FranceAnnecy is a small Alpine town that trades on one dazzling asset, its impossibly clear lake, framed by mountains and threaded by turquoise canals that have earned it the nickname the Venice of the Alps. The trick is to move at the town's own unhurried pace. Spend your mornings in the Vieille Ville, the medieval old town, where arcaded streets curl around the Thiou canal and the pointed Palais de l'Ile sits mid-water like a stone ship. Give afternoons to the lake itself, walking or cycling the flat shoreline path, swimming off the grassy Paquier, or taking a cruise to the villages at the southern end. Eat like a Savoyard, which means melted cheese in many forms, tartiflette, fondue and raclette, alongside delicate lake fish such as fera and omble chevalier. Book restaurants in the old town for summer evenings, because Annecy fills fast in July and August and again during the winter ski overflow. Climb Le Semnoz or drive up to the Col de la Forclaz for the postcard view, and let the mountains and water do the rest.
Day plans
Pick your trip length. The full 1-day plan is free, members unlock the 3 and 7-day plans.
Start early while the arcaded streets and canals are quiet; the flower-lined lanes around the market square are at their prettiest in the morning light.
The island prison opens mid-morning; even from outside, shoot it from the Pont Perriere for the classic ship-prow view.
A short steep walk up from the old town; the ramparts give rooftop views over the canals and the museum covers local lake history.
