France · Region

Annecy

Annecy is the alpine town where turquoise water meets the mountains, its medieval old town threaded with canals that have earned it the nickname "Venice of the Alps." Perched on the shore of one of Europe's clearest lakes, it pairs storybook streets and a hilltop castle with easy access to hiking, cycling and watersports in the surrounding Alps.

Getting thereAnnecy has its own small airport (NCY) but it serves only private charter flights, so most travellers fly into Geneva Airport (GVA) and continue by train or bus (~1h–1h30) or drive (~40–45 minutes); Lyon–Saint-Exupéry (LYS) and Chambéry (CMF) are more distant alternatives with their own bus and rail links. Annecy's own SNCF station sits in the town centre and is well connected by regional TER trains to Lyon, Grenoble, Chambéry and Geneva.

How long to stayPlan on ~2–3 days to wander the old town's canals and Palais de l'Île, climb up to the château, and get out on or around the lake, with extra days if you want to explore the surrounding Alps.

Top attractions

Musée-Château d'Annecy: Travel Guide (4.1★) — Annecy

attraction

Annecy · ★ 4.1

Musée-Château d'Annecy: Travel Guide (4.1★)

The Musée-Château d'Annecy sits on the hill above the old town, an easy 10-minute walk from Annecy's canals, and holds regional art, sculpture, and rotating contemporary exhibitions inside a genuinely restored medieval castle. 4.1★ (5,768 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.

Top-rated things to do in Annecy

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Where to stay in Annecy

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Plan your trip to Annecy

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Frequently asked questions about Annecy

How do I get to Annecy?

Annecy has its own small airport (NCY) but it serves only private charter flights, so most travellers fly into Geneva Airport (GVA) and continue by train or bus (~1h–1h30) or drive (~40–45 minutes); Lyon–Saint-Exupéry (LYS) and Chambéry (CMF) are more distant alternatives with their own bus and rail links. Annecy's own SNCF station sits in the town centre and is well connected by regional TER trains to Lyon, Grenoble, Chambéry and Geneva.

How many days should I spend in Annecy?

Plan on ~2–3 days to wander the old town's canals and Palais de l'Île, climb up to the château, and get out on or around the lake, with extra days if you want to explore the surrounding Alps.

What is Annecy known for?