Are you thinking about visiting Annecy, France? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Annecy worth visiting?
Annecy is worth visiting for two to four days so that you can explore everything that the alpine town has to offer. Annecy is a popular alpine town in France that sits along the edge of Lake Annecy. It has one of the most famous and beautiful old towns in the area and it is a popular destination for French and international vacationers during the warmer months. Just outside of town there are many hikes and smaller towns to explore. In Annecy, you can hire a boat and get out on the water. During our first trip to Annecy in the spring of 2022, we fell in love with its charming old town and beautiful mountain setting. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more.
Annecy, France
Reasons to Visit Annecy
Food
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.
Historical Sights
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.
Hiking
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.
Museums
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.
Nightlife
There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.
Shopping
Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.
Is Annecy worth visiting in the Summer?
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 22°C (71°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (82°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Annecy, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable alpine town, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to savor the small town atmosphere, take a hike, and browse the museums. Also, you can experience the historic old town and the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Annecy
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| August | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| September | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Is Annecy worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Annecy. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 14°C (56°F).
Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery, browse around the old town, and spend time at the museums. Also, you can go hiking and explore the small town.
Autumn Weather in Annecy
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| November | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| December | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
Is Annecy worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Annecy. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.
The weather in Annecy can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 4°C (39°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Winter Weather in Annecy
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| February | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| March | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Is Annecy worth visiting in the Spring?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 11°C (53°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Annecy, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
The stunning mountain scenery at this time of year shouldn't be missed. You can wander around the town to enjoy the sights, but the real charm is when you get out into the nearby mountains. Drive, bike, hike, go camping, or just relax in the awe of the mountain views. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and take in the beautiful scenery. Also, you'll be able to soak up the small town charm, admire the historic sights, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Spring Weather in Annecy
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| June | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Annecy
Lots of Tourists
Annecy sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Annecy might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Annecy here or see if Annecy is expensive here.
Related
What is Annecy most famous for?
Annecy is most famous for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. People visit this impressive alpine town for its great food and historical sights. It's also known for hiking. And many travelers come for the museums, nightlife, and shopping, as well. It is often described as stunning, breathtaking, quaint, storybook, and charming.
What is the most famous sight in Annecy?
The most popular sight in Annecy is Palais de l'Isle. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Annecy on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Palais de l'Isle and other attractions here.
How touristy is Annecy? Is it a popular alpine town to visit?
Annecy is a very touristy alpine town that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Annecy Segway Tour - 1h: $44
- Annecy Segway Tour - 1h30: $55
- Annecy Segway Tour - 2h: $66
- Private 2-hour Walking Tour of Annecy with official tour guide: $246
- ANNECY | Private Walking Tour of Annecy's Historical Center: $191
- Private Photoshoot Tour in Annecy: $109
- Touristic highlights of Annecy on a Half Day (4 Hours) Private Tour with a local: $118
- Bespoke Private Annecy Experience: $197
How long should I spend in Annecy?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Annecy is two to four days. Since Annecy has a variety of activities such as dining and historical sights, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Annecy?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Annecy?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Annecy?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.