-Vieux graces the northeastern shore of the immaculate Lake Annecy in the Haute-Savoie department. Despite its name, which translates to "Old Annecy," it does not contain the famous medieval canals, but rather gives a more spacious, peaceful, and green environment. Visitors are drawn to its magnificent lakeside promenade, a sun-drenched stretch well-suited for leisurely walks, jogging, or simply admiring the turquoise waters against the backdrop of the rugged Tournette and Dents de Lanfon mountain peaks. The commune is home to some of the finest public beaches on the lake, notably the Plage d'Albigny, which features soft grass and easy water access for families. For active travelers, Annecy-le-Vieux is the premier starting point for hiking up Mont Veyrier; the well-marked trails wind through dense forests and culminate in panoramic ridge walks that overlook the entire lake basin. The area is also recognized for its gastronomic excellence, hosting several high-end restaurants where acclaimed chefs transform local Savoyard ingredients into modern culinary masterpieces. It seamlessly combines relaxed Riviera-style living with immediate access to dynamic alpine outdoor activities.
- Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- Top sights: Clocher d'Annecy-le-Vieux · Église Saint-Laurent · Parc Gabriel Fauré
- Nearby: Epagny Metz-Tessy (4 km)
- Population: ~21.390
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 98 | 73 | 90 | 75 | 111 | 100 | 93 | 99 | 76 | 92 | 96 | 106 |
Geography
Facts
- Population: 21,390 (pre-merger)
- Region: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- Postal code: 74940
- Elevation: approx. 450 meters
- Nearest lake: Lake Annecy
- Merged with Annecy: January 1, 2017
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Annecy-le-Vieux (6)
Frequently asked questions
Is Annecy-le-Vieux the same as Annecy's old town?
No, it is a distinct commune on the northeast shore, known for upscale residential areas and the Albigny beach.
Where is the best place for swimming by the lake?
Plage d'Albigny is the largest beach on the lake, offering free entry, vast lawns, and shallow waters.
What historical sights are there to see?
Visit the 15th-century Saint-Laurent church and the bell tower of the former Notre-Dame church.
Are there good viewpoints nearby?
From Mont Veyrier, whose trails start nearby, you have a fantastic view of the lake and the Alps.
What is the parking situation like by the lake?
In summer, parking lots on Avenue du Petit Port fill up quickly; use the free park-and-ride shuttle buses.
Annecy-le-Vieux: where is it located?
Annecy-le-Vieux is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Annecy-le-Vieux: what is there to see?
Highlights include Clocher d'Annecy-le-Vieux, Église Saint-Laurent, Parc Gabriel Fauré.
Annecy-le-Vieux: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Annecy-le-Vieux: why is it worth visiting?
Often considered the tranquil and elegant residential counterpart to the bustling center of Annecy, Annecy-le-Vieux graces the northeastern shore of the immaculate Lake Annecy in the Haute-Savoie department.
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