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-kilometre) 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 centre 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 centres 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 further 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 travelling 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €104 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€104
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (887 reviews)
"Stayed for 5 nights. Affordable, easy access to the town and lake. The staff is friendly and helpful. Breakfast is available at a reasonable price. The only thing I will say is the walls are thin, but overall it was a lovely stay!"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare
Privilodges Le Royal Annecy

Privilodges Le Royal Annecy

3 out of 5
9, rue Royale, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €143 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€143
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (643 reviews)
Family
"Hotel was good staff very friendly and helpful.Would stay again"

Reviewed on 14 Aug 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 €211 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
€211
14 Sept - 15 Sept
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (752 reviews)
Great visit
"Excellent location, beautiful village and lake."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Splendid Hotel Lac d'Annecy - Handwritten Collection
Allobroges Park Hotel

Allobroges Park Hotel

3 out of 5
11 Rue Sommeiller, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €138 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€138
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (775 reviews)
"Recomendado."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 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 €123 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
€123
14 Sept - 15 Sept
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 property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (836 reviews)
"This property was good. Very basic in terms of the room, but clean. The bed was ok - it wasn't the best, but it was ok. The breakfast was good, the staff was super friendly, and the location was ideal. The parking garage was adjacent to the property. This was a good value for the money."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Hôtel ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville
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 €130 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€130
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (607 reviews)
Beautiful beyond belief.
"Had a lovely few days at this hotel, the room was clean & spacious overlooking the pedestrianised old town street. Can’t say what the breakfast was like as we ate out. Unfortunately we arrived when the road was closed to drop our bags from the car, but we were directed to the underground car park ..."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

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 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 Annecy Aventure and Centre Commercial Courier.

Novel

Annecy Old Town

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