10 Best Things to Do in Annecy This Summer

Lake Annecy begins next to the city of Annecy and stretches south for over 14 km, making it one of the largest lakes in France. Set amongst stunning mountain scenery, it’s a great spot for a relaxing day out and a picnic. You’ll find several beaches dotted around the lake and a popular one with locals is Plage des Marquisats. It’s free and very close to the city centre so it’s often busy, with a lively atmosphere.

The Plage d’Albigny is a great choice for families as there are lifeguards on duty all day here in summer. The glistening water is very clean, so it’s a popular and picturesque spot for swimming and sunbathing.

The Annecy International Animated Film Festival is an annual event which takes place in early June. Thousands of people arrive in Annecy for this 6-day festival which is a fascinating competition of animated films in several categories. Locals and visitors alike flock to the different cinemas in the city to see the competing films, and awards are presented on the final Saturday evening.

For an original date night, why not attend an open-air night showing? Cosying up on your blanket to watch a new film with the spectacular mountains as a backdrop is a fantastic way to spend an evening. You’ll find the giant screen in Pâquier park next to the Jardins de l’Europe.

The Pont des Amours, or Lovers’ Bridge, is a pedestrian bridge at the northern end of Lake Annecy. This romantic footbridge links Pâquier Park with the Jardins de l’Europe, so you can walk, cycle and picnic in this area too. The views here are breathtaking, especially when the bridge is illuminated at night. This makes it a very popular spot with tourists for taking beautiful pictures of the bridge set against the clear water and towering mountains.

Local legend states that sharing a kiss on this bridge means lovers will be together forever, so you’ll see a lot of couples here, especially as it’s also a popular spot for marriage proposals.

Annecy Lake Festival is a pyrotechnic extravaganza which takes place annually on the first Saturday of August. If you love dazzling fireworks and accompanying music, this is the festival for you. The main event takes place at the Bay of Albigny, at the northern end of Lake Annecy. The magnificent colours lighting up the evening sky are stunning with the lake and mountains as a background, and the fireworks last just over an hour.

Over 200,000 people attend this event every year, so it can get rather crowded. Many locals head to the Pâquier Park in Annecy instead. Here, you’ll get a fantastic view of the fireworks across the lake, and if you arrive early, it’s easier to park.

The Jardins de l’Europe is a beautiful lakeside park close to the city centre. In summer, you’ll see locals relaxing and sunbathing here, or quietly reading under the shade of the many trees dotted throughout the park. This is a great place for couples to take a romantic stroll and take in the inspiring views over Lake Annecy and the mountains, or for families to picnic and enjoy an ice cream.

If you want to take great photos, head to the eastern tip of the park and the Panorama du Lac observation point. You’ll love the amazing views across the water. Nearby, there’s also a rental spot for pedal boats if you want to head out on the lake.

The Basilique de la Visitation is a charming basilica which dates back to the early 20th century. Thousands of pilgrims come to this serene church every year and it’s also a popular tourist spot. The interior is staggeringly beautiful with pristine stained-glass windows, gorgeous mosaics and magnificent columns made of regional blue marble.

If you climb the steps up to the bell tower, you’ll get some fantastic views over the city, Lake Annecy and the mountains, and there’s also a small gift shop to buy souvenirs. You can walk here from the Old Town, but if you prefer to drive, there’s plenty of parking space available next to the church and it’s free.

The Gorges du Fier is an incredible sight 10 km west of Annecy. If you love walking through nature, this is a great place to visit. Here, you’ll follow a trail through the deep gorge and cross high footbridges over the River Fier. You’ll be awestruck at the impressive boulders and rock formations, and the lights and shadows on the rock face provide amazing photo opportunities.

Everything is well planned here for tourists to enjoy a fun and fascinating visit. The parking is free, and guides are available in English. You’ll love the charming gift shop too. After visiting the gorge, you can sit out on the bar’s terrace with an ice cream and soak up the breathtaking views.

Le Thiou river walk takes you on a picturesque route from the Old Town in Annecy to Cran-Gévrier, to the west of the city. Starting at Quai de Bayreut, you can follow the beautiful network of riverside paths for some impressive scenery. As well as admiring the sparkling river and its ducks, swans and fish, you’ll also get some great views of the Palais de l’Île (a former prison and medieval castle) and the busy Pont Neuf bridge.

The winding paths span 3.5 km and locals love to stroll here, pausing on the many benches along the way or stopping off at a café for a break. You’ll also see many dog walkers and joggers enjoying the fresh air.

The Annecy Mountains provide all the summer activities you’d expect from The Alps. Hiking and cycling are popular ways for locals to spend their weekends here, enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Aravis and Bauges mountains. With bright blue skies, lush greenery and the crystal-clear water of Lake Annecy, it’s easy to see why this area is so popular. The mountain villages offer quaint boutiques and charming restaurants too.

For an original experience, why not take a hot air balloon over the mountains? You’ll get incredible views which stretch as far as Mont Blanc. Or why not try a stargazing evening? These take place during the summer and a beautiful night sky in the mountains is not to be missed.

Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval lies approximately 80 km east of Annecy. Hiding in the mountains, just a stone’s throw from the Swiss border, this extraordinary commune bears the title of one of the most beautiful villages in France. You’ll be blown away by the magnitude of the Fer-à-Cheval Cirque which reaches an impressive 700 metres high. In summer, the bright blue skies contrast with the grey rocks and vivid greenery for magnificent photos.

You can walk, hike or cycle on the numerous paths through the forests and alpine meadows here. Check out the breathtaking waterfalls too, including La Cascade du Rouget. For the more adventurous, there are plenty of mountain bike trails. Or why not go rafting down the Gorges des Tines?