Annecy Old Town

Annecy

Jardins de I\'Europe
Palais de l Ile
Amours Bridge
Annecy Castle
Annecy Castle

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


Annecy Old Town Hotel Deals

Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare

Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare

3 out of 5
37 Rue Vaugelas, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
The price is ¥16,228 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥16,228
¥18,229 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare
Privilodges Le Royal Annecy

Privilodges Le Royal Annecy

3 out of 5
9, rue Royale, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
The price is ¥19,997 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥19,997
¥22,375 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star residence in Annecy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (649 reviews)
Family
"Hotel was good staff very friendly and helpful.Would stay again"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Privilodges Le Royal Annecy
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 ¥27,086 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥27,086
¥30,292 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Annecy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Splendid Hotel Lac d'Annecy - Handwritten Collection
Mercure Annecy Centre

Mercure Annecy Centre

4 out of 5
26 Rue Vaugelas, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
The price is ¥18,282 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
¥18,282
¥20,608 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Annecy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (79 reviews)
"Great and close to all the places you need to visit and town"

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

Mercure Annecy Centre
Allobroges Park Hotel

Allobroges Park Hotel

3 out of 5
11 Rue Sommeiller, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
The price is ¥15,760 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥15,760
¥17,714 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
Allobroges Park Hotel
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 ¥16,572 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥16,572
¥18,608 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
Hôtel du Palais de l'Isle
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 neighborhoods around Annecy Old Town

Cran-Gevrier

Cran-Gevrier

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

Travelers enjoy Cran-Gevrier for its restaurants and lake views. Consider checking out Thiou while you're in the area.

Cran-Gevrier
The amazing moments when you discover a new wonderful place topped by having some of your closest friends with you 
#annecy #france #castle #friday #alusoare #bucketlist #beautifuldestinations #roughguides #natgeotravel #bbctravel #kings_villages

Novel

3/5(2 area reviews)

When in Novel, you can plan a visit to Annecy Aventure and Centre Commercial Courier, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Novel

Annecy Old Town