Annecy is a beautiful lake town in the Haute-Savoie region of France surrounded by mountains on the edge of the Swiss border. It is a very walkable and bike-friendly town with many local shops, fresh food markets, and parks. Here are some of the best things to do in Annecy according to various travel guides:
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Explore Annecy’s Old Town: Annecys Old Town is a charming area with narrow streets, canals, and colorful buildings.
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Boating on Lake Annecy: Lake Annecy is a beautiful lake with crystal-clear water, and boating is a popular activity.
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Visit Annecy Castle: Annecy Castle is a beautiful castle located on a hill overlooking the town. It has several museums that showcase the history and culture of the region.
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Walk Across Lover's Bridge: The Pont des Amours, or Lover's Bridge, is a beautiful pedestrian bridge that spans the Thiou River. It offers great views of the town and the surrounding mountains.
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Picnic at Jardins de l’Europe: Jardins de l’Europe is a beautiful park with statues, mountain views, and is a great spot for a picnic.
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Walk the Promenade du Thiou: The Promenade du Thiou is a beautiful walkway that follows the Thiou River through the town. It offers great views of the canals and the Old Town.
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Chateau de Menthon-Saint Bernard: This beautiful castle is located on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy and offers great views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
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Shop at the Farmer’s Markets: Annecy has several farmer's markets that offer fresh produce, cheese, and other local products.
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Bike Around the Lake: Biking around Lake Annecy is a popular activity, and there are several bike rental shops in town.
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Palais de l’Île: This tiny, castle-like structure is located on a tiny island in the middle of the Thiou River and is Annecy’s best-known building. It has served many purposes since it was built in the 12th century, including being a prison.
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Go for a Hike: Annecy is located at the heart of the French Alps, and there are many hiking trails in the surrounding mountains.
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Try an Escape Game: Annecy has several escape games that offer a fun and challenging experience.
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Play Virtual Reality Games: There are several places in Annecy where you can play virtual reality games.
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Do a “Laser Tag” Game Session: Laser tag is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
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Visit Annecy le Vieux: Annecy le Vieux is a charming village located just north of Annecy. It has several historic buildings and beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
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Semnoz: Semnoz is a mountain located just west of Annecy. It offers great views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, and there are several hiking trails and ski slopes in the area.
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Basilique de la Visitation: This beautiful basilica is located on a hill overlooking the town and offers great views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
The best time to visit Annecy is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, winter activities such as snowshoe hikes and snowmobile rides are available from December to March-April.
