I think Annecy is the most charming town I have ever visited in Europe. There were so many things to see, do, and eat during our three-day visit. I had a hard time choosing which ones to include in this Annecy, France Travel Guide.
It all started when Amber Fillerup, one of my favorite bloggers, shared her experience visiting Annecy in 2012. Ever since then, I’ve wanted to see it for myself. So when Noah and I started planning a trip to Europe, this past April I knew we had to include Annecy. And I’m so glad we did. The French Alps surrounds this small town with a turquoise lake at its base. You have to see it to believe it; it’s almost too picturesque.
Visitors have been known to call Annecy the ‘Venice of the Alps.’ With it’s winding canals and charming character, you understand where it gets its nickname. There’s something about this town that makes you walk a little slower and linger at cafes longer. My favorite thing in Annecy is finding a restaurant along the canal where you can sit and watch the sunset. The French are known for relaxing and enjoying a glass (or two) of wine after a long day’s work. I can’t help but compare it to the United States where people are always in a rush to get to the next thing on their never-ending to-do list.
Where We Stayed
Our Airbnb (shown above) was in the center of town situated a couple of floors above a bakery. We kept our windows open during the day to let in the aroma of fresh bread and music from street performers below. There wasn’t an itinerary for our time spent in Annecy. We mostly meandered around the canals soaking up sun and meeting vendors that sold all sorts of tasty treats. During our three-day visit, we didn’t go a day without eating gelato, cheese, french baguettes, and cured meats. Oh and the French wine that accompanied every meal.
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What We Ate
We splurged one evening and ate a three-course dinner at L’Appart du 17. Our Airbnb host recommended this hole in the wall restaurant. Otherwise, I never would have found it. When we arrived for our eight o’clock reservation the room was filled with locals. We knew we had made the right choice when the menu was in french. Over the next two hours, we dined on some of the most delicious and creative dishes. Most of which we chose randomly since we didn’t have the English translation.
What We Did
Biking around Lake Annecy was a great way to burn off all the carbs we had been eating. Noah and I shared a tandem bike, which I was hesitant towards at first. But after I realized he did most of the pedaling and maneuvering I was all in! We biked twelve miles around the lake, frequently stopping to look at the views. The French Alps made a perfect backdrop for the old castles and cathedrals we spotted.
Annecy taught us to slow down and live like the French. We laughed over bottles of wine, took two-hour cat naps in the middle of the day, and enjoyed every minute of our time in this special town.