What To Do In Annecy In One Day: An Itinerary For A Day Trip

Our Top Things To Do In Annecy In One Day

Annecy isn’t one of the towns that you often hear about when it comes to the top places to visit in France.  But it certainly should be!  

We spent a day in this lovely town, dubbed “the Venice of the Alps”, on a stop-over to Luxembourg from the South of France, and we will definitely be coming back.  

Here is our itinerary for what to do in Annecy in one day.

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Highlights of Annecy

Here is what we suggest as highlights of your one day in Annecy itinerary:

Where Is Annecy?

A pretty alpine town, Annecy is located in the east of France and near the Swiss border.  It is about an hour’s drive from Geneva, Switzerland and is nestled along Lac d’Annecy,

It is very easy to get to Annecy. The town is accessible by train from any of the major cities in France.  The train station is situated near the old town and only a 10 minute walk to most of the key destinations in the heart of the town.

Annecy Map of Historic Centre

✅ A wonderful way to experience a city is with a private tour. This 5 star tour gives you a wonderful walking tour to see all the sites we mention below plus you learn all the facts from a local person. This could be a perfect way to see this beautiful city.

Visit The Shops Along The Cobblestone Streets

If you are going to spend a day in Annecy, one of the best things to do is wander around the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town that are bordered by endless well-kept colourful shops. These lively streets give Annecy its iconic Alpine village vibe.  

We recommend starting your day in Annecy by lingering in the old town to enjoy its charm and beauty.  We spent the first hour of our visit just meandering through some of the pedestrian streets and checking out the artisanal shops as we made our way to the canal.

There are just so many picturesque shops to stop at.  And you don’t even need to go inside to enjoy their charm.  Many are beautifully decorated on the outside giving you a glimpse of what they have to offer when you step through their doors. 

There are quite a variety of shops as well.  You will find the standard high-end shops of many of the larger cities such as Aix-En-Provence, but you will also find smaller, artisan shops selling pottery, antiques, clothes and a great variety of local foods such as nougat, jams and biscuits.  

In old town tradition, some of the streets are focused on a particular kind of product. We found one little street that was dedicated to sandwich shops, rue Pont Morens each one with unique specialties all its own.

Stroll Along The Canal

One of the main highlights of old town Annecy is the lovely Thiou River and its network of canals that are fed from nearby Lac d’Annecy.  The canals cut through the old town with buildings and narrow streets butting against its sides.  It is often appropriately referred to as the “Venice of the Alps”.  

Bustling bistros and cafes line the sides of the canal and make a perfect spot to stop and enjoy the pastoral coloured houses along the canal banks.  Quaint pedestrian bridges give access to both sides of the water and make it convenient to go from one side to another.  

There are plenty of spots along the canal to take postcard worthy photos capturing the old town’s charm and beauty.  

We advise coming here earlier in the day as the area tends to become quite busy during the afternoon and early evening.  

Discover Palais de l’île

One of the most photographed sites on the canal is the simple but distinct Palais de l’île, which sits on the tip of a tiny natural stone island near the mouth of Le Thiou River.

The Palais de l’île started off as a fortified house in the early 14th century and was initially used as a prison in 1325.  It was owned by the Counts of Geneva who established a monetary mint here for a period of time until the end of the 14th century.

Over the centuries the Palais maintained its status as an office for the nobility and served as a court, a prison and, for a short time in the late 1800s, as an old age home. When you visit the museum, you can still see some of the original cells that were used during the Middle Ages.

It was first used as a museum in 1944 when it featured some of the history of the town of Annecy.  The Palais was named the Center for Architectural and Urban Interpretation in 2005 and is an original monument from the Middle Ages.

As you visit, the first large room that was originally used for interrogations now has an interesting display that describes the city’s growth and development.

From here you proceed up a spiral staircase to the second floor with additional display rooms and an interesting stone fireplace.

The ground floor houses the old cells along with the jailer’s kitchen. These are interesting to see but also a little creepy – similar to the ones we had seen in Ushuaia.

You can also tour the chapel and the outside courtyard. It is a fascinating place to visit given its age and unique functions over the years.

