Annecy Old Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Activities


Our pick of the best Annecy Old Town Hotel Deals

Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare

Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare

3 out of 5
37 Rue Vaugelas, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$196 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$196
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (877 reviews)
"this hotel is very conveniently located near downtown and the bus depot. the balcony was nice as well as the breakfast tat opens early. Friendly and helpful staff. would recommend."

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare
Privilodges Le Royal Annecy

Privilodges Le Royal Annecy

3 out of 5
9, rue Royale, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$256 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$256
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (640 reviews)
Excellent value
"Kind staff and amazing location near the lake. This was an excellent value."

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

Privilodges Le Royal Annecy
Allobroges Park Hotel

Allobroges Park Hotel

3 out of 5
11 Rue Sommeiller, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
The price is AU$298 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
AU$298
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (773 reviews)
"Recomendado."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

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 AU$413 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
AU$413
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Annecy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (750 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
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 AU$233 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$233
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (604 reviews)
"Perfectly positioned to enjoy the sights of Annecy. Loved it."

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Hôtel du Palais de l'Isle
Hôtel ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville

Hôtel ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville

3 out of 5
12, Rue de la Gare, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$210 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$210
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (835 reviews)
Site faisant honneur à la chaîne.
"A notre arrivée, nous avons pu déposer nos bagages dans un local mis à notre disposition et les récupérer lors de notre installation ce qui nous a permis de visiter la ville tranquillement. Service rendu toujours avec la même courtoisie. Accueil très courtois et agréable, personnel disponible et ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

Hôtel ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville
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

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

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