It’s best to start your visit to Annecy in the old town: here, the canals, passageways and colourful façades come together to form a compact walking route. The lake is nearby, but the length of its shores easily tempts you to walk a few extra kilometres. For a first visit, the central neighbourhoods and a short stretch along the lake are enough.
Where to start your walk
The Île de l’Île – a distinctive stone islet between the arms of the canal. Take a look at it from both sides, then head into the neighbouring side streets. You don’t need to stand at the busiest spot to take a photo: other footbridges also offer interesting perspectives.
How to continue the route
Ancy Castle requires a climb, whilst the lakeside offers a more leisurely pace. Combine them in sequence: a more active stretch before lunch, followed by a rest by the water afterwards. It’s best to save longer trips around the lake for a separate day with your own transport arrangements.
A local detail worth bearing in mind
Don’t plan a full walk around the lake as part of a short city stroll. Choose a specific turning point and factor in the time needed to return to your accommodation or pick-up point.
Plan after the bus journey
This itinerary is designed for exploring the city independently, rather than as a guided tour with a fixed timetable. First, check the arrival address against your ticket and decide where to leave your luggage. Mark your accommodation, the first sightseeing spot and your return pick-up point on an offline map. Count the time for your city walk from the moment your luggage has been left and you’re ready to set off.
On the day of arrival, plan just one main sightseeing stop. If your flight is delayed, cut back on the extra part of your itinerary, whilst still allowing time for a meal and the journey back. Before paying for entry, check the official opening hours, access conditions and any ongoing works. A view of the building from the outside does not mean that its interiors are accessible without restrictions.
What to keep before you leave
- the drop-off address and the transport operator’s contact details;
- an offline map showing your return route;
- confirmation of your chosen museum or guided tour session;
- contact details for your accommodation and instructions on collecting any luggage you’ve left behind.
You may find the following useful: How to plan your first day after a long coach journey, How to find a hotel from the coach station, Offline maps for travelling in Europe: how to set up your phone. Check available bus journey options on RedRay; this guide does not confirm the availability of a direct service to every city.
Resources for preparation
General information about the city and attractions: Lake Annecy, Annecy. The suggested walking route is the editorial team’s recommendation; please check current access with the relevant establishments.
Image credits
- Lac d'Annecy.jpg — Alex Brown; CC BY 2.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms are available on the original page.
- Sights in Annecy (2719914688).jpg — edwin.11; CC BY 2.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
- Aerial image of Lake Annecy (view from the south).jpg — Carsten Steger; CC BY-SA 4.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms are available on the original page.
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Questions and Answers
Can this route be used on the day of arrival?
Yes, by choosing the central section and one main sightseeing spot. After travelling overnight, it is better to leave the strenuous climbs and longer journeys until the following day.
What is the most important thing to bear in mind for the walk?
Don’t try to fit a full walk around the lake into a short city stroll. Choose a specific turning point and allow enough time to return to your accommodation or pick-up point.
What should you do with your suitcase?
Before you set off, confirm that your luggage will be stored at your accommodation or in a secure left-luggage facility, including the time for collection. Keep your documents, ticket and a fully charged mobile phone with you.
Do I need to buy all admission tickets in advance?
First, choose your main attraction and check its rules. Don’t book several time slots close together until you’ve confirmed the route between them. Keep your city walk flexible.