A Travel Price Comparison for France Giverny vs. Annecy for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Giverny or Annecy?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Giverny or Annecy? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Giverny

Giverny is a picturesque, peaceful, and serene town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Giverny and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Giverny or Annecy?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Annecy than Giverny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Annecy is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Giverny is more popular for its museums. Giverny is well known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Annecy is well known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Also, Annecy is famous for Palais de l'Isle.

How is Giverny different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Annecy and Giverny. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Giverny or Annecy?

Giverny is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Giverny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Is the Food Better in Giverny or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Annecy is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Giverny area. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Giverny or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Annecy is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Giverny or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its old town. However, Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Annecy offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Is Giverny or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is great for hiking. However, Giverny is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Annecy for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Giverny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Giverny or Annecy?

Annecy is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Annecy. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Giverny or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Annecy is very family-friendly. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Giverny or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Giverny is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

Is Giverny or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Giverny and Annecy are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Giverny. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

Annecy is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Is Giverny or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Giverny and Annecy both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Giverny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Giverny or Annecy a more walkable city?

Annecy is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Annecy is a very walkable alpine town. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable town. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

For even more information, also check out Is Giverny Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Giverny?

How long in Giverny or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Giverny or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Annecy due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Giverny, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Giverny. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Annecy, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Annecy than Giverny. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Annecy that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Annecy than Giverny if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Annecy.

One day in Giverny or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Giverny. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Annecy is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This alpine town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Giverny or Annecy?

Giverny is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Annecy has to offer.

Five days in Giverny or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Giverny. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Annecy is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Giverny or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the picturesque destination of Giverny. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Since Annecy is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Giverny and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Giverny much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Giverny would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Giverny and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy than you might in Giverny.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Giverny Expensive? and Is Annecy Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Giverny or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Giverny and Annecy, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Giverny or Annecy?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Giverny or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Giverny are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Giverny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Giverny is around the same temperature as Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Annecy. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Giverny. Giverny usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during summer. Giverny gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Giverny usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Giverny gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Giverny or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Giverny during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Giverny for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Annecy in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Giverny is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Giverny in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Giverny often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Giverny gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Giverny or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Giverny and Annecy. Many visitors come to Giverny in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Annecy can be very cold during winter. Giverny can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Giverny is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 5°C (40°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Giverny usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during winter. Giverny gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Giverny usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Giverny or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Giverny as well as Annecy. Most visitors come to Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Giverny is around the same temperature as Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Giverny often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Giverny gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Giverny gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Giverny