In France, there’s a medieval town painted in bright pastels, drenched in flowers, nestled next to a crystal-clear lake, and surrounded by picture-perfect mountains shrouded in soft mist. It sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? But it’s not. Welcome to Annecy, France—a town where, after just one stroll, you’ll feel like your storybook dreams have come true. If you’re wondering what to see in Annecy, I’ll be your guide today, taking you on a virtual tour of a few of the town’s unforgettable attractions that are etched in my memory to this day.
Location Annecy, France
Cost: All Annecy attractions listed here are free to admire from outside, the one you will have to pay for is the cheese fondue dinner
Length: 1-2 days
How to get there: By a car or public transport
This stop is part of our French Alps travel itinerary
What to See in Annecy, France
Annecy Lake Promenade Feels Like a Dream
In front of you lies a lake with the clearest water you’ve ever seen. This is Lake Annecy, born from Alpine glaciers and fed by mountain rivers.
The evening sun has transformed the surface of Lake Annecy into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of blues, each shade shifting with the gentle ripples stirred by the breeze. Along the promenade, the wind softly rocks the boats docked in neat row.
Beyond the lake, the mountains rise like guardians of this tranquil haven. The nearer peaks are draped in lush green forests, with occasional patches of bare rock breaking through the canopy. In the distance, the far-off mountains blur into the sky, their misty silhouettes merging with soft clouds.
Everything around you—the sky, the mountains, the water, even the pathway along the promenade—seems painted in delicate pastels, with a subtle smokiness softening the edges. The scene of Lake Annecy feels like a watercolor painting, and you catch yourself wondering, Is this real? Perhaps you need someone to pinch you, just to be sure.
As we stroll along the promenade, we join others basking in the calm of the evening. From time to time, you pause at the edge of the water, gazing into the crystal-clear depths of Lake Annecy. The sandy bottom is visible, undisturbed and pure, but there are no fish swimming below. Thankfully, there’s also no sign of the ghostly lady said to haunt these waters. According to legend, her restless spirit searches for her lost husband, luring unsuspecting men into the lake’s depths.
For now, though, the lake offers nothing but peace. The tranquility of Lake Annecy seeps into your soul, leaving you content and unburdened. The serenity lingers as we leave the lakeside and head toward Annecy’s old town. Gradually, the soft whispers of the lake give way to the lively hum of the streets. The air fills with laughter and the sound of footsteps on cobblestones.
Dive in The Crowded Streets of Annecy to Take a Picture of Palais de I’lle
Looks like everyone has decided to come to Annecy this evening as the narrow streets are buzzing with people. But who can blame them? Just look around.
You’re standing on one of the many bridges arching over the turquoise waters of Annecy. To your left, a street stretches out, lined with houses painted in bright, cheerful pastels. Pink and orange seem to reign supreme, their vivid hues catching the evening light, while softer shades of green and beige add a touch of elegance to the view. On your right, the church of Saint François de Sales stands tall, showing off it’s light to-level facade.
Then your gaze falls over the canal, and there it is—arguably the most iconic landmark of Annecy: the Palais de l’Île. This small castle perches on a rock island in the middle of the water, its weathered stone walls rising proudly above the shimmering surface. With its pointed rooftops and sturdy structure, it looks as though it has been plucked from the pages of a medieval tale.
Take a guess—what’s the story behind this place?
As it turns out, the Palais de l’Île has taken on many roles over the centuries. With parts of its history dating back to the 12th century, it has had more than enough time to evolve. This Annecy treasure has served as a courthouse, a prison, a minting workshop, and even a home for the elderly. Today, it seems to have settled into its true calling as a museum.
The Palais de l’Île is also often referred to as a “building in the shape of a ship,”. Do you see the resemblance? I am struggling to, but perhaps this is not the right angle. Regardless, it remains a jewel of Annecy, drawing visitors from all over the world to take it’s picture. Don’t forget to take yours too!
