Day 1 in Annecy

Welcome to Annecy! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Begin your afternoon with a pleasant lunch at any of the charming cafes in Vielle Ville (Old City), an area of narrow and enticing medieval streets and flower-decked cobbled streets on either side of the Canal du Thiou. Here you`ll find endless restaurants, bistros, and cafes with outdoor seating and pleasant views.

Spend the rest of the day wandering along the canals and promenade. On the island in the middle, the Palais de l`Isle, built in 1132, was once the home of the Lord of Annecy. It later became the Count of Geneva`s administrative headquarters, then a courthouse, a mint and a jail. It now houses a display of the city`s and region`s history.

As night falls head to one of the canal-side French or Savoyard restaurants to enjoy some local cuisine. Then grab some dessert at a local bakery or enjoy a glass of local Savoie wine or Baton de Feu beer while admiring the city vibe at night. Take in the culture and enjoy the laid back, friendly atmosphere.

Day 2 in Annecy

Wake up early and visit the farmer`s market, there are various markets going on throughout the week. You can`t miss this beautiful spread of fresh local produce and market wares. Grab a croissant and cup of coffee before heading on an adventurous day of sightseeing.

After breakfast, saddle up for a bike ride and explore the countryside and landscape. There is a spectacular cycle route around the circumference of Lake Annecy, about 30 miles. It`s mostly flat and offers a beautiful scenery. Although the cycle path follows the outline of the lake, it does veer away from it in a few places, taking you past lush meadows and lovely old farmhouses. There are many options for different cycle routes depending on how adventurous and energetic of a cyclist you are. We recommend you grab some snacks and a picnic lunch to stop along the way. This is a beautiful way to spend your day.

Finish your day with a fabulous dinner at one of the charming restaurants in town. Make sure to try the Raclette or Fondue, or both! These regional specialties are a cheese-lover`s paradise.

Day 3 in Annecy

Start your day with a visit to the Annecy Castle (Chateaux d`Annecy), a short walk uphill from town. It dates from the 12th-century and 4-foot thick walls from that time are still visible. The Chateau was built over a period of four hundred years and then fell into disrepair. The city bought and restored it and now houses a museum. The hilltop views from the castle are spectacular.

Afterward, stop for a visit at Pont des Amours, Annecy`s Love Bridge. Legend has it that if two lovers kiss on the bridge, they will stay together forever. Even if you have no one to kiss that you want to make that kind of commitment with, this famous site, overlooking the lake and the mountains is well worth a stop.

For lunch, grab some French pastries, cheese, baguettes, and cold meats from the market stalls and head to the European Gardens to enjoy a beautiful lakeside picnic.

In the afternoon, spend some time exploring the many Catholic churches dotted around town. These churches offer some beautiful historical architecture including stained-glass windows, impressive grand organs, and medieval paintings. The Renaissance-Gothic Cathedral St Pierre became the seat of the bishop of Geneva after the Reformation forced him out of the newly Protestant city. St Francois de Sales and St Jeanne de Chantal, the patron saints of Annecy, were originally buried in the Eglise St Francois near the Hotel de Ville. However, their remains were moved to the Basilica of the Visitation built during the 1930s on a hill outside Annecy. The church is still an important place of pilgrimage.

Alternatively, enjoy the rest of the afternoon strolling and shopping the many boutiques lining the narrow stone-paved streets. You`ll find a number of local artisan shops as well as many European chain boutiques. A large, modern mall can also be found in the newer part of the city.

In the evening, head to the embankment near the European Gardens where you`ll find several options of boat cruises. Take a dinner boat cruise of Lake Annecy. Getting out on the water gives you views of town, the surrounding area and a world-class view of the mountains.

Additional Days in Annecy

Explore more of the Haute-Savoie, Rhone-Alpes region by discovering some of the small towns nearby in the Rhone-Alps such as Thônes, La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, Menthon St. Bernard, Duingt, Faverges, Mercury.

Your Last Day In Annecy

Depart your hotel for the airport for the airport or train station where you will head home or make your way to more European adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in Annecy and the Rhone-Alpes Region of France.