What to see in Annecy

Overview

Sites, monuments and architectural ensembles

Palais de l'Isle
On an islet in the old town, between two canals, this fortified house, once a prison, dates from the 12th century and is highly photogenic. Its interior can be visited and houses the Interpretation Centre for Architecture and Heritage of Annecy.

Old Annecy
With its canals earning it the nickname "Venice of the Alps", its fountains, passages, and pedestrian arcaded streets (including Rue Sainte-Claire), the historic part of the city has undeniable charm.

Religious buildings

Basilique de la Visitation
Built in the early 20th century, it overlooks the city with a beautiful panorama. Home to the relics of Saint Francis de Sales, it is also a place of pilgrimage and a memorial museum dedicated to one of its annexes.

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
It dates from the 16th century with a Renaissance façade and a Gothic interior.

Église Saint-François
It’s a charming little Baroque church by the canal, in the old town, opposite the Palais de l'Isle. It’s also known as the Italians’ Church.

Museums

Annecy Castle-Museums
Overlooking the old town, this medieval building now houses the Regional Observatory of Alpine Lakes as well as various collections related to fine arts, contemporary arts, archaeology, ethnology, and the natural history of the region.

Parks, gardens and natural spaces

Jardins de l'Europe
A 3-hectare landscaped arboretum popular with walkers. It sits by the lakeside and extends into the Pâquier, another large landscaped promenade.

Lake Annecy
This large lake, with its stunning setting, is highly popular among residents of Annecy and the surrounding area. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from swimming and boating to hiking, cycling, diving, and fishing.

Charles Bosson Park
It is located not far from the Gardens of Europe. A park with beautiful trees, an aviary, and a beach (Imperial Beach) overlooking the lake.

In the surrounding area

The main sites to see within a fifty-kilometre radius of Annecy:

Aix-les-Bains
On the shores of Lake Bourget, Aix-les-Bains is one of France’s leading spa towns. It still boasts a significant architectural heritage from the "Belle Époque" era and attracts many tourists thanks to its location between lake and mountains.

Miolans Castle
An old medieval fortress perched on the commune of Saint-Pierre d'Albigny.

Château de Montrottier, Haute-Savoie, France

Montrottier Castle
Not far from Annecy, in Lovagny, this is a charming 13th-century fortified castle. In the same municipality, the Fier Gorges are narrow and deep.

Espace Diamant
A grouping of 5 ski resorts in Savoie and Haute-Savoie, offering over 300 km of slopes for skiers.

Escape Mont-Blanc
Six areas in Savoie and Haute-Savoie (including Megève) combined to offer over 200 slopes across more than 500 km, making it one of the largest winter sports resorts in the world.

Fort l'Ecluse
A striking military fort built into the mountainside facing the "Gorge of l'Ecluse". Via ferrata is practiced in the surrounding area.

La Clusaz
This is a winter sports resort located a few kilometres east of Annecy.

Lake Geneva
Between France and Switzerland, Lake Geneva is one of Europe's largest lakes. It’s also a tourist destination with renowned cities (Geneva, Vevey, Montreux...), its vineyards (Lavaux region), nearby ski resorts, and, incidentally, lake cruises or water sports.

Parc naturel régional du Massif des Bauges, Savoie, France

Regional Nature Park of the Bauges Massif
Straddling Savoie and Haute Savoie, this park primarily offers a "cultural" appeal with a distinct rural heritage.

plus on the Swiss side...

Geneva
With its iconic Jet d'Eau and old town, the city on Lake Geneva attracts tourists, business travelers, and representatives of international organizations alike.