Two days exploring Annecy

For our second leg of our 2025 Tour de France, we packed up the car in Dijon and headed south to Annecy, a place that somehow feels both wildly Alpine (hello beautiful mountains!) and effortlessly French. Instead of staying in the city itself, we booked a cozy Airbnb tiny house in Talloires, a lakeside village about 20 minutes from Annecy. From there we had a lovely view of Lake Annecy and we woke up to birdsong every day. Keep reading to hear about how to spend a great two days exploring Annecy and the surrounding area.

Hiking Cascade d’Agnon

After being on the road for several hours we wanted to stretch our legs, so decided to explore the mountains. A great hike near Talloires is the Cascade d’Angon Trail, a moderate 4-mile (6 km) loop that starts from a parking lot. This scenic trail features about 450 meters of elevation gain and takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours to complete. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains, natural rock formations known as the “Marmites de Géant,” and the picturesque Pont des Fées bridge. The highlight is the impressive 60-meter-high Cascade d’Angon waterfall. The trail can be slippery, so sturdy footwear and caution are recommended, especially after rain. But it’s a fantastic outdoor adventure!

Our experience on the hike

So we laced up our shoes for the hike which we could access from our backyard in Talloires. The trail climbed steadily up through shaded forest, where we clamored over large stones and enjoyed the views of Lake Annecy.

After about two miles of hiking up, the trail led to an opening into broad alpine meadows high above the lake. From there, we could see the dramatic peaks of the Bornes Massif. I especially loved the jagged mountain seen here- Des Dents de Lanfon..

We enjoyed watching the paragliders float silently down- it really looked like they were flying into a postcard. And I had my own ‘Sound of Music’ moment. 

One of the most magical moments came when we reached the Pont des Fées — the Fairy Bridge- a small, moss-covered stone bridge tucked deep in the forest. Legend says fairies once danced here, and standing there with the sunlight filtering through the trees, it wasn’t hard to see why. We stopped and rested for a while, enjoying watching the water flowing down over the rocks and enjoying the sunlight dapple through the leafs.

We continued on the trail, and the end of the loop, we followed the trail down to the Cascade d’Agnon, a gentle waterfall tucked in a shady ravine. The assent to get close to the waterfall was of moderate difficulty- we had to climb over large rocks, duck under mountain ridges and and use ropes to assist us up at times- but it was a beautiful view

Exploring Annecy

After the hike and a bit of relaxing and cooling off we decided to drive into Annecy. When driving from Talloires to Annecy, you follow the scenic eastern shore of Lake Annecy. Along the way, you pass through a series of charming lakeside villages and small towns, including Menthon-Saint-Bernard, famous for its fairytale castle perched above the lake or Veyrier-du-Lac, a pretty village lined with elegant villas and waterfront views. The drive was a bit longer than expected because it was the weekend and there were a lot of people in the area on holiday. We passed a lot of people biking or strolling around the lovely towns we passed through

History of Annecy

Annecy, often called the “Venice of the Alps,” or even the “Pearl of the Alps”, has a history that stretches back over a thousand years. Its picturesque old town, with narrow canals and pastel-colored houses, was once an important medieval center. The town grew around the Château d’Annecy, a castle that dates back to the 12th century, which served as the residence of the Counts of Geneva and later the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours. Throughout the centuries, Annecy’s strategic location near the Swiss border made it a crossroads of trade and culture.

In the 19th century, the arrival of industry and rail connections transformed Annecy into a thriving town, while the beauty of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains attracted artists and travelers alike. Today, the city blends its rich history with a relaxed lakeside atmosphere, offering visitors a unique mix of medieval architecture, alpine scenery, and vibrant cultural life. It was a busy weekend, with people outside enjoying the beaches, eating at cafes, standing in line for ice cream or doing some shopping. . 

We wandered into Annecy’s Vieille Ville (Old Town). With its pastel buildings, canals, flower-decked balconies and arcaded streets, it feels like a living watercolor. Not to be missed is the Palais de l’Isle, a 12th-century stone building shaped like a ship in the canal. It used to be a prison and is now a small museum and is very picturesque! We crisscrossed the canal, going over bridges and taking in the sites. But with all the hiking and exploring we had worked up an appetite. 

