Annecy Venetian Carnival
In late winter, hundreds of elaborately costumed and masked figures parade through the old town and along the canals of the Alpine Venice.
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Annecy
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ℹ️Practical info — Annecy
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the old town early in the morning to avoid the dense summer crowds around the canals.
- The lake water is exceptionally clean; swimming is best at Plage d'Albigny.
- Renting a bike to cycle around Lake Annecy is a popular and scenic activity.
- Free parking is hard to find near the center; use the parking garages on the outskirts.
🍽 Food
🍽
Tartiflette
Try this hearty potato and cheese dish in a traditional Savoyard restaurant in the old town.
🍽
Raclette
Look for cheese-focused restaurants near the canals for a classic melted cheese experience.
🍽
Fresh lake fish (Féra)
Available at seafood and traditional restaurants along the lake promenade.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
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Local cheeses
Reblochon and Beaufort - find them fresh at the Sunday market in the old town.
🛍
Savoyard wines
Look for local wine shops in the pedestrian streets to find alpine vintages.
🧘
Jardins de l'Europe
A tranquil park right next to the lake with century-old trees, well-suited for a break.
🧘
Le Pâquier
A vast green esplanade offering open space and spectacular mountain views.
Water temperature…
Widely celebrated as the "Venice of the Alps," Annecy is an impressive jewel in the Haute-Savoie department, perfectly balancing natural alpine majesty with enchanting historical architecture. The town is most famous for its mesmerizing old quarter (Vieille Ville), where pastel-colored 16th-century houses line a network of crystal-clear canals fed by the pure waters of Lake Annecy. At the heart of this romantic setting sits the Palais de l'Île, an iconic 12th-century castle built on a triangular islet that once served as a prison and courthouse, making it one of the most photographed monuments in France. Above the old town, the impressive Château d'Annecy, former residence of the Counts of Geneva, provides a fantastic museum and sweeping views over the terra-cotta roofs towards the lake. A stroll across the legendary Pont des Amours (Lover's Bridge) leads visitors into the expansive Jardins de l'Europe, a lush park great for a relaxing afternoon. Naturally, the pristine Lake Annecy itself is the main draw, renowned as one of the cleanest lakes in Europe, offering exceptional conditions for swimming, sailing, and paddleboarding during summer. Whether you are savoring a traditional tartiflette in a canal-side restaurant, exploring medieval alleyways, or embarking on a scenic boat cruise, Annecy delivers an absolutely magical and culturally rich alpine getaway.
- Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- Top sights: Palais de l'Île · Château d'Annecy · Basilique de la Visitation
- Nearby: Epagny Metz-Tessy (5 km)
- Population: ~56.777
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 |
Live webcam – Annecy
See what it looks like near Annecy right now.
Annecy · 0.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Total land area of the municipality: 66.93 km².
- Thiou River length: 3.5 kilometers.
- Maximum depth of Lake Annecy: 82 meters.
- Construction of the Palais de l'Île began in 1132.
- Average elevation of the city: 448 meters.
- Urban area population: over 170,000 residents.
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.
Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→17:221.3 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 12–16 €Entries 14€ · Transport 0€
Start your morning at the Palais de l'Île, the symbol of Annecy, sitting majestically in the middle of the Thiou canal. Then, stroll through the colorful streets of the Old Town and visit Saint-Pierre Cathedral. At lunchtime, local bistros near the Thiou offer delicious Savoyard specialties. The walk up to the castle is rewarded with a historical journey back in time and a panoramic view over the rooftops. In the afternoon, relax in the spacious Gardens of Europe, where century-old trees provide shade and the view stretches over the crystal-clear water of the lake. End your day at the Lovers' Bridge as the sun sets behind the mountains, bathing the bridge in a magical light – an unforgettable moment of tranquility.
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09:10 · 84'
Palais de l'Île
Photograph the building from the bridge for the best perspective.
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09:00→17:221.3 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 12–16 €Entries 14€ · Transport 0€
A rainy morning in Annecy starts at the atmospheric Palais de l'Île, with the rain dancing on the Thiou canal. At noon, the medieval arcades of the Old Town provide perfect shelter for a dry stroll. In the afternoon, explore the Castle museum to stay out of the wet. The day ends with a romantic umbrella walk along the lakefront, watching the lights reflect.
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09:10 · 84'
Palais de l'Île
The stone walls look particularly moody and photogenic in the rain.
🚶 5'0.1 km
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10:39 · 32'
Annecy Old Town
Use the historical arcades to stay dry while exploring the streets.
🚶 6'0.16 km
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🚶 13'0.51 km
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09:00→17:221.3 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 12–16 €Entries 14€ · Transport 0€
A frosty winter morning at Palais de l'Île, framed by snow-capped peaks. At noon, warm up in the Old Town with a traditional cheese fondue. The afternoon at the Castle offers culture and shelter from the cold 'Bise' wind. During the early 5 PM sunset, the lake sparkles in the crisp winter air at Lovers Bridge.
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11:17 · 53'
Saint-Pierre Cathedral
The thick walls keep the outside cold away surprisingly well.
