Annecy is the perfect location for a short break, but with so much to see and do, it’s difficult to know what to prioritise. That’s why we’ve put together two different weekend itineraries, one for spring/summer and one for autumn/winter. Both are packed with all the best activities so you can be sure you’re experiencing Annecy at its fullest throughout your stay.
Read on to discover your itinerary for a perfect weekend in Annecy…
Discover holiday properties in Annecy
A weekend in Annecy in spring/summer
Day one: cycle around the lake
Cycling around Lake Annecy is an incredible way to make the most of your time there.
There are various rental shops where you can hire a bike for the day, and if you want a more leisurely ride, many now offer e-bike rentals too. However, in summer they can get extremely busy, so it’s best to aim to get there early and head out on your ride before the queues kick in.
Why not pack a picnic and stop off at one of the beaches to enjoy your lunch with a view? If you’re leaving from the centre of Annecy, then Doussard Beach is a great pitstop along the way.
Keen cyclists can also head further afield into the Aravis mountains if they’re after some more challenging routes, such as the Col des Aravis and the Col de la Croix Fry, which regularly feature in the Tour de France.
Other ways to enjoy Lake Annecy on your weekend break
- Stand-up paddle boarding
- Sailing
- Diving
- Wakeboarding/wake surfing/waterskiing
- Windsurfing
- Kayaking
- Hire a boat or pedalo
- Hike in the surrounding mountains to get a great view of the lake
Day two: paragliding
Many Alpine locations offer paragliding as an activity, and Annecy is no different! This is the perfect way to end your holiday whilst you enjoy a bird’s eye view of the cleanest lake in Europe and its surrounding peaks.
From March-November, you can enjoy this experience from 85€ per person (depending on the weather). It’s definitely one to tick off the bucket list!
Other aerial activities include hang-gliding, sky diving, hot air balloon and gyrocopter rides.
You can book a broad range of these activities with Activ’ Annecy.
Properties around Lake Annecy
A weekend in Annecy in autumn/winter
Day one: discover the culture
On day one, we’d recommend visiting Le Palais de I’Île and Musée-Chateau D’Annecy. These two historical monuments are the most iconic buildings in Annecy and are not to be missed.
With a joint fee of 7.20€ or 4€ for under-25s, you can purchase a combination ticket from either venue, granting access to both sites. Both are open every day throughout the year apart from Tuesdays.
If you’re still keen to discover more culture, head over to the Musée du Film d’animation, which is just a two-minute walk from the Chateau.
Between visits, you could stop for lunch or a coffee in one of the many restaurants in the old town.
Le Palais de I’Île
Le Palais de I’Île was listed as a historic monument in 1900, with its oldest parts dating back to the 12th century. Originally housing the prison and the minting workshop of the Counts of Geneva, this renowned medieval structure is located in the heart of Annecy and has since become an emblem of the town.
Guided tours are available, or opt for an unguided visit costing 3.90€ for an adult and 2€ for a child. There’s free entry for children under 12 and group rates for more than 5 people. You’ll need between 30 minutes and one hour to visit.
Musée-Chateau D’Annecy
Above the charming old town stands the Musée-Chateau D’Annecy, which became the residence of the Counts of Geneva in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Upon your visit, marvel at the authentic collections of traditional furniture and artworks and even pay a visit to the nature room where you can discover the local species and wildlife of the lake!
Entrance is 5.60€ and there’s free entry for children under 12 years. You’ll need approximately one hour to visit the site.
Musée du Film d’animation
Annecy is renowned for its rich animation history and has been home to an international festival every June since 1960. The Musée du Film d’animation offers a free and immersive experience for film enthusiasts and tourists alike, providing insights into the art’s roots, techniques, processes, and equipment.
The exhibition is open year-round (apart from Tuesdays and Sundays), from 10 am to 5 pm (apart from June-September, when it opens at 10:30 am). Expect to spend up to one hour here.
If you have more time to spare, you could also take a stroll around the following landmarks:
- Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
- Église Saint-François
- Église Saint Maurice
- Église Notre-Dame-de-Liesse d’Annecy
- Visitation Basilica
- Les Jardins de l’Europe
- Le Pont des Amours
Day two: go skiing!
Annecy is just a stone’s throw from a number of fantastic ski resorts including La Clusaz, Manigod and Le Grand Bornand. Driving to these resorts from Annecy takes around 50 minutes or you can catch the bus from the station.
If you’d prefer to stay a little closer to Annecy, there’s also Le Semnoz and La Sambuy, which may be nearer to your accommodation, depending on where you’re staying.
You can buy a half-day or full-day pass in most resorts and there are ski rental shops in-resort and en-route where you can hire some kit.
Visit the tourist office websites for each resort to find out more:
- La Clusaz
- Manigod
- Le Grand Bornand
- Le Semnoz (website in French only)
- La Sambuy
More ideas
If you still have some time on your hands, then you won’t struggle to find more activities to pack into your trip! Have a look at some ofour guides below to discover other things to do in the town…
- Discover the best bars and restaurants, or even explore the fine dining scene
- Try a cheese and wine tasting
- Visit the Annecy Food Market year-round or the Christmas Market in winter
- Visit a spa
Whether you’re looking for a cultural visit, an active holiday, a gourmet exploration or quality time with your loved ones, Annecy has it all.
Once you’ve decided on what kind of holiday you want to have, make sure to browse OVO Network’s range of partner properties in Annecy. From chic city-centre apartments in the heart of the action to luxury villas on the lake’s edge, you’ll find the perfect base for your next trip.
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