Annecy, FranceChillTrip

City guideFrance

Annecy

Annecy travel guide · Europe

ContinentEuropeLanguageFrenchCurrencyEURLocal specialtyFondue and Raclette (Haute-Savoie cheese specialties)Free to read

Annecy, nestled in the northern French Alps, is known as the 'Venice of Savoie' for its charming medieval town centre laced with canals flowing from the stunning azure Lac Annecy. The city combines Alpine scenery with rich history, centered around a 14th-century château perched above the old town. It is a year-round destination beloved for its lake activities, mountain hikes, and vibrant local culture.

01

Best time to visit Annecy

septemberjunejulyaugust

Summer offers warm weather perfect for swimming and lake activities, while September brings fewer crowds, clearer air, and better mountain views.

02

What to see in Annecy

Palais de l'IsleChillTrip
Must-see
01monument

Palais de l'Isle

A former palace turned prison sitting on a small island between the canals of Annecy, one of the most iconic landmarks of the city.

Paid entryAbout 45 minhistoryculture

Address3 Pass. de l'Île, 74000 Annecy, France

4.5/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday10 am–12:30 pm, 2–5:30 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Château d'AnnecyChillTrip
Must-see
02castle

Château d'Annecy

A 14th-century château perched on a hill overlooking the city and lake, housing a museum with medieval, 19th-century, and contemporary art, local furniture, and natural history collections.

Paid entryAbout 90 minhistoryculture

AddressPl. du Château, 74000 Annecy, France

4.1/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Monday10 am–12:30 pm, 2–5:30 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Musée du Film d'AnimationChillTrip
03museum

Musée du Film d'Animation

A small but fascinating free museum of animation featuring original cels, drawings, storyboards, stop-motion props, and early animation devices, tied to Annecy's renowned annual animation festival.

FreeAbout 60 minculture

Address18 Av. de Tresum, 74000 Annecy, France

4/5 on Google

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre d'AnnecyChillTrip
04church

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre d'Annecy

A 16th-century cathedral originally built as a Franciscan priory chapel, featuring notable Baroque art and a splendid 19th-century organ.

FreeAbout 30 minhistoryculture

Address8 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 74000 Annecy, France

4.4/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday9 am–6 pm
  • Friday9 am–6 pm
  • Saturday9 am–6 pm
  • Sunday9 am–6 pm
  • Monday9 am–6 pm
  • Tuesday9 am–6 pm
  • Wednesday9 am–6 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Basilique de la Visitation d'AnnecyChillTrip
05church

Basilique de la Visitation d'Annecy

Built in 1909, this basilica houses the tombs of Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Joan of Chantal, and offers beautiful panoramic views from its esplanade.

FreeAbout 40 minhistoryculturenature & outdoors

Address11 Av. de la Visitation, 74000 Annecy, France

4.5/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Monday7:15 am–6:30 pm
  • Tuesday7:15 am–6:30 pm
  • Wednesday7:15 am–6:30 pm
  • Thursday7:15 am–6:30 pm
  • Friday7:15 am–6:30 pm
  • Saturday7:15 am–6:30 pm
  • Sunday9 am–5:30 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Lac AnnecyChillTrip
Must-see
06park

Lac Annecy

One of the cleanest lakes in Europe, with a stunning azure colour and surrounded by Alpine mountains. Ideal for swimming, sailing, rowing, and cycling along its 36 km shoreline.

FreeAbout 180 minnature & outdoorsrelaxationadventure
Vieille Ville d'AnnecyChillTrip
Must-see
07neighborhood

Vieille Ville d'Annecy

The medieval old town of Annecy, with narrow stone-paved streets, colourful arcaded houses, and small canals, lined with boutiques, cafés, and a Sunday open-air market.

FreeAbout 120 minculturehistoryshopping

Address74000 Annecy, France

Open in Google Maps

03

Where to eat in Annecy

Le FrétiChillTrip
01Savoyard

Le Fréti

The go-to restaurant in Annecy for traditional Haute-Savoie cheese specialities, including fondue and raclette, with no minimum of two people required.

Price $$Must tryFondue Savoyarde

Address12 Rue Sainte-Claire, 74000 Annecy, France

4.4/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday12–2 pm, 6:30–10:30 pm
  • Friday12–2 pm, 6:30–11 pm
  • Saturday12–2 pm, 6:30–11 pm
  • Sunday12–2 pm, 6:30–10 pm
  • Monday12–2 pm, 6:30–10:30 pm
  • Tuesday12–2 pm, 6:30–10:30 pm
  • Wednesday12–2 pm, 6:30–10:30 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

4 more places are sealed in the app

Photos, insider notes, opening hours and the map — all of it opens for free the moment you install ChillTrip.

Unlock everything — free

04

Things to do in Annecy

Boat Trips on Lac Annecy

cruisePaid entryAbout 60 min

Departing from Quai Jules Philippe, these cruises offer discovery tours of the lake, water taxi services to surrounding towns, and dinner cruises. Prices start at €13.40 for a one-hour cruise.

Col de la Forclaz

sportPaid entryAbout 120 min

A renowned paragliding and hang-gliding launch site located about 20 km from Annecy, offering spectacular views over Lac Annecy and the surrounding Alps.

Fête du Lac Annecy

showPaid entryAbout 180 min

Held on the first weekend of August, this spectacular lake festival features attractions around Lac Annecy and a grand fireworks display, drawing over 100,000 spectators.

Annecy International Animated Film Festival

otherPaid entryAbout 240 min

One of the world's most prestigious animation festivals, held every June over 6 days in Annecy, featuring screenings, exhibitions, and industry events.

Marché d'Annecy

otherFreeAbout 90 min

A vibrant open-air market held every Sunday morning in the pedestrian streets of the medieval city, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and local products.

05

Where to go near Annecy

Geneva

Train 1h30Bus 1hCar 35min

Major international city and transport hub just 45 km away, easily reachable by train or bus, offering world-class museums, the iconic Jet d'Eau, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Chamonix

Car 1h15

World-famous Alpine resort town about 80 km away, home to Mont Blanc and offering exceptional skiing, mountaineering, and outdoor adventures.

Chambéry

Train 1hCar 45min

Historic city 40 km from Annecy, former capital of the Duchy of Savoy, with a charming old town and the famous Sainte-Chapelle.

Lyon

Train 2hBus 1hCar 1h

France's gastronomic capital about 130 km away, renowned for its UNESCO-listed old town, world-class cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene.

Yvoire

Car 1h

A beautifully preserved medieval village on the shores of Lake Geneva, about 60 km from Annecy, known for its flower-filled streets and stunning lake views.

La Clusaz

Car 35min

A charming Alpine ski resort village in the Aravis mountains, just a short drive from Annecy, popular for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.

All France guides

Photos: ChillTrip

The whole Annecy guide, offline, in your pocket

Get ChillTrip