Annecy is one of the main tourist destinations in Haute-Savoie. Much loved by tourists, the Venice of the Alps is full of activities and surprises. So if you have decided to spend 4 days in the city by the lake, here is a small program of what you can do.
Day 1: Visit of Annecy and its old town
On the first day of your stay in Annecy, we recommend you to take advantage of the place. Start with a walking tour of the pedestrian streets and make your way to the old town. From May the crowd is present and if you don’t appreciate this kind of atmosphere, prefer early morning or evening when night falls.
Along the way, take your time to discover the small streets and bridges that cross the Thiou, such as the Passage de l’Isle.
If you appreciate culture and discoveries, don’t hesitate to visit the old prisons, also known as the Palais de l’Isle. We also recommend the Animated Film Museum. Although a bit further from the old town, it is worth the detour.
And of course the old town would be nothing without its restaurants, tea rooms and ice cream parlors. Let yourself be tempted by something sweet at any time of the day!
More info: If you arrive in Annecy and cannot take the keys to your hotel room with you immediately, you can store your things in a luggage locker.
Day 2: Visit the surroundings of Annecy
On the second day we recommend you to explore the surroundings of Annecy. Contrary to what some might think, the shores of the lake are far from the only attraction.
Head towards Gorges du Fier and Château de Montrottier. These two places are in Lovagny, less than 15 minutes drive from Annecy. Note that the gorges are even more impressive in the months of May and June when the snowmelt is still in full swing. The castle is the ideal place to spend time with family.
You can then head towards Vaulx to visit the Secret Gardens. Covering an area of 7,000 m², these gardens, galleries and other pavilions house lush vegetation whose influences come from all over the world, from Austria to India via Tunisia and Switzerland.
To end the day peacefully, you can enjoy the Albigny beach, which is very close to Annecy. And if you’re a fan of sunsets, don’t hesitate to explore the Petit Port of Annecy-le-Vieux on foot. Feet in the water when the temperature of the lake allows, you can enjoy the soft golden light and the nightfall with a direct view of Annecy and the Visitation.
More info: If you are looking for a restaurant near Vaulx, we recommend Les Petits Plats. You will not be disappointed with the trip!
Day 3: Bike tour around the lake
For this third day in Annecy, we recommend that you cycle around the lake. 40 kilometers to enjoy the views and stop in the different towns. Keep in mind that the route’s only difficulty level is the Côte de Talloires, with a 6.5% gradient over 1.5 km. Suffice to say, calves can get hot! Still, it is possible to cheat and go down the coast instead of going up it by circumnavigating the lake towards Annecy-le-Vieux towards Sévrier.
There are several places along the way that are worth stopping at. Here are a few :
The Bay of Talloires – A place full of charm and with some restaurants well-known by the residents of Annecy, namely the Abbaye de Talloires and the Auberge du Père Bise
The Bout du Lac nature reserve – Ideal to learn more about the local flora and fauna
The Paccard Museum – This bell factory is an institution in Haute-Savoie and was opened in 1796. A stop not to be missed to learn more about this know-how
- The beaches – They are numerous and distributed around the lake
More info: If you like it sportier, you can take a detour via the Col de la Forclaz. The view of the lake won’t make you regret the detour, I promise!
© Siam by bike
Day 4, what if we went to the mountains?
Why not hit the mountains on the fourth and final day? Several villages are worth visiting:
Thones – The Saturday market is particularly worth a visit
La Clusaz – Continue to Les Confins where you can enjoy the lake
Le Grand Bornand – Climb up to the Col de la Colombière from where you can see Mont-Blanc
Take the time to visit these ski resorts and stroll the streets. You can also opt for a hike, for example to Lac de Peyre. A great classic for the locals, but one we never get enough of. The descent is from the Colombière pass and the ascent takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. Open your eyes, you will likely see marmots and a few ibex.
More info: Before you hike, make sure the trails are passable and the snow has melted. Also, make sure you have good walking shoes and don’t hesitate to use poles if necessary.
And dwelling in all this?
There is no shortage of accommodation in Annecy. We have also referenced a large number of these that may help you in your choice.
We also offer a small selection of hotels in Annecy, all located in the city center:
Allobroges Park Hotel
The Allobroges Park Hotel is located at 11 rue Sommeiller. With this 3-star hotel accommodation, you can reach Le Pâquier in less than 10 minutes. You can park in the hotel car park.
From €88 per night.
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Bonlieu Hotel
Located 300 meters from the Pâquier promenade at 5 rue de Bonlieu, this beautiful hotel offers comfortable and well-equipped rooms. From the hotel you can easily explore the city center of Annecy on foot. The Bonlieu Theater is also nearby.
From €90 per night.
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Campanile Centre-Gare
At 1 Place de la Mandallaz you can book a room at the Ibis Style Annecy Center Gare. Private parking is available at an additional cost.
From €74 per night.
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The Pelican
Le Pélican is a 4-star hotel with a particularly good location. From 20 rue des Marquisats, you can reach Le Pâquier in 5 minutes. An outdoor pool is open in season. You can also use the on-site bar.
From €102 per night.
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