Museum Hours:

• Open: October to May, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. / June to September, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Closed: January 1, Easter Monday, May 1, May 8, Ascension, November 1, November 11, December 24, Christmas. And every Tuesday.

Explore Museé Chateau d’Annecy

Just a short 10 minute walk (uphill) from the Palais de l’île museum is the second of Annecy’s three museums.  

This one, le Museê Chateau d’Annecy was classified as a Historical Monument in 1902 and is designated a Museê de France.  This designation signifies that the museum is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of public interest and focused on education, knowledge and enjoyment of the public.

What is particularly interesting about this castle is the transformation that it has undergone over the centuries which gives it a unique and eclectic look.  

The original fortification built in the 12th century is representative of the castle’s defensive purpose and includes what is now called the Queen’s Tower – a 30 metre tower built in the 13th century.

The Castle was owned by the Counts of Geneva who used it as a residence for five generations from the beginning to the end of the 14th century.  In 1401, the castle was taken over by the House of Savoy and it was remodelled for their purposes.  The original kitchen with a bread oven still remains from this period.

During the 1500s more construction and renovation took place, this time incorporating the elegant style of the Italian and French Renaissance. 

Castle d’Annecy is a great example of the evolution of castle construction between the 13th and 16th centuries and is what gives this historic fortification its unique style.

The Castle was purchased by the city in 1953 and officially opened as a museum in 1959.  It hosts several temporary exhibitions and focuses on the history and archeology of the region.  

It also features fine art, contemporary art, ethnology and natural sciences.

Aside from visiting the castle for its historical and architectural significance, Chateau d’Annecy offers one of the best lookout points over the town, a view of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains.  

Museum Hours:

• Open: October to May, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. / June to September, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Closed: January 1, Easter Monday, May 1, May 8, Ascension, November 1, November 11, December 24, Christmas. And every Tuesday.

Check Out The Museé de Film d’Animation

The Museé de Film d’Animation is the third of Annecy’s three official museums.  It is a short 10 minute walk down the hill from the Castle d’Annecy, in the opposite direction from the old town.  

The idea for the museum was first conceived in 1956 when a group of 25 international filmmakers participating in the first edition of the International Animated Cinema Days at the Cannes Film Festival displayed original documents used in the making of their films.

The event was so successful that it encouraged organizers to propose a permanent Animation Museum in Annecy.  Initially, the collection was housed in the Museé Chateau d’Annecy, but since 2005, the collection has found a permanent home at its current location, the Conservatory of Art and History of the Haute-Savoie department.

The collection includes documents and objects such as drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, puppets, optical toys, cinematographic devices and posters.

Museum Hours:

• Open: October to May, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. / June to September, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Closed: January 1, Easter Monday, May 1, May 8, Ascension, November 1, November 11, December 24, Christmas. And every Tuesday.

✅ A fun way to see all these sites is by taking a Segway tour. This 5 star rated tour allows you to get around to see all the notable places within two hours so if you are short on time this can be a great option. Guests mention the guides are patient, learning how to ride is easy and it was a different way to experience the city.

Marvel At The Churches

Like all French towns and villages, Annecy has its share of churches.  But there are four located in the old town within a few minutes of each other that you may want to visit, or at least take a photo of if you are interested in old churches.

Eglise Notre Dame de Liesse

The first one you may want to visit is Eglise Notre Dame de Liesse.  While this church dates back to the 14th century, there is evidence that a church existed here as early as the 11th century.  

Unfortunately, the only part of the ancient church that remains today is the 14th century Bell Tower.  The rest of the church was rebuilt between 1846 and 1855. We found the large dome with painted frescos to be quite impressive. 

There is some interesting religious significance to the church.  It is said that the Holy Shroud which currently resides in Turin, was displayed here for a brief period in July 1566.  During this time, the mother of St. François de Sales is believed to have come here to ask god for a firstborn son and François was born the following year.

Eglise Saint François de Sales

This Baroque Catholic Church near the edges of Lac d’Annecy, was built in the middle of the 16th Century and is dedicated to Saint François de Sales. Saint François was actually entombed here after his death in 1622 before later being moved to the Basilica of the Visitation.