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09:00→21:0710.8 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 12€ · Transport 12€
Gear up and explore Lake Annecy on two wheels. Your adventure begins at the Lovers' Bridge, the gateway to the lakeside paths. Cycle past the magnificent Imperial Palace and enjoy the cool breeze. At lunchtime, Albigny beach invites you for a long break and a picnic on the grass. In the afternoon, the path leads you to Veyrier-du-Lac, where you can find peace away from the city crowds and enjoy the panoramic view of the Savoy Alps. The return route via Sevrier offers fantastic views of the sunset over the lake before you end your day relaxed.
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🚲 11'1.32 km
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10:45 · 126'
Imperial Palace Gardens
Admire the hotel's architecture and the manicured gardens.
🚲 9'0.95 km
🚲 26'3.77 km
🚲 32'4.77 km
09:00→21:0710.8 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 12€ · Transport 12€
A refreshing bike ride despite the rain along the lake promenade. At noon, the Imperial Palace offers shelter for a short break. Albigny Beach looks deserted and vast in the rain. In the afternoon, cycle through the mist towards Veyrier before warming up in Sevrier.
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🚲 11'1.32 km
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16:35 · 126'
Veyrier-du-Lac Promenade
Watch out for fast cars kicking up spray on the road sections.
🚲 32'4.77 km
09:00→21:0710.8 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 12€ · Transport 12€
Start at Lovers Bridge in the clear morning chill. The ride to Imperial Palace offers panoramic views of the snowy Alps. Albigny Beach is now a sanctuary of silence. In the afternoon, cycle well-wrapped to Veyrier and finish with hot cocoa in Sevrier.
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🚲 11'1.32 km
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10:45 · 126'
Imperial Palace Gardens
The sun reaches this part of the park in the late morning.
🚲 9'0.95 km
🚲 26'3.77 km
🚲 32'4.77 km
09:00→17:4036.3 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 21–29 €Entries 18€ · Transport 7€
By car, you have the freedom to discover the hidden treasures around Annecy. Start with a leisurely stroll through the Old Town before driving up to the high-perched Basilica of the Visitation. Lunchtime takes you out of town to the impressive Gorges du Fier, a natural wonder where you walk on footbridges over rushing water. Afterwards, head to the eastern shore of the lake. Menthon-Saint-Bernard Castle sits like a fairy-tale palace above the water. A tour through the magnificent rooms is a true highlight of your afternoon. For the grand finale, drive up to Col de la Forclaz. Watch the paragliders and enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the shimmering lake.
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14:34 · 84'
Menthon-Saint-Bernard Castle
This fairy-tale castle is said to have inspired Disney.
🚗 30'8.24 km
09:00→17:4036.3 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 21–29 €Entries 18€ · Transport 7€
A relaxed start by car through the rainy Old Town. At noon, visit the Basilica where the rain taps softly on the windows. Gorges du Fier is particularly spectacular in the rain as the river rises. In the afternoon, visit Menthon Castle and finish with the cloudy views at Col de la Forclaz.
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09:10 · 84'
Annecy Old Town
Park in the 'Hôtel de Ville' garage for dry access to the town.
🚗 6'0.78 km
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10:40 · 53'
Basilica of the Visitation
The parking lot is right in front of the entrance, handy for rain.
🚗 35'9.5 km
🚗 62'17.82 km
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14:34 · 84'
Menthon-Saint-Bernard Castle
The castle tour takes place entirely indoors/under cover.
🚗 30'8.24 km
09:00→17:4036.3 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 21–29 €Entries 18€ · Transport 7€
A frosty start through wintery Annecy. At noon, visit the Basilica for a quiet moment overlooking the snowy city. Gorges du Fier shows its rugged side. In the afternoon, Menthon Castle stands majestically in the snow before we end the day with Alpine panoramas at Col de la Forclaz.
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🚗 6'0.78 km
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🚗 62'17.82 km
🚗 30'8.24 km
Sights in the town Annecy (24)
Plage de l'Impérial🎡 recreation
Right on the shores of Lake Annecy, Plage de l'Impérial impresses as a popular sandy beach in Annecy. The French lake landscape is combined here with various water sports options and leisure facilities to create a lively meeting place. Bathers delight in the clear freshwater and the active recreational choices for every taste. During the summer months, arriving early is advised to secure one of the coveted spots.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Annecy called the 'Venice of the Alps'?
Because of the numerous canals that flow through the photogenic old town.
What is the most photographed building in Annecy?
The Palais de l'Isle, a former 12th-century prison located in the middle of the canal.
What can you do at Lake Annecy?
Boating, swimming, cycling around the lake, or just enjoying the mountain scenery.
Is there a castle in Annecy?
Yes, the Château d'Annecy overlooks the city and now houses a museum.
When does the famous animation film festival take place?
The festival takes place every year in June and attracts artists from all over the world.
Annecy: where is it located?
Annecy is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Annecy: what is there to see?
Highlights include Palais de l'Île, Château d'Annecy, Basilique de la Visitation.
Annecy: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Annecy: why is it worth visiting?
Widely celebrated as the "Venice of the Alps," Annecy is an impressive jewel in the Haute-Savoie department, perfectly balancing natural alpine majesty with enchanting historical architecture.
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