How we spent a day in Annecy, France

Everything you need to know to plan a city break in Brussels, from things to do, where to eat and drink, what to pack, and how to get there.

We took a day trip to the stunning town of Annecy in France while we were spending a weekend in Geneva. The winding cobbled streets, medieval old town, sparkling blue lake, and colourful buildings are the perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon of exploring.

Here’s what you need to know about a day trip to Annecy.

How to get to Annecy

We visited Annecy from Geneva, taking the train which took 1.5 hours. The train station is well connected to the rest of France, Italy, and Switzerland and is close to many popular skiing destinations in the Alps. Annecy does have a small airport but Geneva is better connected. You can also catch a bus to Annecy from many French, Swiss, and Italian cities. And depending on where you’re travelling from there’s also the option of driving.

For us, taking the train was the easiest and most obvious choice.

The best things to do in Annecy

These were our highlights from our day in Annecy:

• Wandering around the old town

• The view from Pont Rue de la République

• Palais de I'Île

• Admiring the mountains from Point de vue

• Pont des Amours and Canal du Vassé

• Walking along Lac d'Annecy in Jardins de l'Europe

• The traditional cafes

Where to eat in Annecy

Our favourite places to eat and drink in Annecy were:

• Dip Honest Food

• Auberge du Lyonnais

• La Coupole

• Pura Vida

• Savoie Bar

• Auberge du Père Bise–Jean Sulpice

How long do you need to spend in Annecy?

We spent one day in Annecy, and that was plenty of time to see the small city. You can easily walk along the lake, take in the incredible mountain views, explore the old town and its canals, take loads of photos and stop for food and drinks in a traditional French bar or cafe all in one day.

But if you choose to stay longer, the charm of Annecy won’t fade in a weekend. It’s also a popular spot to stay if you’re skiing nearby in the Alps.

Do you need to rent a car in Annecy?

You only need a car in Annecy if you’re driving further out of the city. We didn’t take any form of public transport in Annecy, except arriving and leaving by train. It’s very easy to explore the town on foot.

What to wear in Annecy?

During our trip to Annecy in December I wore:

• A pink knit jumper

• A black t-shirt

• Black wide leg trousers

• Leopard print Nike Air Force 1s

• A tweed overcoat

• Sunglasses when it was bright in the day

Want to explore more of France? Check out our itinerary for a weekend in Paris here.