What to do in Annecy in 3 days? The best things to do

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What to do in Annecy in 3 days: itinerary idea

Want to explore both the town and its surroundings?  Between mountains and lake, here is the perfect itinerary for a 3-day stay in the Venice of the Alps. 

NB: Find the details of this itinerary in the Annecy FAQ, at the bottom of the article.

10 must-see things to see or do in Annecy

If you're planning to visit Annecy, here are 10 ideas of things not to miss in this magnificent French town. You'll also find several of these ideas in our 3-day itinerary.

1. Visit the Old Town

Stroll through the charming cobbled lanes and discover the picturesque canals that earn it the nickname "Venice of the Alps". Explore the craft shops and local cafés, and don't miss the colourful markets where you can taste regional produce. Book your guided tour here.

2. Explore the Palais de l'Isle

Visit this iconic monument located on an islet in the middle of the Thiou, formerly a prison and courthouse. Learn more about its fascinating history through interactive exhibitions and admire the well-preserved medieval architecture that makes it one of the symbols of the town.

3. See Annecy Castle 

Climb up to the castle overlooking the town to explore its museums and enjoy the panoramic view over the lake and mountains. Discover the exhibitions dedicated to regional art and history, and don't miss the medieval towers offering exceptional viewpoints.

4. Enjoy Lake Annecy with its turquoise-blue waters 

Take a cruise on the lake to admire the Alpine scenery or hire a pedalo as a couple, with friends or with your children. You'll see, it's great fun. Electric boats are also available. And to get in shape, try stand-up paddleboarding, very popular on the lake. Another option: take part in a diving session to explore the aquatic wildlife.

5. Relax in the Jardins de l'Europe 

Stroll through this large lakeside park, perfect for a relaxing break or a picnic. It's also an excellent place for birdwatching and photography, thanks to its magnificent landscapes and varied flora. Children will enjoy the playgrounds and open spaces for running and playing.

6. Capture your visit in front of the Pont des Amours 

Cross this romantic bridge, ideal for a photo with a magnificent view of the lake and surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for sunset walks and often chosen for marriage proposals because of its picturesque setting and its romantic legend.

7. See the Basilica of the Visitation

Visit this basilica, which offers not only spiritual interest but also a breathtaking view over the town from its elevated position. Take time to meditate in the tranquillity of its gardens or explore the sacred art it houses, enriching your cultural and spiritual experience.

8. Recharge at the Pâquier 

Enjoy this large green esplanade to relax, have a picnic or simply watch people and nature. It's a meeting place for locals and visitors, ideal for family activities or open-air concerts in summer.

9. Explore the Gorges du Fier

A few kilometres from Annecy, walk along a built walkway overlooking this impressive gorge. This adventure offers a unique experience of nature, with spectacular views of the rock formations and the tumultuous water below, capturing the wild essence of the region.

10. Go to the Fête du Lac in summer

If you visit in early August, don't miss this spectacular firework display over the lake, one of the most beautiful in Europe.

And to answer the question: What to do in Annecy and around? We suggest you visit Yvoire, one of the most beautiful villages in France, or spend a day in Chamonix! 

What to do in Annecy with the family: 6 ideas for outings with children

This town is truly ideal for a 3-day weekend or longer. All around the lake, you'll find large playgrounds, with activities and even a children's carousel. What's more, the old town centre can be visited on foot, with many shops, ice-cream parlours and a playground too if you want a break. 

Besides visiting Annecy Castle and the town's sublime gardens, here are our best ideas for family outings: 

1. Cycle around Lake Annecy: the route is safe and offers magnificent views. You'll love it!
2. Enjoy a relaxing day at Albigny beach: with its shaded areas, children's games and lifeguard supervision, it's the ideal place to spend an afternoon with the family when it's hot.
3. Visit the Parc Animalier de la Grande-Jeanne: a forest park where your children can see deer, goats and other animals in a natural setting.
4. Try a treetop adventure course near Annecy: ideal, you can climb the trees in complete safety. Adults can do it too. 
5. Take a moment to go to the Mini Golf du Pâquier, located on the vast Pâquier esplanade, facing the lake.
6. Go and visit the Animated Film Museum, especially if you like cinema and cartoons. Your children can learn the art of animation.

3-day weekend: what to do in Annecy when it rains?

Of course, you can never predict the weather when you book a weekend away in advance. So don't panic if it rains during these 3 days in Annecy, we have a few ideas of things to do to keep you sheltered 🙂

• Explore the Palais de l'Isle located in the middle of a canal, perfect for learning more about the history of Annecy while staying out of the rain.
• Visit Annecy Castle with its many indoor exhibitions 
• Dive into the world of cinema and animation with the Animated Film Museum
• Go and see the Conservatoire d'Art et d'Histoire d'Annecy (free admission)
• Make the most of the covered streets and passages of the Old Town for shopping on rainy days
• Go and visit the Halles de l'Île (covered markets) to taste local produce and other Savoyard specialities. Take the opportunity to have dinner in a good restaurant or warm up in a pretty café in the old town.
• Go to the cinema, why not? Ideal in cold, damp weather.
• Take part in a cooking workshop to learn how to make local dishes such as tartiflette.
• Finally, last but not least, treat yourself to a spa and wellness session in the town.

