Annecy Old Town

Annecy

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

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 S$143 per night from 4 May to 5 May
S$143
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
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! (808 reviews)
"Nice hotel, great value"

Reviewed on 6 Apr, 2025

Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare
Allobroges Park Hotel
Allobroges Park Hotel
3 out of 5
11 Rue Sommeiller, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
The price is S$147 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
S$147
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
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! (725 reviews)
"Although the room was comfortable, it was a little small to maneuver around."

Reviewed on 13 Apr, 2025

Allobroges Park Hotel
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 S$119 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
S$119
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
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! (797 reviews)
"Not too far from the train and bus station. Friendly staff - speak English."

Reviewed on 17 Apr, 2025

Hôtel ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville
Best Western Plus Hotel Carlton
Best Western Plus Hotel Carlton
4 out of 5
5 Rue Des Glieres, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
The price is S$179 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
S$179
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Annecy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (857 reviews)
Close to the train station and the old city
"Air conditioner is not working in April"

Reviewed on 15 Apr, 2025

Best Western Plus Hotel Carlton
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 S$167 per night from 11 May to 12 May
S$167
includes taxes & fees
11 May - 12 May
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! (545 reviews)
"Super great location in Olde Town! Rooms are small, but come on....are you really there to stay hang out in a hotel room? Nope. The room had all that you would need (except no washclothes...we brought our own because of past experience in France). The bed, pillow, and comforter (no top sheet as in ..."

Reviewed on 23 Mar, 2025

Hôtel du Palais de l'Isle
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 S$204 per night from 4 May to 5 May
S$204
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
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! (720 reviews)
Buena opción
"Esta bien situado y aunque es un hotel viejo esta bien mantenido.. la cama no es la mas confortable pero el servicio es bueno y el desayuno maravilloso"

Reviewed on 18 Apr, 2025

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 L'Abbaye and Annecy Aventure.

Novel

Annecy Old Town