Things to do in Annecy

Why go to Annecy

• Lake Annecy (Lac d'Annecy)

  Europe's cleanest lake shimmers turquoise beneath the Alps, swimming, kayaking, and lakeside strolling all in one breathtaking spot.

• Palais de l'Isle

  A medieval island prison rising dramatically from the Thiou canal, one of France's most photographed monuments.

• Château d'Annecy

  A hilltop castle overlooking the old town with sweeping lake and mountain panoramas plus a regional history museum inside.

• Gorges du Fier

  A jaw-dropping narrow gorge carved by a rushing river just outside town, with suspended walkways over the churning water.

• Paragliding from Forclaz or Semnoz

  Launch off an Alpine ridge and glide over the lake in a tandem flight, one of the most spectacular paragliding settings in the world.

Good to know in Annecy

• Transit: Sibra city buses cost about $1.60 per ride and connect all neighborhoods; a 10-ride carnet saves money, and the train station is a 10-minute walk from the lake.
• Tipping: Tipping is not expected in France, rounding up the bill or leaving 1-2 euros for good service is perfectly generous.
• Tap water: Tap water in Annecy comes from Alpine springs and is among the purest in France, drink it freely and skip bottled water.
• Free-entry days: The Château d'Annecy is free on the first Sunday of each month; EU citizens under 26 get free entry every day.

Trip essentials