The Old Town is the essential (open-air museum, to explore on foot): Palais de l'Isle (former 12th-century prison, iconic image, visit €5.30), Annecy Château (museum, panoramic view, €5.50), Saint-Pierre Cathedral (16th century), Visitation Basilica (above the town, exceptional view), Lovers' Bridge (free romantic), Rue Sainte-Claire (picturesque medieval arcades), Old Town market (Tuesday-Friday-Sunday morning, one of Savoie's most authentic).
The Lake Annecy: swimming at free public beaches (Marquisats, Albigny, Saint-Jorioz) or paid (Impérial), lake tour by bike (40 km of secure cycle paths on the former railway — one of Europe's most beautiful rides, 3-4h on MTB, possible on e-bike for the slopes €30-40/day), sailing and paddle (rentals everywhere), commented cruise (Compagnie des Bateaux €14-22/person, 1-2h), diving (Inuit Dive), paragliding from Col de la Forclaz (tandem flight €90-120, spectacular view of the lake and Aravis).
The excursions around the lake: Talloires (east shore, the "Saint-Tropez of Annecy", fishing port, 3-star restaurant Yoann Conte €200-350/person), Menthon-Saint-Bernard (15 min, medieval château birthplace of Saint-Bernard, beach), Duingt (picturesque peninsula), Sevrier (Bell Museum), Doussard (Bout du Lac nature reserve), Roc de Chère (nature reserve, 2h round-trip hike with panoramic view).
The Alpine gateway: La Clusaz (40 min, family ski), Megève (1h, chic and historic), Chamonix (1h, Mont Blanc 4,809 m, Aiguille du Midi cable car 3,842 m), Évian and Geneva (45 min-1h, Lake Geneva). In summer: Aravis hikes (La Tournette 2,351 m, 6h), Fier gorges (spectacular canyon 10 km away).
Read also
- Rhône-Alpes — Lyon, Chamonix, Mont Blanc, French Alps.
- France — Complete country guide.
- Nice — The Riviera 5h by car south.
- Strasbourg — Alsatian capital 5h east.