Annecy is a pretty lakeside town with a strong Alpine feel, known for its turquoise lake, canals lined with pretty flower boxes and colourful Old Town. You can wander the cobbled streets, browse little shops and cafes, cycle or swim around the lake, or head into the mountains for hiking and spectacular views. It’s often nicknamed the ‘Venice of the Alps’, with mountains instead of gondolas.
Annecy’s hotels are spread between the charming old town, the lakefront and a string of pretty lakeside villages, so where you stay makes a real difference. Vieille Ville is the best choice for first-time visitors who want cobbled lanes, canals, restaurants and Annecy’s main sights on the doorstep. There’s a good choice of character-filled boutique and design-led hotels, as well as historic stays. For a relaxed waterside base, the Lakefront puts you close to swimming spots, cycle paths and mountain views, while still being walkable to the centre. Expect a good mix of stylish, family-friendly and upscale hotels. Annecy le Vieux, just north of the centre of town, is quieter and more residential, with leafy streets, lake access and some lovely views. It’s a good choice for families, couples and anyone looking for a more peaceful hotel away from the tourist buzz. For an even quieter escape, head to the Lakeside Villages. Veyrier du Lac has an upmarket feel and lake-view hotels, while Talloires is particularly romantic, with a pretty village, waterfront restaurants and boutique hotels. Sevrier offers a more laid-back base, with cycling, lakeside walks and family-friendly accommodation. Annecy itself is easy to explore on foot, while bikes are ideal for getting around the lake. A car is useful for staying in the villages or exploring the mountains.
Ideal for: Canal walks, Old Town sightseeing, morning markets, Savoyard dining
Vieille Ville is the perfect spot for first-time visitors and anyone who wants to soak up Annecy’s picture-postcard side. The historic heart of town is very walkable, with canals, colourful buildings and cobbled lanes packed with cafes, restaurants and little shops. You’re also close to the Palais de l’Île, Château d’Annecy and the lively markets, while the lakefront is just a short stroll away. It’s the area to choose for atmosphere, sightseeing and evenings out, with plenty of charming boutique hotels. It can get busy in summer, but that’s part of the appeal if you want to be right in the middle of the action.
Did you know? Annecy’s Vieille Ville is criss-crossed by canals fed by the Thiou River, one of the shortest rivers in France at just 3.6 kilometres long.
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Ideal for: Lakeside walks, family holidays, mountain views, lake swimming, cycling
If you’d rather wake up to lake and mountain views, Annecy le Vieux is the ideal choice. It has a quieter, village-like character, with leafy lanes, waterfront paths and easy access to the lake for swimming, paddleboarding and cycling. The area is especially well suited to families and outdoorsy travellers, while couples will also appreciate its slower pace and pretty setting. There are a few historic sights, including the Romanesque church, but the real draw is being close to the water and enjoying the scenery. Accommodation tends to be more spacious and peaceful than in Vieille Ville, making it a good base for longer stays or anyone travelling by car.
Did you know? Annecy le Vieux is actually older than Annecy itself, with evidence of Roman settlement dating back more than 2,000 years.
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Ideal for: Mountain views, cycling, lake swimming, water sports, lakeside walks
For lake lovers and active travellers, Annecy’s Lakefront is all about making the most of that stunning blue water and dramatic mountain backdrop. The promenade is ideal for strolling and cycling, with easy access to swimming spots, paddleboarding and boat trips, while the Jardins de l’Europe and Pont des Amours are close by for a change of pace. Hotels here range from smart lakeside stays to more family-friendly options, and you can easily dip into the old town for dinner. It’s a particularly good area for families and couples who want to spend their days outdoors but still be within walking distance of Vieille Ville.
Did you know? Annecy’s Pâquier waterfront was once pastureland; its name comes from the old French word for ‘pasture’. Today, this seven hectare lakeside park is one of the city’s favourite spots for strolling, picnicking and enjoying the mountain views.
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Ideal for: Romantic escapes, water sports, lakeside dining, cycling holidays, lake swimming
For a quieter, more scenic take on Annecy, the Lakeside Villages are hard to beat. Talloires is the best spot for couples and romantics, with a pretty waterfront, gorgeous mountain scenery and lovely restaurants, while Veyrier du Lac feels more exclusive, with peaceful lakeside spots and impressive views across the water. Sévrier is a good all-rounder for families and active travellers, with easy access to cycling routes, swimming and water sports. All three are about enjoying the lake rather than sightseeing in town, with boat trips, paddleboarding, hiking and lakeside lunches among the main attractions. Hotels tend to be smaller, more peaceful and often more upmarket than those in central Annecy.
Did you know? Talloires was a favourite of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, who visited the bay in 1860 and reportedly exclaimed, “My God, it’s so beautiful!” The visit helped put the village firmly on the map as a fashionable lakeside retreat.
