Annecy

Annecy is a unique town due to its location between the famous crystal-clear lake and the massifs of the Northern Prealps. Three rivers pass through the town's historic centre, leading it to be nicknamed "the Venice of the Alps".

Dive into the town's history with a guided tour of old Annecy to discover its historic churches, its old town hall and its château, where the Counts of Geneva lived from the 13th century. The Musée-Château will round off your exploration with its exhibitions of art and the town's history. It is also home to the Observatoire Régional des Lacs Alpins, which presents the fragile and complex environments of the great lakes of the French Alps.

Sporty types will appreciate the activities on offer in Annecy, such as climbing, paragliding, mountain biking, hiking and pony trekking. In the summer, you can enjoy an idyllic cruise on the lake, before sampling the excellent restaurants along the shore.

If visiting the town in June, you can experience the International Animation Film Festival, which has established itself as a major event for the animation industry. You can attend conferences and open-air screenings before discovering the list of winners unveiled by the jury members.

It's easy to get around central Annecy on foot or by bicycle using the self-service bicycle rental, Vélonecy. You can use the efficient bus network to explore the area around the town, including the ski resorts of Les Aravis, the shores of the lake or Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport.

Annecy has something different to offer in all seasons, attracting visitors all year round, so there’s something for everyone. In terms of transport links, Annecy train station has good connections to several major French cities; alternatively, Geneva airport is around a 35-minute drive from the town, with Lyon airport a little further away.