'''Annecy''' [http://www.annecy.fr] in the North of the French Alps, is the Venice of Savoie -- a well deserved title. The medieval town centre built around a '''14th Century Chateau''' is dissected by small canals and streams running out of Lac Annecy, which is clean, fresh and a wonderful azure colour. Annecy is also the prefecture of the departement of Haute-Savoie.

Get in

Annecy is a popular day trip from nearby Geneva, Switzerland (bring your passport for the border crossing).

Geneva is the nearest major international airport and is well served from across Europe and beyond. A little further away is Lyon, a full international airport, and Grenoble, which is focussed on low cost and winter flights [http://www.grenoble-airport.com/-GENERAL-PUBLIC-AREA-.html]. Both are about a one-hour drive by car or bus. The airport at Annecy only has flights to Paris.

See

Events

  • '''April''': A cozy village festival is held, a great place to bring the family. Rides and vendors are abundent, along with the great french cuisine. The festival lines Lac Annecy and is very peaceful and beautiful.
  • '''June''' : One of the biggest animation festivals is held in Annecy (6 days)
  • '''July''' : Noctibules festival during the nights (4 days)
  • The first week-end of '''August''' is the ''Lake Festival'' (''Fete du Lac'') with attractions around the lake and a great fireworks. This event brings more than 100'000 spectators.
  • '''October''' : "Descente des Alpages" or "Return from Alpine Pastures". Occurs once a year on the second Saturday of October. This is a traditional farmers' festival with local music, food and entertainment. [http://www.e-vlad.net/photos/France/Annecy-2005/ See pictures from this festival]
  • Do

  • '''Swim''', row or sail on the lake
  • '''Hike''' on the mountains around the city
  • '''Bike''' around the lake, or up in the mountains if you are in good shape.
  • '''Hangliding''' above the lake from the Col de la Forclaz (~20km)
  • '''Shop''' the many boutiques lining the narrow stone-paved streets. A large, modern mall can also be found in the newer part of the city.
  • '''Films''' a theatre near the large mall showing multiple films for your enjoyment.
  • Eat

    For between meals try the Italian ice cream shops, favored by the locals, located on the numerous pedestrian-only by-ways that weave the city and river together.

    Another suggestion is the brioche (sweet roll) and other goodies to be found at the boulangeries (bakeries) in town.

    Sleep

  • PV-Holidays Adagio Annecy Centre. ext to train station in business district, short walk from the Old Town and lake. 33 1 58 21 55 84. ttp://www.pv-holidays.com/scripts/fiche_produit.php?id_ofr=458&id_sai_passe=1. 80 Euros. An aparthotel offering studio style apartments for up to 4 people. A fitness room, sauna and private parking are also available.

    Bed & Breakfast, youth hostel exist. Surrounding mountains and lake activities are draining a large number of tourist during the summer and more and more during the winter season. Several winter sport resorts being in 30' drive.

    Buy

    Annecy has a number of local artisan shops as well as many European chain boutiques.

    There is a market (''marche'') each Sunday morning in the pedestrian streets of the medieval city. Le marche is an open air market with the freshest fruits and vegetables.

    Cope

    The town itself gets ridiculously busy in July but September brings less folk- visit then when the air is clearer and the views to the mountains are better.

    Get out

  • Discover small towns nearby in the Alps such as Thones, La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, Menthon St. Bernard, Duingt, Faverges
  • Use the place as a base to visit other places of the Alps such as Chamonix (~80k), Geneva (45 km), Chambery (40km), Yvoire (60km), Thonon, Evian, Val d'Isere, Aosta (IT, 100 km)...