What do you want to see in Annecy next? From here, we have two options: we can either wander deeper into the enchanting streets of Annecy’s old town or use the last light of the day to return to the lake.
I think we should head back to the lake. The colorful streets will still be just as magical in the soft hues of dusk, but the lake—bathed in the warm embrace of a setting sun—will be a sight to remember.
Take in Serenity of Jardin de I’Europe
We return to the lakeside, ready to greet the mountains once more. This time, our path takes us past larger boats swaying gently in the breeze. To our left lies Jardin de l’Europe, a spacious park with lush green lawns shaded by towering trees. The garden is said to host a fascinating variety of trees from across Europe, America, and Asia, including the majestic giant sequoia.
Turning around, your gaze is drawn to Annecy Castle, perched proudly on a hill with the sunset painting the sky behind it. Its stone walls and roof seem to echo the material of the Palais de l’Île, giving it the feel of an older sibling. And like the Palais de l’Île, Château d’Annecy has its share of fascinating stories. In its early days, it served as a residence for counts and dukes. But by the 17th century, its role shifted dramatically—it was abandoned as a residence and repurposed as barracks. Today, it stands as an art museum and symbol of Annecy.
Ensure Your Love is Eternal at Pont des Amours of Annecy
Continuing our stroll, we arrive at one of Annecy’s most iconic spots—the Pont des Amours, or Lovers’ Bridge. While Annecy boasts countless bridges, this one, at first glance, seems similar to the rest—slightly arched, with graceful metal railings, and set against a stunning backdrop of turquoise waters and towering mountains.
But what truly sets it apart is the legend that surrounds it. According to local superstition, if two lovers meet in the middle of the bridge and share a kiss, their love will last forever. After all, France is the land of romance. Who wouldn’t want a love that endures a lifetime? It’s no wonder that this bridge is always full of couples and hopeful romantics.
From there, we continue along the canal, shaded by an avenue of tall trees. The calm waters below mirror the docked boats and the silhouette of Annecy’s skyline that peeks through the foliage. The world feels perfectly still, as if nature and architecture have conspired to create this flawless harmony.
It doesn’t get more perfect than this, does it?
What to See in Annecy Old Town? Romantic Stroll Through the Streets
From here, we cross the street and step into the charming streets of Annecy’s old town. Once again, we are surrounded by quaint, colorful houses that exude the romantic, storybook charm of a little French town—the kind your soul has been longing for.
Quint and Colourful Houses of Annecy Old Town
I don’t have a particular route in mind, so let’s wander wherever our hearts—or perhaps the crowd—leads us.
The buildings around us rise several stories high, their facades painted in cheerful hues of olive, mint, coral, mustard, baby pink, and more. Together, they remind me of a box of colorful candies. On the ground floor, it’s easy to spot a pattern: rounded archways framing the windows and doorways of boulangeries, lively restaurants, and charming shops. Meanwhile, the upper floors of Annecy Old town houses are lined with neat rows of small windows, each concealed behind shutters—a timeless method of climate control that Annecy’s residents still embrace.
Annecy’s Old Town is often referred to as a medieval town, and while the buildings vary in age, each tells a story of the passage of time. You can see it in the chipped paint and dusted shutters, evidence of years gone by. Yet they carry their age gracefully and remain as beautiful as ever.
If you’re looking for a bit of guidance, some popular spots in Annecy’s Old Town include the Palace de Notre-Dame and the charming Rue Sainte-Claire. And be sure to check out the historic old city gates. These gates once marked the entrance to the walled city, and in the past, visitors had to pay an entrance tax to pass through them.
Countless Bridges and Canals of Annecy
What goes around comes around. We’ve wandered back to the canals that weave through the heart of Annecy, earning the city its nickname: the Venice of the Alps. These waterways have shaped the town’s charm and contributed to the sheer number of bridges that span across its picturesque streets.
