Tucked away between the lake and the mountains, the historic town of Annecy has something for everyone. With its canals, gourmet restaurants and year-round events, Annecy has everything you need for an unforgettable holiday as you wander through its narrow streets, along its footpaths and on the sunny shores of Lake Annecy.
Whether you’re keen on cultural visits, outdoor sports or relaxing by the water, this article reveals the best things to do in Annecy with your family.
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Explore Annecy’s old town
A day exploring Annecy’s old town combines relaxation and culture, offering families an enriching experience in the heart of the “Venice of the Alps”…
Stroll along the canals and the Thiou river
The Thiou, one of the shortest rivers in France, winds its way through Annecy’s old town. The shady, peaceful Promenade Louis Lachenal offers a delightful view of the colourful houses and flower-bedecked bridges. There’s also a quiet spot where you can watch the swans and ducks.
Play areas along the way are the perfect place to take a break with the kids. This walk, which is accessible all year round, is particularly enjoyable in spring and summer, when the terraces come alive and the sun sparkling on the water creates a magical atmosphere.
Visit Annecy’s castle
Situated high above the town, the Château d’Annecy was formerly home to the Counts of Geneva. Its museum offers a wide range of exhibitions, from local art to the archaeology of the lake. The “Sac’O Jeux” offers fun activities for all ages, making for an interactive and entertaining visit.
The château is open from June to September from 10.30am to 6pm, and from October to May from 10am to 5.30pm, and is closed on Tuesdays. Prices vary from €6.50 to €7 for adults, depending on the season, with reductions for children and free admission for children under 12.
Good to know: Admission to Annecy Castle is free on the first Sunday of every month between October and May.
Enjoying the lake
Lake Annecy is an ideal destination for a family holiday, with a huge choice of water activities to suit all ages…
Swimming and family beaches
There are numerous beaches around Lake Annecy, including the Albigny beach in Annecy itself, and those at Saint-Jorioz, Talloires and Doussard. Most offer activities, showers and catering.
The beach at Doussard, about 25 minutes from Annecy, slopes gently into the water, making it perfect for young children. The beach at Talloires is renowned for its picturesque setting and clear waters. Both are supervised during July and August.
Hire a boat or a pedalo
A boat or pedalo trip on the lake is a must in Annecy during the summer. A number of operators around the lake offer pedalo hire, with or without a slide, for 2 to 6 people – prices vary according to the type of boat and duration of hire.
For a more relaxing experience, why not hire a sailing boat, catamaran or electric boat? You don’t need a licence to enjoy these quiet, environmentally-friendly activities on the lake.
Outdoor fun for the family
Beyond the city and the lake, the Annecy region offers a wealth of activities and beautiful scenery to discover in all seasons…
Hike to the Angon waterfall
Located near the village of Talloires, about 15km from Annecy, the 60m-high Angon waterfall can be reached via a shady path. The walk, which takes a total of about two hours, is suitable for families with children. However, you’ll need good walking shoes, as the last section can be slippery.
The route passes through peaceful forests, interrupted by some incredible views over Lake Annecy. The best time for this family walk is in spring, when the flow of the waterfall is at its most spectacular.
Cycling on the Lake Annecy Greenway
The Lake Annecy Greenway is a safe 42km cycle route that loops around the lake, offering breathtaking scenery all along the way. Relatively flat throughout, it’s ideal for a family ride.
Cycle hire points can be found in Annecy and neighbouring towns, offering children’s bikes, trailers and baby seats. The route is accessible all year round, but spring offers particularly pleasant conditions for cycling.
Good to know: Some of our partner chalets are specially equipped for cyclists, with repair and cleaning kits as well as secure storage.
Summer sledging at Semnoz
Less than 30 minutes from Annecy, the Semnoz mountain resort boasts an 850-metre summer sledging run with bends, tunnels and crossings through the pine trees. It’s a great way to enjoy the thrills of sledging, even in the summer months.
This exciting activity, which is open to accompanied children aged 3 and over, and to unaccompanied children over 1m25, is open all summer until October. The price in 2025 is €4 for one descent, and multi-activity cards are available.
Cultural and educational activities
A family holiday in the Annecy region is also an opportunity to learn and discover…
Visit the Paccard Foundry
The Paccard Foundry in Sevrier, just 10 minutes from Annecy, has been making church bells and carillons since 1796.