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What to do in Annecy in the evening?

On a 3-day weekend and wondering what to do in the evening? Here are a few suggestions: 

The old town district is full of charming bistros and waterside restaurants where it's lovely to dine in the evening. For those looking for a livelier evening, you'll find many bars and pubs in the town centre, notably around the old town and Rue Carnot. 

On some evenings and depending on availability, you can enjoy a night cruise on Lake Annecy. Perfect for seeing the town illuminated while enjoying dinner or a cocktail.

Also check the programme of the Théâtre Bonlieu and other Annecy venues if you want to see a play or a concert. Otherwise, head to the Casino Impérial. Besides the traditional games found in casinos, there are often special events or themed evenings.

Finally, throughout the year, Annecy hosts various festivals and events, many of them in the evening, such as the Fête du Lac with its famous fireworks. For this, we advise you to check the official tourism website for dates depending on your stay in Annecy. 

FAQ: visiting Annecy 

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions: 

What to see in Annecy in 3 days? A detailed look back at our itinerary  

Day 1: Discovering the Old Town of Annecy

• Morning: Start your day with a lovely stroll through the Old Town. You'll love its cobbled lanes, picturesque canals and many shops. Take the opportunity to visit the Palais de l'Isle.
• Lunch: Enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants offering Savoyard specialities.
• Afternoon: Visit Annecy Castle, overlooking the town, to discover its history and museums.
• Evening: Enjoy a walk along Lake Annecy, perhaps as far as the Jardins de l'Europe, and end the day with dinner by the lake.

Day 2: Annecy Castle and adventures around the lake

• Morning: Visit Annecy Castle, overlooking the town, to discover its history and museums.
• Afternoon: Hire a bike and cycle around the lake. This generally takes half a day and offers incredible views and pleasant stops in little villages. Feel free to settle on one of the beaches or in a lakeside café. If it's hot, now's the time to take a dip! 
• Evening: Return to Annecy. Dinner in the Old Town and, weather permitting, a short sunset cruise on the lake.

Day 3: Excursion around Annecy

• Morning: Take the car or a bus for an excursion to the Col de la Forclaz to admire the panorama over the lake from the heights.
• Lunch: Have lunch in a mountain restaurant, where you can taste local dishes such as tartiflette.
• Afternoon: Visit the Gorges du Fier or the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, two remarkable sites near Annecy.

How to get to Annecy?

If you live near Annecy, the car is ideal for total freedom of movement. From Lyon or Grenoble, reach Annecy via the A41 in under 1h30. From Marseille, allow 4 hours, and from Paris, about 5 hours. By train, the TGV from Paris takes 4 hours. TER trains also connect Annecy with regional cities such as Grenoble, Lyon and Chambéry. For long distances, consider flying to Geneva, Chambéry or Lyon.

How to get around Annecy?

Annecy is easy to discover on foot, especially the historic centre. The town has 132 km of cycle paths, ideal for cycling thanks to the flat terrain. The Vélonecy service offers more than 900 bikes for hire, including electric ones. In high season, parking can be limited, so using the bus is a good alternative thanks to its extensive network.

What to do in Annecy as a couple for 3 days?

Annecy is an ideal destination for lovers. Between a romantic walk around the lake or in the old town, a candlelit dinner in a waterside restaurant, a night cruise on the lake or a stay in a spa hotel in Annecy, you won't be bored.  

What to do in Annecy in winter: the best activities

In winter, Annecy turns into a fairytale landscape, yes indeed! Besides walks in the snow-covered old town, winter sports fans can enjoy the nearby ski resorts such as La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand. There is also Annecy's Christmas market, a must with its pretty festive decorations. Finally, don't miss the temporary ice rink at the Pâquier for ice skating with a view of the lake.

What to do in Annecy in summer: the best activities

Annecy in summer means plenty of water activities on the lake: sailing, paddleboarding, pedalos, electric boats or swimming in crystal-clear waters. You can also hike around the lake or in the neighbouring Alps. As for summer evenings, there are plenty of open-air concerts and festivals such as the Fête du Lac in August, for example.

Visiting Annecy without a car: what to do? What to see?

It's perfectly possible, thanks to its size and its public transport network. You can visit the old town, Annecy Castle and the Palais de l'Isle on foot. Nearby are the Jardins de l'Europe and the lake if you want to go for a walk. From there, you can hire a bike to get around more easily. 

Our special article "What to do in Annecy in 3 days" ends here. We hope all this information will help you plan your getaway and enjoy this wonderful Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. All that's left is to wish you a great trip and plenty of good vibes for other stays in France or elsewhere 😎