Annecy Old Town

Annecy
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

Things to do


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 HK$558 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
HK$558
HK$633 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Annecy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (758 reviews)
Hoki’s Europe Adventures
"Great location close to the train station and the old town. Breakfast was great too!"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2024

Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare
Hôtel ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville
Hôtel ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville
3 out of 5
12, Rue de la Gare, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
The price is HK$534 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
HK$534
HK$606 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Annecy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (753 reviews)
"Great location on the river, comfortable room, balcony overlooking quiet plaza, within walking distance of everything in the historic district. Nice breakfast buffet. Parking in garage next door."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

Hôtel ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville
Privilodges Le Royal Annecy
Privilodges Le Royal Annecy
3 out of 5
9, rue Royale, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
The price is HK$642 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
HK$642
HK$724 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 3-star residence in Annecy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (594 reviews)
Great location
"Overall a comfortable and convenient stay in Annecy. Location was very central and ideal for exploring Annecy."

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2024

Privilodges Le Royal Annecy
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 HK$583 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
HK$583
HK$660 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Annecy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (492 reviews)
"Fantastic location. Friendly staff. Lovely room ,comfortable beds . Only downside was a couple of maintenance issues in bathroom that needed attention, something the cleaner should have noticed when cleaning."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

Hôtel du Palais de l'Isle
Allobroges Park Hotel
Allobroges Park Hotel
3 out of 5
11 Rue Sommeiller, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
The price is HK$610 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
HK$610
HK$690 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Annecy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (679 reviews)
"The lobby had a modern feel and it was a theme that ran through the public spaces of the hotel. Staff were busy yet were highly motivated to engage customers and greet them, although they were fully involved in serving others. Very good customer service."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Allobroges Park Hotel
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 HK$924 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
HK$924
HK$1,041 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Annecy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (678 reviews)
Location and a lovely room with a view
"Easy check in, spacious room and bath, great breakfast, easy checkout. Location is in the old town and on the lake - amazing. Would absolutely return"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2024

Splendid Hotel Lac d'Annecy - Handwritten Collection
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