Take a guided tour of the Paccard museum, the foundry and the bell tower to discover the secrets of bell making, including the “casting of the bells”, an impressive display of molten metal held every Thursday, subject to booking.
Prices range from €9.50 for a self-guided tour to €14 for a guided tour including the casting. Children under 10 go free.
Good to know: Due to high temperatures, bell casting does not take place in August. It is replaced by a tour of the foundry workshops.
Discover the Gorges du Fier
Enjoy a spectacular walk on a footbridge suspended high above the water when you visit the Gorges du Fier near Lovagny, around 12km from Annecy. This magnificent landscape includes the “sea of rocks”, the “curious glade” and the “islet of legends”.
The site is open from 15 March to 15 October, with extended opening times in summer. The tour lasts about an hour and is open to children aged 7 and over. In 2025, prices are €6 per adult and €3 for children aged 7 to 15, with free admission for younger children.
An encounter with the local wildlife
The Annecy region offers families unique opportunities to discover nature in unspoilt natural environments, combining Alpine fauna with that of the lakes and valleys…
The Grande Jeanne animal park
Just 10 minutes from the centre of Annecy, on the road to Semnoz, this 10,500m² park welcomes visitors free of charge all year round. Here you can watch fallow deer, red deer, hinds and Corsican wild sheep in a peaceful forest setting.
Please note that this is not a zoo, but a wildlife park set in the municipal forest. Picnic areas are available for a peaceful break in the heart of nature.
Bout-du-Lac nature reserve
Discover this 80-hectare wildlife haven in Doussard, about 30 minutes’ drive from Annecy. A 3km educational trail, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, winds through forests, reed beds and meadows.
Explanatory panels along the route will give you information about the local flora and fauna. The reserve is open all year round, but spring and summer are the best times to observe the rich biodiversity.
Practical advice for a great holiday
Family-friendly accommodation
To ensure your family holiday in Annecy is a success, choose accommodation that is spacious, comfortable and close to amenities. Furnished apartments and chalets are perfect for groups travelling with children.
Our best properties for family holidays near Annecy
Villa Trois Lauriers
Situated by the lake just a few kilometres from Annecy, this modern 5-star villa for eight guests has an outdoor swimming pool and sun terraces, as well as a sauna and work areas.
Villa Trois Lauriers holds both the OVO Network “Cool for Kids” and “Cycling Friendly” labels, providing all the necessary equipment and utensils for both young families and cycling enthusiasts.
Le SwansDoors
Located near the central canal and the historic Palais de l’Île, Le SwansDoors is a 4-star pied-à-terre, ideal for a family holiday. Its central location in a historic building ensures a wide choice of restaurants and shops on your doorstep.
You can explore the city on foot and the region by bus or car, thanks to the free parking that comes with the property. Its perfect soundproofing will ensure you enjoy a comfortable stay.
Restaurants and local cuisine
Annecy has a wealth of gourmet restaurants to suit all the family. Here are some of our recommendations…
Be sure to try the delicious local specialities such as fondue, tartiflette, crozets and diots.
Là-Haut: The name of this contemporary restaurant comes from its unusual location on the top floor of an office building. You’ll enjoy a beautiful view of Veyrier, and the cocktails are particularly recommended.
L’Auberge du Père Bise: This Michelin-starred restaurant in Talloires epitomises French elegance. Chef Jean Sulpice gives a creative spin to local produce in an exceptional setting between lake and mountains. The ambiance is chic and soothing, ideal for a gastronomic adventure.
Cozna: This picturesque restaurant (whose name means “kitchen” in the Savoyard dialect) offers some of the best value for money in Annecy’s old town, thanks to its exceptional, creative and seasonal cuisine. The service is just as impressive.
Le Freti: Savoyard cheese takes pride of place in this gourmet bistro in the old town. It’s supplied by local farmers who produce it with respect for cheese-making traditions. Raclettes and fondues are the order of the day here, accompanied by charcuterie platters.
Pulito: Pizzas just like you’d get in Naples! They are cooked over a wood fire, while most of the ingredients, such as real buffalo mozzarella, are imported directly from southern Italy. Booking is recommended.
Good to know: And for those with a sweet tooth, an artisanal ice cream at the “Glacier des Alpes”, near the château, is a must during the summer!
Annecy offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences for all the family, from swimming and walking to discoveries and gourmet delights. Thanks to its variety of activities and enchanting setting, every day promises a new adventure. Whether you come for a weekend or a week, everyone will leave with memories to last a lifetime…
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