Important information:
Am 10. April 2024 wurden das Kundenportal sowie der Web-Zugriff auf das Kartenkonto eingestellt. Bitte laden Sie die Swiss Bankers App herunter, um weiterhin uneingeschränkten Zugriff auf alle Dienste zu haben.
Are you a Swiss Bankers sales partner?
Hier geht es zum Partnerportal.
Nestled between turquoise-blue waters and the peaks of the Alps lies Annecy – a place that almost seems a little too beautiful to be true. In this article, you’ll discover Annecy’s most beautiful sights, special spots and the best hidden gems. As you explore this charming town, nestled between alpine scenery and French flair, a harmonious blend of nature, history and an almost Mediterranean-like light-heartedness gradually unfolds.
03.04.2026
Eliza
Contents:
Cycling, boating or SUP: experience the top activities on Lake Annecy
From hiking to paragliding: Activities in the mountains around Annecy
Savoyard cuisine: Discover the culinary highlights of Annecy
Between the mountains and the lake: finding stylish accommodation in Annecy
Transport & getting there: the best tips for your stay in Annecy
Photo: A view of Annecy’s old town, surrounded by pastel-coloured houses and tranquil canals reminiscent of Venice.
The old town of Annecy in France, also known as the ‘Vieille Ville’, forms the heart of the city and is one of the most beautiful sights in Annecy. Pastel-coloured houses are reflected in the canals, and small bridges span the winding alleyways – it almost feels like being in an Alpine Venice.
One highlight is the Palais de l’Isle, a historic building situated right in the water, which now houses a museum. Also well worth a visit is the Château d’Annecy, which towers above the town and offers fascinating insights into its history.
Be sure to take a stroll across the romantic Pont des Amours – a magical spot, especially at sunset. The Jardins de l’Europe also invite you to enjoy a relaxing walk right by the water’s edge.
Just above the town lies the Basilique de la Visitation, from where you can enjoy sweeping views over Annecy and the lake – a peaceful moment, especially in the early hours of the morning.
Photo: Early morning at Lac d'Annecy, with calm waters, soft light and views of the surrounding mountains – a peaceful moment far from the busy paths.
Even away from Annecy’s well-known sights, there are places that are often overlooked – and that’s precisely what makes them so special.
One lovely spot is the little canal running alongside Rue Sainte-Claire, where life in the old town is a little quieter, but no less vibrant. Here you’ll find small shops, hidden cafés and views that are often missing from photos.
Less well-known, but well worth a visit, is a walk towards Talloires on the eastern shore of Lac d’Annecy. The landscape here opens up, the views stretch further – and the atmosphere is much more relaxed than in the centre.
You can enjoy a particularly refreshing change of perspective from the water: hire a SUP or a small boat and explore the shores off the beaten track. Especially in the early evening, Annecy reveals a completely different, almost unexpected side to itself.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit out of the ordinary, it’s also worth popping into small concept stores or local markets – here, Annecy reveals itself to be modern, creative and surprisingly versatile.
Photo: When stand-up paddleboarding on the turquoise waters of Lac d'Annecy, you’re treated to a stunning view of the surrounding mountains.
Lac d’Annecy isn’t just one of Annecy’s most beautiful attractions, but also the perfect place for days that are both active and relaxing.
In summer, the lake is perfect for swimming – particularly around Plage d’Albigny, where shallow shores and clear water create ideal conditions. Those who prefer a quieter spot will find plenty of small, less crowded spots along the lakeshore.
A cycle ride around the lake is very popular: the well-maintained cycle path takes you past small villages, through shaded stretches and frequently right alongside the water. It’s one of the most beautiful ways to explore the countryside at your own pace.
For a change of perspective, it’s well worth trying stand-up paddleboarding or taking a small boat out. From the water, Annecy takes on a completely different character – more expansive, tranquillier and almost a little otherworldly. Especially in the early morning or in the evening, an almost meditative atmosphere takes hold here.
Photo: A paraglider flying over Lac d'Annecy, with sweeping views of the Alpine landscape and the sparkling blue water below.
The mountains around Annecy offer ideal conditions for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Among the best-known vantage points are Mont Veyrier and Semnoz – both offering impressive views of the lake.
The hiking trails range from leisurely walks to more challenging routes. They often lead through woods, across open slopes and, time and again, to vantage points offering surprisingly sweeping views.
Paragliding is a truly special experience: from the Col de la Forclaz, you glide over the turquoise waters and the surrounding mountains – a moment of freedom and tranquillity that lingers in the memory and reveals Annecy from a completely new perspective.
The region retains its charm in winter too: smaller ski resorts, snowshoe walks and tranquil landscapes offer a relaxing alternative to the large, often overcrowded Alpine regions.
Photo: There are numerous cosy restaurants in Annecy’s old town serving delicious regional specialities such as raclette and fondue.
Annecy also has plenty to offer in terms of cuisine. The regional cuisine of Savoy is characterised by hearty specialities such as raclette, fondue and tartiflette – ideal after a day full of experiences between the lake and the mountains.
