Things to do in Annecy

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic town with a canal, a castle, and traditional buildings with illuminated signs.
A promenade with people walking, a dog, and boats on a lake with mountains in the background.
A marina with boats docked, a clear blue lake, and mountains in the background.
A riverside café area with outdoor seating, historic buildings, and a stone bridge.
A riverside town with historic buildings, a bridge, and outdoor seating along the water.

Things to do

The Ultimate Luxury Travel Guide to the French Alps

Luxury Private Concierge - French Alps Bespoke Experience

P3,512
per traveler
Luxury Private Concierge - French Alps Bespoke Experience
Annecy-le-Vieux, France: Electric and Muscle Bike Rentals

Annecy-le-Vieux, France: Electric and Classic Bike Rentals

P2,248
per adult
Annecy-le-Vieux, France: Electric and Classic Bike Rentals
Luxury Private Concierge - Bespoke Annecy Experience

Luxury Private Concierge - Bespoke Annecy Experience

P3,512
per traveler
Luxury Private Concierge - Bespoke Annecy Experience
Luxury Private Concierge - Chamonix Bespoke Experience

Luxury Private Concierge - Chamonix Bespoke Experience

P3,512
per traveler
Luxury Private Concierge - Chamonix Bespoke Experience
City Game Annecy and the shadow of the sword

City Game Annecy and the shadow of the sword

P1,335
per traveler
City Game Annecy and the shadow of the sword
Annecy: Canyoning from Angon to the lake shore

Annecy: Angon Canyoning by the Lake

P4,004
per adult
Annecy: Angon Canyoning by the Lake
Annecy 2-Hour Segway Tour

Annecy 2-Hour Segway Tour

P4,285
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Annecy 2-Hour Segway Tour
Annecy Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

Annecy Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

P1,053
per adult
Annecy Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour
Private Bespoke Megève Experience

Luxury Private Concierge - Bespoke Megève Experience

P3,512
per traveler
Luxury Private Concierge - Bespoke Megève Experience
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Top places to visit

1. Annecy Castle

Standing on the bank of the strikingly beautiful Lake Annecy, Annecy Castle (Château d’Annecy) is a dramatic sight as well as an important historic building. Step inside to discover an engaging museum that hosts temporary exhibitions spanning a wide range of topics.
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A riverside town with historic buildings, a castle, and a boat docked by the water.

2. Palais de l Ile

During your explorations of Annecy’s Old Town, you’ll soon come across the Palais de l’Île, instantly recognizable due to its location. Take photos of this interesting building set on an island then step through its gates and head to the museum to learn about the history of the site.
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A riverside cafe with outdoor seating, a stone tower, and historic buildings.

3. Centre Commercial Courier

When you have a few hours to spare while in Annecy, the Centre Commercial Courier is a fantastic place to spend them. Shop for clothes for yourself or presents to bring back from your vacation. Stop for a coffee or a bite to eat at one of the on-site restaurants or cafés. Most of all, enjoy the unusual feeling of being outdoors while indoors, which is created by the fact the shopping mall is designed in the style of a street with glass over the top of it.
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A modern building with a glass facade, outdoor seating, and a sign for 'Del Arte Restaurant'.

4. Notre-Dame-de-Liesse Church

The Église Notre-Dame-de-Liesse, or Notre-Dame-de-Liesse Church, is one of several beautiful churches in the picturesque old town of Annecy. Come to this Catholic place of worship to attend a Mass, to take a look at its impressive architecture or simply to enjoy some peace and quiet in its sunlit interior.
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A historic square with a church, a fountain, and surrounding buildings.

5. Basilique de la Visitation

Standing in an elevated location in the picturesque foothills of Semnoz, the Basilique de la Visitation is one of the most prominent landmarks in the town of Annecy. As you approach Annecy, the tall spire of this pretty white building is one of the first things you are likely to see. Visit the basilica to admire its beautiful architecture and learn about the community of nuns who still live here today.
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A church interior with marble columns, stained glass windows, and wooden pews.

6. Church of St. Francis

L’église Saint-François de Sales, or the Church of St. Francis, is a fine example of Baroque architecture as well as an active place of worship. Visit this Catholic church to admire its design, enjoy the tranquility offered by its lovely interior, or get to know the members of the local Italian community, for whom the church is a hub.
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A historic building with a tower, a river, and a bridge.

What to do in Annecy

Stay near popular Annecy attractions

A riverside town with historic buildings, a castle, and a boat docked by the water.

Annecy Castle

8.8/10 (592 reviews)
Perched above Annecy, this medieval fortress blends defensive architecture with Renaissance elegance. Inside, explore fine art collections and the Alpine Lakes Observatory with its fascinating aquatic exhibits.
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Where to stay in Annecy

Find the best Annecy areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Annecy
Learn more about Annecy
A riverside cafe with outdoor seating, a stone tower, and historic buildings.

Annecy Old Town

Travelers come to Annecy Old Town for its lake views, and you can see top attractions like Lake Annecy and Palais de l Ile while you're in town.

A historic stone tower with a conical roof, a canal with people walking along the banks, and colorful buildings lining the street.
Photo by alusoare.com
Open Photo by alusoare.com

Novel

When in Novel, you can plan a visit to Centre Commercial Courier and Amours Bridge, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A panoramic view of a city with a river, mountains, and historic buildings.

Cran-Gevrier

Travelers enjoy Cran-Gevrier for its restaurants and lake views. Consider checking out Thiou while you're in the area.

A rural landscape with a green field, cows grazing, and a soccer goal in the distance.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Annecy worth visiting?
Annecy offers a unique mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or traditional cuisine, there are many things to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Annecy?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Annecy Castle and Menthon Castle. Then, explore other parts of Annecy for tasty eats and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Annecy?
Annecy Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Annecy and should feature high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Annecy?
Three days in Annecy is plenty of time to enjoy the city's key attractions. Many travelers book for two days on average. Annecy Castle, Vieille Ville & Lakefront and Menthon Castle are highly rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like Geneva.
Is Annecy a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Annecy, like Annecy Castle and Vieille Ville & Lakefront, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometers from the city center of Annecy is Annecy Old Town and Vieille Ville & Lakefront is 0.16 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Annecy with kids?
Deciding what to do in Annecy with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or toddlers, there's a range of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone happy here.
What to do in Annecy for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there are plenty of things to do in Annecy for adults including La Fromagerie du Cruet.
Are there free things to do in Annecy?
In Annecy, Vieille Ville & Lakefront is a must-see spot for anyone looking to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the parks and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's an easy way to explore the best free things to do in Annecy.