Annecy

Day 1: Old Town canals, markets and classic Annecy

Annecy’s medieval heart is best in soft morning light before day‑trippers arrive. Today is all about flânerie along the Thiou and Canal du Vassé, with time for proper coffee and postcard views.

• Morning: Be at Pont Perrière at sunrise for the Palais de l’Île view, then loop both banks of the Thiou via Pont Morens and Quai de l’Île. Slip into Bunna or Brumes for a first espresso (cheaper au comptoir; in speciality shops order at the counter). If you’ve driven, park at Hôtel de Ville or Bonlieu and walk in; cobbles can be slick after rain.
• Midday: If it’s Tuesday, Friday or Sunday, browse the market streets off Rue Sainte‑Claire and picnic canal‑side; otherwise, choose a side‑street bistro one block back from the main quays to avoid tourist traps. Visit the Palais de l’Île museum (short, atmospheric) before crowds peak.
• Afternoon: Stroll the Jardin de l’Europe to the Vannes du Thiou sluice gates, then amble the shaded Canal du Vassé to Pont des Amours (kiss-in-the-middle legend). In summer, take a 45–60‑minute lake cruise; shoulder seasons bring gentler light and fewer people.
• Evening: Return to the quays after dusk for the illuminated canals and a slow dinner near Quai de l’Évêché. Gelato in hand, loop back over Pont Perrière; step aside on bridges for photos, and please don’t feed bread to swans.

Day 2: Lake day, views and Savoyard flavours

Wake to Alpine air and a day anchored by Lake Annecy’s clarity. Choose an active circuit or an easy waterside meander, then reward yourself with cosy mountain fare.

• Morning: Cycle the lake path (flat, family‑friendly; e‑bikes make the full 38 km doable) towards Talloires for big mountain views; non‑cyclists can paddleboard/kayak from Marquisats or Albigny. Coffee stop at a lakeside kiosk or SØ Kaffe on Rue Sommeiller if you stayed in town.
• Midday: Lakeside lunch in Talloires or Menthon (perch fillets, Savoyard salad), or picnic on the grass in the Jardins de l’Europe. In high summer, swim zones are marked and lifeguarded; in spring/autumn, bring layers for changeable breezes.
• Afternoon: Head up to the Château d’Annecy (compact museum, sweeping town‑and‑lake panoramas) or take the bus/drive to Semnoz for an easy ridge walk and views; in winter, swap this for Semnoz snowshoeing or sledging. Alternative for history buffs: follow the Thiou downstream to spot old water wheels and former mills.
• Evening: Sunset boat cruise (book ahead in July–August) then a Savoyard dinner of fondue or raclette in a tucked‑away Old Town spot. Nightcap at a wine bar; in early August, the Fête du Lac fireworks turn the whole shoreline into a theatre.

Day 3: Speciality coffee, culture and romantic heights

Blend Annecy’s modern coffee scene with a final sweep of romance and altitude. Time your day for soft evening light over the lake and canals.

• Morning: Speciality coffee crawl near the station/Courier: Slake for NZ‑style brunch, Cozna for filter brews, then La Torref de Fersen to chat beans with the roaster. Tip: a noisette gets you a milky mini; ask for a café allongé if you want it longer.
• Midday: If you missed it earlier, a light lunch around Rue de l’Île under the arcades, then a café gourmand for dessert. On market days, fold in a last wander for cheese and charcuterie souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Go big on views: tandem paragliding from Col de la Forclaz (bookable year‑round; best in stable weather) for the ultimate lake panorama; or hike Mont Veyrier/Mont Baron for a 2–3‑hour balcony trail. Winter alternative: Noël des Alpes markets and mulled wine by the canals.
• Evening: Aim for golden hour at Pont des Amours, then a finale dinner with a view (Les Trésoms above the lake, or Talloires if you’ve transport). Finish with a quiet canal stroll once day‑trippers have gone—the city’s most romantic hour.

By Air

• Geneva Airport (GVA), Switzerland – approx. 45 km. 45–60 min by car/shuttle. Year-round direct coaches (about 1h–1h20). By rail: Léman Express/TER via Annemasse (about 1h30–1h50).
• Lyon–Saint Exupéry (LYS) – approx. 125 km. 1h30–1h50 by car. Direct coaches (about 1h45–2h15). By rail: Rhônexpress to Lyon Part-Dieu, then TER to Annecy (about 2h15–2h45).
• Chambéry–Savoie (CMF) – approx. 45 km. 35–45 min by car. Limited/seasonal flights; public transport via Chambéry (about 1h15–1h40).
• Grenoble Alpes–Isère (GNB) – approx. 110 km. 1h30–1h50 by car. Seasonal coaches (mainly winter); by rail via Grenoble/Chambéry (about 2h30–3h+).
• Paris CDG/ORY – connect by TGV/OUIGO via Paris Gare de Lyon; total to Annecy typically 4–5 hours.

By Train

• Main station: Gare d’Annecy (central, walkable to the Old Town).
• Paris (Gare de Lyon) – direct TGVs on some days/seasons (about 3h40–4h). Otherwise 1 change at Lyon Part-Dieu or Chambéry (about 4h–4h30).
• Lyon Part-Dieu – frequent direct TER (about 1h50–2h).
• Geneva – Léman Express to Annemasse then TER to Annecy (about 1h30–1h45). Coaches can be faster off-peak.
• Grenoble – TER via Chambéry (about 1h30–2h).
• Chamonix – TER with changes (often 2h30–3h); coaches or car can be quicker.

By Bus/Coach

• Frequent coaches link Annecy with Geneva (city and airport), Lyon (Part-Dieu and St‑Exupéry), Grenoble and Chamonix.
• Typical times (operator/traffic dependent): Geneva Airport 45–70 min; Geneva city 1h10–1h30; Lyon Part‑Dieu/Perrache 2–2h30; Lyon St‑Exupéry 1h45–2h15; Chamonix 1h45–2h15.
• Main operators: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus; seasonal ski transfers often via Altibus.

By Car

• Motorways: A41 north to Switzerland (Geneva), south to Chambéry/Grenoble/Lyon. Tolls apply in France; Swiss motorway vignette required if you drive in Switzerland.
• Approximate drive times (normal traffic): Geneva 45 min; Lyon 1h30–2h; Grenoble 1h15–1h30; Chamonix 1h15–1h30; Paris 5h30–6h.
• Practicalities: Old Town is largely pedestrianised; parking fills quickly in peak season—use car parks such as Bonlieu, Hôtel de Ville, or Sainte‑Claire. In winter, carry chains/use winter tyres for mountain routes.