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Annecy Outdoor activities

Our most recommended Annecy Outdoor activities

From Geneva: Annecy Half-Day Trip

1. From Geneva: Annecy Half-Day Trip

Annecy, located just 45-minutes from Geneva, is a town that has been awarded France’s prestigious Art and History designation. When you arrive in Annecy you’ll have a guided orientation walk and then plenty of free time to explore Annecy on your own. Please note that if you select the afternoon tour, then this will be self-guided.  As you walk through the streets of this charming town on the River Thiou you’ll come across numerous food and flea markets and historic monuments and landmarks. Browse the shops and stop to try a traditional dish at one of the many restaurants or cafés.

Lake Annecy Day Trip from Geneva

2. Lake Annecy Day Trip from Geneva

This day trip to Annecy lets your discover this wonderful icon French town at your leisure. Colorful buildings perched next to waterways house endless restaurants, bistros, and boutique shops. A steep walk to the top of the Old Town reveals the impressive Chateau de Montrottier & Gorges du Fier. The Wonderful Lake that surrounds the town is one of the most pristine in Europe. Boat tours around the Alpine lake are highly recommended to finish off the day. Annecy Old Town  Nick-named the ‘Venice of the Alps,’ Annecy’s old town is beautifully restored and a joy to stroll through. Colorful buildings perched next to waterways house endless restaurants, bistros, and cafés with outdoor seating and incredible views. Much of the old town of Annecy has only very narrow streets and alleys that are open to pedestrians only.    Lake Annecy  A major attraction of Annecy is its beautiful location on the banks of Lac d’Annecy. Boat excursions are popular on Lake Annecy and range from lunch cruises to short round-trip cruises. It is also possible to rent boats from the park behind the Hotel de Ville – powerboats and pedal boats (pedalos) can be rented by the half-hour. Swimming is allowed in this crystal clean- lake and the alpine views are simply stunning.  Château de Montrottier & Gorges du Fier The medieval castle of Montrottier and its remarkable collections is located in the Savoyard foreland between the Rhone and the limestone Pre-Alps. The castle houses wonderful sets of furniture, earthward, lace, weapons and rare objects from Africa and the far East. Opened in 1869, the Gorges, 300 m long and 70m deep, surpass in picturesqueness and striking size the most famous Gorges. At the exit, the river threads its way through a veritable maze of rocks. It is a vast lapiaz with tormented shapes called a "sea of rocks"  

Private Trip From Geneva to Annecy in France

3. Private Trip From Geneva to Annecy in France

If you are looking for a romantic adventure, then this excursion is the perfect match for you! This trip can be organised according to your preferences, offering a personal approach. Start the journey from any convenient location for you in Geneva. Hop into a comfortable car or minivan for a short but pleasant ride to the charming town of Annecy, situated 35 km away from Geneva and right at the base of the snow-covered Alps. Annecy is also known as the “Venice of the Alps” due to the Thiou River flowing through the town creating canals reminiscent of Venice. Located beside the clear waters of Lake Annecy, the town offers a large green park with walkways, tiny bridges, fountains, swans and options for boating activities. Wander around and explore the delightful Old town, which was built in the Middle Ages. Take a look at the central landmark of Annecy – Palais de I’lsle, a medieval castle and prison built in the 12th century that is now an art and history museum. Discover the Chateau d’Annecy – a renovated castle, dominating the town. Afterward, you will take a boat trip and sail around the lake to see the tiny villages dotted at the shores of the lake, the Menthon Saint Bernard – a castle built in the 13th century and enjoy the beautiful view.  You can have a meal by trying local dishes at one of the canal-side cafes or restaurants. Do not forget to bring your camera, as it is going to be a very picturesque journey!

Geneva & Annecy Private City Tour and Optional Cruise

4. Geneva & Annecy Private City Tour and Optional Cruise

On this private tour, you will ride in a comfortable vehicle through the French countryside and enjoy a guided walking tour through Annecy. Nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps", Annecy offers harmonious and romantic landscapes. Surrounded by mountains, the city offers amazing views of the purest lake of Europe. Discover the picturesque and enchanting framework of the city on a walking guided tour for an hour. Take this opportunity to snap some pictures of the iconic Palais de l’Isle, a 12th-century monument that is a symbol of the town, and the dominating castle of Annecy. Stroll in the lovely little streets with endless flower-filled balconies, houses, antique markets and handcraft shops. Annecy has one of the highest quality markets on Sundays offering unique producers and sellers of clothes, chocolate, cheese, products and much more. In the afternoon return to the starting point. Visit Geneva, go for a ride on a mini-train, and walk around the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Take a step back in time through Saint Peter’s cathedral, Place Bourg-de-four, the original market place, the arsenal and the town hall. Lose yourself in the grandeur and beauty of this once influential town. Discover for yourself, Geneva’s most famous attractions, including the iconic Flower Clock, symbol of the city's watchmakers and love for nature, and the impressive fountain, Jet d’Eau. Please note that the mini train is not operating in January, February, in heavy rain and during special demonstrations. In this case, the old town will be a walking tour. If option selected, enjoy a 1 hour cruise on Geneva Lake. Admire the wealth of the most beautiful lake in Europe from an inclusive perspective.

Frequently asked questions about Annecy Outdoor activities

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Other Sightseeing Options in Annecy

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What people are saying about Annecy

Totally recommend, beautiful scenery. Breathtaking views on the way to Annecy. Many options for things to do at the old town. Don’t forget to try a croissant from one of the boulangeries.

Brilliant trip to Annecy. Perfect from start to finish. Annecy is well worth a visit, it’s beautiful. Would love to return one day! Would recommend this trip.

Though the weather was rainy, it was excellent trip, tour guide Zara was very knowledgeable and entertaining and we enjoyed the

Really lovely to see! If you go for the Christmas market make sure you have cash (euros only!)

Lovely day out in a beautiful part of the country! It was raining, but not too bad.