Food in Annecy

Annecy’s food is strongly influenced by alpine and Savoyard traditions that are perfect cold weather. They include rich cheeses, potatoes, cured meats, and rustic comfort fare. Some popular dishes include: 

• Tartiflette

A hearty and creamy gratin made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, onions, and smoked bacon

• Fondue Savoyarde

Melted cheese fondue typically made with local cheeses like Comté, Beaufort, and Emmental, served with bread cubes for dipping.

• Raclette

Another cheese dish where melted raclette cheese is scraped onto boiled potatoes, pickles, and cured meats.

After wandering around the city and taking in the sites, we sat outside at a traditional Savoyard restaurant. And despite the warmer weather, we were in the region perfect for enjoying fondue! The melted cheese came complete with bread, potatoes, meat for my friends and mixed veggies for myself. Paired with a glass of local beer while sitting outside on the patio and taking in the sites, it was a great end to our first evening in Annecy

Lake Annecy

The next day, we drove into Annecy itself and hopped on a boat tour with Compagnie des Bateaux. We opted for the hour and a half sightseeing cruise, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing and scenic parts of the trip. As the boat pulled away from Annecy’s lively waterfront you’re immediately surrounded by the steep green slopes of the surrounding mountains and the blue waters of Lake Annecy.

The commentary (in French, with English available through an app) pointed out charming lakeside villages and gave history and information of the area. But what I really enjoyed most was relaxing and getting away from the bustle of the city to take in all the scenery. One of my favorite things to see was the beautiful Château de Duingt, which sits dramatically on a narrow peninsula. We had noticed it the previous day on our hike, but from the boat, the castle looked even more striking- almost floating on the lake, framed by stone walls and elegant trees..

More to see on the Lac Annecy boat cruise

Further along the eastern shore, we could also see the impressive Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, perched high on a rocky hill with its towers and turrets rising above the forest. It really does look like something out of a fairytale and is said to have inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. It was something I would love to visit if I’m back in the area in the future

The cruise itself felt peaceful and unhurried, giving us time to take in the constantly changing views: hidden beaches, wooded hillsides, and small harbors lined with boats. The lake water was incredibly clear and shifted from deep blue to green depending on the light, which made it feel even more special. On deck, there was a gentle breeze and space to walk around and take photos, while inside there were comfortable seats and panoramic windows. Overall, it was a beautiful and easy way to see the best of Lake Annecy.

Exploring Annecy’s Old Town

After our cruise we decided to wander around the vieille ville some more and do our own walking tour. Here are some of the highlights around the city:

Chateau d’Annecy

Overlooking the town is the imposing Château d’Annecy, once home to the Counts of Geneva and Dukes of Savoy, which now hosts a museum showcasing regional art and natural history. It’s open daily except Tuesdays, with hours varying by season (typically 10 AM–12 PM and 2 PM–5:30/6 PM). Admission costs around €6.50 (with reduced rates and free entry for children under 12), and the first Sunday of each month from October to May is free.

Churches of Annecy

The Old Town is also home to beautiful churches such as the Gothic Église Saint-Maurice and the baroque Église Saint-François. The Église Saint-Maurice, dating back to the 15th century, is the oldest church in town and features Gothic design with notable chapels and artwork. The Église Saint-François, built in the 17th century, is a Baroque church known for its elegant interior and historic significance, including former tombs of saints.

Jardins de l’Europe

The Jardins de l’Europe is a beautiful lakeside public park in Annecy, established in 1864 and designed in the English landscape style. Spanning about 3 hectares, it features a variety of trees like ginkgo biloba and giant sequoias.

The park is home to the famous Pont des Amours, a romantic iron footbridge offering stunning views of the lake and mountains.  Legend says that if you kiss your loved one on the bridge you’ll be together forever.

Adjacent to the Jardins de l’Europe, visitors can rent boats to explore Lake Annecy. Several companies offer pedal boats, with hourly rentals around €10–20 and half-day rentals between €40 and €55. Rentals of electric boats, and motorboats are also available, and area also includes a leisure marina with docking facilities.

