Not quite up the ranks of Venice’s celebrated romance or Amsterdam’s winding canals, but 22 miles south of Geneva you will encounter the most charming French village, nested in the Northern Alps. Tracing back to thousands of years ago, Annecy is the so-called Venice of the North, a whimsical town in which to explore rich history, lovely architecture and spectacular natural vistas. It was my second time here, and I could keep on coming back.
Although Annecy is fairly small, there is so much to do here.
Explore the outdoors
Incredibly blessed by nature, Annecy is where you should take advantage of a sunny day to explore the great outdoors. Standing at the foot of the Alps, Lake Annecy is its most noteworthy sight and the third largest lake in Europe.
The lake was formed about 18,000 years ago, at the time when large alpine glaciers melted. It’s known as Europe’s cleanest lake, so feel free to go for a swim if weather allows it. It is also a great weekend destination for outdoor sports, such as hiking and paragliding, and boat tours.
Tour Lake Annecy
The best time to enjoy the lake is summertime. You can either rent a water bike or a bigger boat. Within an hour cruising the lake, you will see a wide variety of lands: clear waters, surrounding forests and mountaintops covered in snow. As you may expect, the panorama is full of alpine character and serene surroundings.
Coming prepared for a picnic is also a great idea, as there are generous green lawns on where to spread your blankets and spend an entire afternoon overlooking the lake. For those of you traveling with kids, Annecy is equipped with playgrounds, as well as a fun stage where they can sing and unleash their boundless energy.
The Old Town of Annecy
Realistically speaking, Annecy can be explored in less than a day, all by foot. Once you cross Pont De Halle, you enter the Old Town, or Vieille Ville, as the locals call it. The view will instantly transport you to Venice, with its nice little homes touching the canals. The main attraction is Palais De I’lle, which for centuries acted as a courthouse and a prison.
Standing right in the middle of the canal, it’s the most photographed spot in Annecy. From thereon, you should walk the Old Town’s quaint, flower-filled cobblestone streets along the Thiou Lake, passing by churches, castles, houses, as well as many stores and restaurants. You will have seen it all in just a few hours.
For me, Annecy represents the epitome of a whimsical travel fantasy. The more I explored the Old Town, the more I fell in love with the magnificent canals, pretty flowers and historic houses. And as one of the oldest inhabited sites in the Northern Alps, it is full of surprises at any given corner.
Café and restaurants
As quaint as Annecy can be, there is no shortage of charming cafes and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for fondue, an authentic French crepe or just a plentiful meal, there are countless options you could explore.
I went with my family to Le Pichet. We were very happy with both the food and the service; both the steak and duck platters are excellent, as is the legendary fondue. Beware of the restrooms, however; one of the doors tends to get stuck.
Have you ever been to Annecy?