Cathedral Saint Pierre

This Gothic style church in the middle of the old town was built in the 16th century and is classified as an Historical Monument.  During the Protestant Reformation, this church served as a refuge for its counterpart in Geneva.

Eglise Saint Maurice

Eglise Saint Maurice is the oldest church in Annecy, dating to 1422 where it was first constructed as a simple chapel.  The style of the church is described as late Gothic and is representative of similar churches in the Alps.  

This simple and understated church was classified as a Historic Monument in 1957.

Kiss Your Loved One On The Ponts des Amours

The Ponts des Amours (Lovers Bridge) is one of the most photographed locations in Annecy, so if you are an Instagram obsessive or just like a nice photo spot, then you will definitely want to make your way to this famous little bridge.

It is located on the northern edge of Jardins de l’Europe, near the banks of Lac d’Annecy.  If you are in the old town, it takes about 7 to 10 minutes to walk depending on which part you are in.

The bridge is short and crosses the Le Vassé Canal, which is quite a lovely spot with majestic plane trees lining the banks on both sides. 

The views from the bridge are spectacular as well and change with the seasons.  On one side of the bridge, you look out over Lac d’Annecy with the Alps in the background.  On the other side is the tree-lined canal peppered with ducks and swans flitting on the water.

The original bridge that was here was built in 1858, a wooden 3 arched structure that turned out to be too narrow for pedestrians and too low for boats.  It was replaced by the current iron bridge which was inaugurated in 1907.

Because of its scenic location, it is a favourite spot for wedding photos.  Legend has it that if you kiss your lover on this bridge you will be united forever.  Another legend suggests that the bridge got its name because in the early days after the bridge was built, it was a popular spot for prostitutes to conduct their business.  We will let you decide which story you prefer.

In any event, it is a great spot to visit and you will definitely get some nice photos from here.

Relax In The Jardins de l’Europe

After spending the morning in the old town of Annecy, we suggest bringing your lunch (which you hopefully brought from one of the many food vendors around the canal) and a bottle of wine and relax in the vast space that is the Jardin de l’Europe.  

The Jardins de l’Europe is a green oasis between the old town and Lac d’Annecy that has played a part in the town’s culture and history since the Middle Ages.

During the 1800s more than 650 trees and 1000 shrubs were planted on the property in an effort to make it like an English garden.  It was at this time that the area became known as le Jardin de l’Europe.  

Today, the garden has around 250 trees and countless shrubs.  The semi-circular park is bordered by a wide, paved promenade that separates its greenery from the blue waters of the lake.  We would say this is the best spot for a view over the lake. Benches sprinkled through the park offer lots of places to just sit and relax.

Admire Lac d’Annecy

Lac d’Annecy is by far one of the area’s greatest attractions in Annecy.  It is the 3rd largest lake in all of France and is considered one of the purest lakes in Europe.  

Our recommendation on your one day in Annecy is to spend the better part of the afternoon in and around the lake.  There is plenty to do here, with a wealth of boating activities including paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing or taking in a relaxing guided boat tour of Lake Annecy and its surroundings.

You can also enjoy a nice walk along the Louis Lachenal Promenade. This is a lovely large green area with walkways.

It leads you to the Imperial Palace, a stunning hotel located right on the lake. This is a popular place in the summer months with a beach club and water activities.

If you like to walk there are a number of trails that take you along the shores of the lake. If you are a real walking enthusiast, there is even a 43 kilometre walking tour that goes right around the lake.  

This tour takes you through 10 different communes and takes about a day, so it this is your thing, then you will need an extra day to see the rest of Annecy.

Whatever your preference you will find the leisure activities around Lac d’Annecy, coupled with the spectacular views of the Alps to be a great way to enjoy this wonderful part of France.

End Your Day with Some Alpine Cuisine Along the Canal

We can’t think of a better way to end your 1 day in Annecy than with a traditional Alpine dinner at one of the fabulous restaurants along the canal in the old town.  