Rue Sainte-Claire

Rue Sainte-Claire bustles with quaint shops and local boutiques, perfect for leisurely strolls and discovering local crafts, but there are several other streets that were great for wandering. Another road, Rue Perrier, seemed to be the street for ice cream, with rival gelato shops competing, and judging by the long lines at both I’m not sure who the winner is- both I suppose! 

And of course, it’s a great idea to just wander the streets and take it the sights. There so are many charming streets and bridges you really can’t go wrong.

Make sure to stay through the evening to see Annecy when it is all lit up- a magical experience.

Other sites worth seeing around Annecy:

• Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard: Storybook castle perched above the lake.
• Basilique de la Visitation: Overlooks the town, with stunning mosaics inside.
• Local beaches: like Albigny or Marquisats, for a swim on hot days.
• Le Pâquier: The big open lawn by the lake where locals picnic, walk, and cycle.

And another good day trip idea if you’re in Annecy is…

A quick trip to Chamonix

After a relaxing morning in Annecy, we decided to take a spontaneous afternoon drive to Chamonix. I visited Chamonix during my first trip to France when I was 15! That was the trip with my HS French teacher that inspired me to become a French teacher myself, and I was excited to see the city again. The journey itself was spectacular: winding mountain roads, lush alpine meadows, and glimpses of distant peaks that grew larger as we approached the town. Even with clouds gathering overhead, the dramatic scenery kept us wide-eyed the whole way..

Mont Blanc

Did you know that Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Western Europe, rising to 4,810 meters (15,781 feet)! It’s located on the border between France and Italy, it’s known for its glaciers, dramatic peaks, and isolated the birthplace of modern alpinism. We couldn’t see it clearly when we visited because of the clouds but it was still beautiful scenery.

Also visible from Chamonix is the most famous glacier near Mont Blanc- the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice). It’s the largest glacier in France, stretching about 7 kilometers.

Our time in Chamonix

Once in Chamonix, we hopped on the charming little tourist train that trundles through town. It turned out to be a perfect way to get our bearings and see some of the highlights without rushing. We passed by the bustling center with colorful shops, buildings and hotels. Lots of people were about, having just gotten done with a climbing or hiking adventure. It was definitely an atmosphere of sportiness. I fit right in 🤪

Sites around Chamonix

I really enjoyed seeing the Arve river flowing right through the heart of Chamonix. This river originates from the glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif and its milky turquoise waters combined with the flower boxes lining the river were just beautiful.

Also notable in the center of Chamonix, a bronze statue with two men. The statue depicts Jacques Balmat, the local guide who made the first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786, pointing toward the peak beside Horace‑Bénédict de Saussure, the scientist who inspired and financed the climb. The statue was unveiled in 1887 for the hundredth anniversary of the event.

Téléphérique de l’Aguille

We also caught views of the famous téléphérique de l’Aiguille du Midi ascending steeply into the mist. I wish we’d had time to go up! The cable car takes visitors up 3,842 meters, offering breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding Alps.

At the top, visitors can step into the “Pas dans le Vide”, a glass box suspended over a 1,000-meter drop. I would also love to do some hiking, including to see Lac Blanc. Guess I’ll just have to come back.

For dinner, we went for a delicious meal at Monchu, known for its classic Savoyard specialties. Surrounded by steaming pots of fondue and sizzling hot stones for pierrade, it felt cozy and comforting after the damp weather outside. They even had blankets on the chairs- wish I loved! We shared some soupe à l’oignon (French onion soup) and wine and bread of course. I had a delicious tofu risotto.

After dinner we strolled a bit more through Chamonix’s lively streets, watching as the lights reflected on the wet cobblestones and the mountains loomed quietly in the dusk. Even though our visit was brief and the weather wasn’t entirely on our side, Chamonix’s mix of dramatic scenery, and warm, welcoming charm made it a memorable stop.

Thanks for reading my blog about spending two days in Annecy with a side trip to Chamonix. Stay turned for more posts about our 2025 Tour de France, including the third installment, a day in Lyon.

-Catching Katie