I’m not sure anyone has ever counted exactly how many bridges there are in Annecy, but one thing is certain—there are plenty. Bridge after bridge stretches before us, lined parallel to each other as far as the eye can see. At this time of year, they’re all draped in cascades of flowers spilling from boxes perched on the railings. The combination of the sparkling blue water, pastel-colored houses lining both sides of the canal, and the soft, wavy blooms creates a scene that feels almost otherworldly—a romantic, dreamlike atmosphere, like seeing the world through rose-tinted glasses when you’ve just fallen in love.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to get a little hungry. How about we seek out a cozy French restaurant to indulge in one of France’s most beloved culinary treasures—cheese? This rich, savory delight comes in countless varieties, but tonight, we’ll be enjoying it in its most indulgent form: molten and bubbling. Intrigued?
Warm up With Ritch Cheese Fondue in Annecy Old Town
I haven’t checked any reviews, but Le Freti in Annecy’s Old Town looks quite charming, and the wait time is only about 20 minutes today. So, I say, let’s go for it!
We’re seated, and now we face the age-old dilemma: cheese fondue or raclette?
In short: Both are irresistible cheesy delights that originated in Switzerland but have become beloved in neighboring countries like France. Raclette involves melting a wheel of cheese and scraping the gooey goodness directly onto your plate. Fondue, on the other hand, involves melting a blend of cheeses with flavorings like wine, garlic, and nutmeg in a pot, and then dipping bread or other treats into the molten mixture.
I’ve made up my mind: let’s go with the fondue. Now, we just need to decide on the sides. The fondue comes with pieces of white bread, it is delicious on its own, but for a little extra variety, you can add meat or vegetables for an additional charge. As a tourist, I’d recommend adding a plate of fresh veggies to balance out the richness of the cheese, but hey, I’m no expert!
The wait time isn’t long, and soon enough, a large pot of bubbling, melted cheese is placed before us. It’s kept on the burner throughout the meal, so it stays warm and gooey. The smell is strong (as with many French cheeses), but it looks so inviting!
Having done this before, let me give you a little demonstration. You take your special fondue fork, spear a piece of bread, and dip it into the bubbling cheese. Swirl it around for a bit, and then pull it out to reveal a glorious string of cheese stretching from the pot to the bread. Just look at that pull!
The cheese is rich, savory, and wonderfully warming. I love cheese. But let’s be real—there’s no way I can finish all of this on my own, so I’d recommend not overdoing it with the portion sizes.
With this indulgent dinner, our evening of exploring Annecy comes to a close, and it’s time to head back to the hotel. But don’t worry, tomorrow awaits, bringing with it a whole new day of unforgettable attractions around Annecy.
Day Trips From Annecy, France for Nature Lovers
Take a look at Lake Annecy from Mont Baron & Veyrier Hiking Loop
If you enjoy hiking, there’s a mountain trail near Annecy that rewards persistent adventurers with breathtaking views of the crystal-clear waters of Lake Annecy, high up in the clouds. From this height, you gain a true sense of just how vast the second-largest lake in France really is. And if you’re in the mood for a little detective work, you can try spotting the places you’ve just visited in Annecy, nestled within the sea of rooftops far below.
According to my sports watch we walked ~5.11km on a round trip from the parking lot to Mont Baron peak.
Decode the Rock Formations in the Fairytale land of Gorges du Fier
If you’re mesmerized by the wonders of nature, you can leave Annecy to step into an otherworldly place that seems like the magical kingdom of elves. As you walk along pathways clinging to moss-covered cliffs high above a roaring river, you’ll find yourself searching for faces and mythical creatures hidden in the rock formations around you.
Thoughts?
Annecy is a place that can inspire stories. If you’re looking for that charming little French town to stroll through to fulfil your romantic dreams, you have found it. Yes, it is very crowded, but can you blame anyone for wanting to get lost in a place like this?