We found a great little spot that specialized in local cuisine called La Fretti.  It was a tough choice to decide between the rich and yummy cheese fondu with the fresh made warm thick bread or the other traditional specialty, a wheel of raclette cheese served piping hot over steamed potatoes. 

Since there were two of us, we couldn’t each order one and split it because each was a meal for two. Although parts of me are thinking we should have given that a try. But then maybe this is an argument as to why you should actually stay in Annecy for two days!

✅ The next time we are in Annecy we will plan to do this 5 star food tour. Guests rave about the amazing guide, the great selection of foods and drinks they tried and the nice stops at historical locations along the way.

FAQs

Is One Day In Annecy Enough?

Ok, so this is a question we get a lot and from our perspective, although you can hit the major highlights of this beautiful city as a perfect day trip, it is definitely a place you will want to return to.

But, if your time is limited, it is better to spend one day in Annecy than miss it altogether.

Is Annecy A Walkable City?

We arrived in Annecy by car and parked it at the hotel the entire time we were there. We walked to all of the sites that we listed in this blog on our Annecy day trip.  So if you are wondering if Annecy is a walkable city, wonder no more – it definitely is the best way to see this wonderful town on your visit to Annecy.

Can I Do A Day Trip To Annecy From Geneva?

Taking a day trip from Geneva to Annecy is quite doable.  If you are driving, it takes about 40 minutes to an hour depending on the traffic.

Another good choice is to take the train since the Annecy train station is just a 10 minute walk to where all of the action starts.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Annecy?

Well, since Annecy is truly a four-season town, depending on whether you prefer warmth and sunshine or you have your mind set on skiing the white powder snow of the Alps, there is really no bad time to visit Annecy.

We would advise that the shoulder seasons are probably our favourite time to visit this region of France, just to avoid the crowds of tourists that come in the summer.

Where To Eat In Annecy

If you enjoy delicate, sweet treats make a stop at Rose des Neiges. They make some of the most gorgeous cakes. There is a cute tea room in the back as well but you also have the choice to take away. Don’t miss this spot!

And be sure to try some of the best ice cream at Les Glacier des Alpes. They have been making artisinal ice cream since 1966 and are the oldest ice cream shop in Annecy.

They have a wide variety of flavours and they even give you a little baby scoop of a different flavour to try on each cone. So tasty!

For pre-dinner drinks, we would suggest stopping in at La Cave for a nice glass of wine from the region. There seemed to be more locals in this little spot and is located down a little alleyway.

We enjoyed sitting at the bar and had a new varietal for us called Jacquere. This is a very relaxed and laid-back location. We didn’t eat here but we saw some of the appetizer plates being delivered to others and they looked good.

As mentioned above, we highly recommend La Freti for a fondue dinner. The atmosphere here is very casual, the servers are helpful and the food is fantastic. This is a perfect location to enjoy a traditional-style meal and one of the top things to do here.

Where To Stay In Annecy

We wanted to stay in a location close to the main core so we chose Hotels des Alpes. This location is perfect. The people onsite are friendly and there is a nice breakfast on offer.

If you have mobility issues this may not be the choice for you. You must walk up steps to get to the lobby. There is a tiny elevator (we referred to it as the space capsule) that takes you to two of the floors but if you are on the top floor there are more steps up to that level.

Be prepared that the rooms are very tiny! For us, this wasn’t an issue as we were only in the room to sleep, since we were out enjoying the best of Annecy all day and into the evening.

If you are looking for something right in the city centre with a view of the canal then check out the Hotel du Palais de l’Isle. This is a very central location also within walking distance of literally everything in Annecy including restaurants and sites. Reviewers do mention that it can be noisy since it is in the middle of the action.

The Final Word…What To Do In Annecy In One Day

Annecy is a fabulous place to visit, and it is a great destination for a day trip.  There is just so much to do here from spending time beside the beautiful lake, learning about the history of Annecy, wandering its medieval streets and strolling along its romantic canals.

Annecy is a great place to stop on your way through southeastern France.  That’s what we did and why we have put it back on our bucket list.