Annecy: the Venice of the Alps

Just half an hour's drive from our chalet in Entremont lies Annecy, one of the most beautiful towns in the French Alps. With its winding canals, colourful houses and flower-lined bridges, it is rightly known as the 'Venice of the Alps'. A visit to the old town is an outing you really shouldn't miss during your stay in the Aravis.

Through the streets of the old town

Annecy's Vieille Ville is car-free and made for wandering. Cobbled streets with arcades lead you past artisan shops, ice-cream parlours and café terraces. Water flows everywhere: the river Thiou and the canals give the town its unmistakable charm.

The Palais de l'Île

In the middle of the canal stands the Palais de l'Île, a twelfth-century building shaped like a ship that once served as a prison and a courthouse. It is the town's most photographed monument and now houses a museum about the history of Annecy.

The castle above the town

High above the rooftops rises the Château d'Annecy, the former residence of the counts of Geneva and Savoy. From its walls you have a wonderful view over the town, the lake and the surrounding mountains. Around the lake of Annecy stand even more fairytale castles.

Terraces, shops and ice cream

Annecy is made for strolling. Settle onto a terrace by the water, sample a local beer or a scoop of ice cream and watch the world go by. The town also has plenty of shops, from major brands to small boutiques.

Markets and gastronomy

At the market in the old town you'll find regional cheeses, charcuterie and fresh produce. In the restaurants you can taste Savoyard specialities and the delicate lake fish omble chevalier and féra, often with a view over the water.

Festivals and events

Annecy buzzes all year round. The Venetian Carnival in spring transforms the town into a colourful masked ball, and the Fête du Lac in August is one of the largest fireworks displays in Europe, set off over the lake.

Annecy from Entremont

Thanks to the short distance, you can easily combine the town with a day of swimming or cycling at the lake of Annecy. In the evening you're soon back at the chalet. Check the available dates and plan your visit to the Aravis.