Annecy Old Town Travel Guide

Annecy

Annecy Old Town
Annecy Old Town
Annecy Old Town
Annecy Old Town
Annecy Old Town

Divided with waterways, the city in the mountains is famed for its scenic views. Walk along quaint streets and discover its year-round attractions.

Arrive here and instantly notice cyan-colored mountain water cutting through Annecy Old Town in eastern France as it makes its way from pretty Lake Annecy. Located close to major ski areas, the town has an alpine feel adding to its historic interest. When you visit Annecy Old Town, you’ll understand why the city is called the Venice of the Alps. Tour this pedestrian city on foot along canals and a river to appreciate its charm.

River Thiou flows through the old section and is the shortest river in Europe, with its 2.2-mile (3.5-kilometer) length curling around a ship-like historical structure. Join other visitors as they take photos of this 12th-century building, the Palais de l’Île, which has been a prison, a court building and a home for elderly residents. It is now an architectural heritage center open year round.

The town’s heart is Rue Sainte-Claire. Stroll along its length to discover the beautiful designs of its old buildings and the energy of its markets. Not far from this street is the Château Annecy, with museums and galleries housed in a fortress dating to the Middle Ages.

Choose from numerous bridges to cross to the other side and find the Gardens of Europe with a full view of the lake. Watch as boats glide on this mountain lake. If you’re inspired to do the same, borrow a boat from one of the area’s rental centers or take a water tour.

The town has numerous churches. Find the 17th-century Église Saint-François de Sales near the park. It has a pretty white façade. Just north is the town’s oldest church, Église Saint-Maurice, built in the 1400s.

Travel farther into town to the 19th-century reconstruction of Église Notre Dame-de-Liesse with classic architectural lines and a square bell tower.

Annecy Old Town is an excellent base from which to tour this Alpine region. Consider traveling to one of the oldest tourist sites in the Alps, nearby Gorge du Fier, a very deep rift between two rock faces.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Annecy Old Town

Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare

Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare

3 out of 5
37 Rue Vaugelas, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
The price is ₹11,564 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹11,564
₹12,944 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Annecy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (869 reviews)
"Overall, good. A/C didn't work on a very hot day."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare
Privilodges Le Royal Annecy

Privilodges Le Royal Annecy

3 out of 5
9, rue Royale, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
The price is ₹16,817 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
₹16,817
₹18,722 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star residence in Annecy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (632 reviews)
"Absolutely amazing! Great staff! I highly recommend staying here!!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Privilodges Le Royal Annecy
Splendid Hotel Lac d'Annecy - Handwritten Collection

Splendid Hotel Lac d'Annecy - Handwritten Collection

4 out of 5
4 Quai Eustache Chappuis, Annecy
The price is ₹20,923 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹20,923
₹23,310 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Annecy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (746 reviews)
"Property was very close to everything. Wonderful location. Great breakfast every morning. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Splendid Hotel Lac d'Annecy - Handwritten Collection
Allobroges Park Hotel

Allobroges Park Hotel

3 out of 5
11 Rue Sommeiller, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
The price is ₹14,615 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹14,615
₹16,301 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Annecy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (763 reviews)
"Wonderful place to stay! Close to everything."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Allobroges Park Hotel
Hôtel du Palais de l'Isle

Hôtel du Palais de l'Isle

3 out of 5
13 Rue Perriere, Annecy, Haute-savoie
The price is ₹13,403 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹13,403
₹14,967 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Annecy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (594 reviews)
"Perfect location, really friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Hôtel du Palais de l'Isle
Best Western Plus Hotel Carlton

Best Western Plus Hotel Carlton

4 out of 5
5 Rue Des Glieres, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
The price is ₹11,906 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹11,906
₹13,392 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Annecy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (879 reviews)
Great Hotel Close to Train Station
"I really liked my stay here. It was very close to the train station. Super clean and elegant."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Best Western Plus Hotel Carlton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Annecy Old Town

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Cran-Gevrier

3/5(2 area reviews)

Travellers enjoy Cran-Gevrier for its restaurants and lake views. Consider checking out Thiou while you're in the area.

Cran-Gevrier
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Novel

Though Novel may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Annecy Aventure and Centre Commercial Courier.

Novel

Annecy Old Town Travel Guide