Annecy: Hotels and accommodations

Today, the Palais de l'Île is a museum. Previously, the building served as a prison, courthouse and administrative centre.

The Château d'Annecy is also part of the city's history: in the 13th and 14th centuries, it was the residence of the Counts of Geneva.

Today, the Château d'Annecy is a museum housed in a historic building protected as a Monument historique. The Musée-Château d'Annecy displays collections on regional heritage, lake and lakeshore archaeology, medieval sculpture, landscape painting, contemporary art and animated film.

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Culture and history

The Pâquier archaeological site in Lake Annecy preserves visible piles that supported wooden structures in a wetland settlement. The surviving remains date from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age.

During the Middle Ages, numerous craftsmen settled along the Thiou River in Annecy and used its water power.

Nature and water

The Jardin Alpin du Semnoz in Annecy is an alpine pasture at an altitude of 1,500 metres. To protect its typical alpine flora, it has not been grazed for more than 50 years.

Every summer, more than one hundred plant species are identified, labelled and presented at the Jardin Alpin du Semnoz.

The Jardin Alpin du Semnoz also has signposted trails and games for visitors to use independently.

At Lake Annecy, you can go stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking. Guided sightseeing cruises are also available.

Cycling and information

The Voie verte du lac d’Annecy runs from Annecy to Val de Chaise (Marlens) as a nearly 33-kilometre-long, car-free route on its own dedicated path. It is also open to pedestrians and runners.

The Annecy Tourist Information Office in the Centre Bonlieu has been awarded the Accueil Vélo label for cycle tourism.

The Accueil Vélo-certified tourist information service in Annecy provides a bicycle repair kit and a pump, allows e-bike batteries to be recharged, and offers lists of bicycle rental companies and bicycle repair shops.

Science and film

La Turbine sciences offers exhibitions, conferences and workshops with hands-on activities and opportunities for exploration. In Annecy, La Turbine sciences is an interactive science centre for families and friends.

The Musée du cinéma d'animation at the Cité internationale du cinéma d'animation offers a permanent exhibition.

Other places: Passy, Armoy, Alex, Les Contamines-Montjoie, Lucinges, Les Carroz-D'arâches, Megève, La Forclaz.

Back to the main travel overview: Haute-Savoie.