Free walking tours in Annecy and what to see

Must-sees

Annecy is in Haute-Savoie, on the shore of the lake of the same name and surrounded by mountains. Its old town, the Vieille Ville, is laid out around the canals of the Thiou, with colourful houses, arcades and bridges full of flowers. In the middle of the canal stands the Palais de l’Isle, a ship-shaped medieval building that was once a prison and now tells the story of the town. Above the old town, the Château d’Annecy, former residence of the Counts of Geneva, houses a museum.

The lake is the other half of the visit. Next to the centre are the Jardins de l’Europe, the Pont des Amours and the great Pâquier lawn, open to the water and the mountains. Boats leave the harbour for cruises on the lake, and its shore has beaches, a cycle path and villages such as Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, the latter with a château on the hillside.

Free tours and guided visits

Annecy has no regular free walking tour. What you can book is a private tour of the town, with a guide for you or your group, or a food tour to taste cheeses and other Savoyard produce as you explore the old town. As a City of Art and History, the town council also runs guided visits of the centre. Boat trips on the lake round off the choice.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the old town, the Palais de l’Isle and a stroll through the lakeside gardens. With two or three days you can climb to the château, take a boat trip, cycle part of the shore and swim in summer. If you like the mountains, stay longer for a hike in the surrounding area.

Where to stay

Staying in the Vieille Ville or near the lake lets you stroll the canals at night once the day visitors have gone. The station area, a few minutes’ walk away, has more practical hotels if you arrive by train. If you are after peace and views, the lakeside villages have hotels and houses with gardens, although a car is best. Demand is high in summer, so book early.