For a special evening, it’s well worth a visit to Le Clos des Sens, which is renowned for its creative cuisine with a strong regional influence. Here, local ingredients are used, often given a surprising twist and executed with great finesse.
Le Bon Wagon offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere – a charming blend of café, concept store and cycle shop, perfect for a break after a cycle ride along the lake. For dinner with a view, we recommend L’Auberge du Père Bise, situated right on the waterfront and particularly atmospheric in the evening.
If you prefer a livelier atmosphere, it’s well worth a stroll through the old town around Rue Sainte-Claire: here, small restaurants, bakeries and delicatessens line the streets. A lovely place to stop, for example, is Le Freti, known for its wide selection of cheese dishes.
For a sweet finish, we recommend a visit to Glacier des Alpes – often described as one of the best ice-cream parlours in the region. Alternatively, the little patisseries invite you to simply go with the flow and pop in on a whim.
Annecy offers a lovely selection of stylish accommodation – from small boutique hotels in the old town to modern properties overlooking the lake. Whether you prefer to stay right in the heart of the action or are looking for a bit more peace and quiet, you’ll find the perfect place here for a relaxing break.
Selected hotels in Annecy:
Le Boutik Hotel: A lovingly designed boutique hotel in a historic townhouse, with individually furnished rooms and a very personal atmosphere – centrally located and ideal for a stylish stay in the old town.
Hébé Hotel: A modern design hotel with clean lines, a quiet location and great attention to detail – a lovely blend of contemporary comfort and relaxed elegance.
Hotel La Cour du 6: A small, charming hotel right in the heart of the old town, which captivates with its location and intimate size – perfect for experiencing Annecy right on your doorstep.
Moxy Annecy: An urban, modern hotel with a relaxed atmosphere, stylish interiors and a lively communal area – ideal for anyone who prefers things to be straightforward and a little more dynamic.
Abbaye de Talloires: A former monastery right by the lake, which combines history, tranquillity and nature in a special way – perfect for a relaxing break just outside the city.
Whether centrally located in the old town or in a quieter spot on the lakeside – Annecy is a delight to explore from your accommodation. It’s often the small, personally run establishments that make your stay truly special.
Photo: A spring-like atmosphere in Annecy, with blossoming trees lining the canals and a view of the mountains in the background.
The best time to explore Annecy’s sights is from spring to autumn. May and September in particular are considered ideal months: pleasantly warm, often sunny and much more relaxed than the peak season.
In spring, the town slowly comes to life, the first cafés open their terraces and the mountains around Annecy are still partly covered in snow – a lovely contrast to the fresh, green countryside. Summer brings warm temperatures and a lively atmosphere: the lake becomes the centre of attention, offering perfect conditions for swimming, cycling or water sports.
Autumn feels quieter and almost a little more laid-back. The air becomes clearer, the colours more intense, and the surroundings take on a particularly atmospheric quality – ideal for walks and trips into the mountains.
Winter, too, has its own charm: Annecy becomes much quieter, the old town takes on an almost fairy-tale quality, and the snow-capped peaks provide a stunning backdrop. Those who prefer a less touristy atmosphere will find it particularly relaxing at this time of year.
Photo: A view across Lac d'Annecy in bright daylight, with turquoise water, gentle ripples and the surrounding mountains in the background – peaceful, expansive and with a pleasantly light atmosphere.
Annecy is pleasantly easy to reach and just as relaxed to explore once you’re there. Many distances are short, the old town is largely car-free, and the surrounding area invites you to take your time – whether on foot, by bike or on short trips around the lake.
Tips for getting around and travelling to Annecy:
Travelling by train: Annecy is well connected to the rail network, with direct or fast services from cities such as Geneva, Zurich and Basel. From the station, you can reach the old town in about 10 minutes on foot.
Getting around on foot: Most of Annecy’s attractions are close together. The old town and the paths along the lake, in particular, can be explored at a leisurely pace and without any traffic.
Hiring a bike or e-bike: A well-developed cycle path runs around Lac d’Annecy. You can easily hire bikes and e-bikes from providers such as Roul’ ma Poule – ideal for cycling flexibly around the lake.
Public transport: Buses connect Annecy with the surrounding lakeside villages. Tickets are available from ticket machines, in tobacconists (Tabac) or conveniently via the SIBRA app.
Car for day trips: If you want to reach more remote places or viewpoints, a car can be useful. In the old town itself, however, it’s less practical, as many areas are traffic-calmed.
Annecy isn’t a place you can simply ‘tick off’ your list, but one to be discovered step by step. It’s often the slower ways of getting around – on foot or by bike – that make your stay special.
Conclusion: Annecy uniquely combines a lake, mountains and an old town whose canals are almost reminiscent of Venice. It’s not a place for rushed to-do lists, but for leisurely exploration. Amidst the water, narrow streets and views, a sense of light-heartedness emerges that cannot be planned – and which lingers quietly in the memory.
© Swiss Bankers 2026
Compare cards and conditions
