We arrived in Annecy by car from Lyon, and the drive alone was worth the trip. Leaving the city behind, the landscape gradually shifted into rolling countryside and then into full alpine scenery, with mountains growing closer and more dramatic the farther we went. By the time Annecy appeared, tucked between peaks and water, it already felt like we’d arrived somewhere special.
Often called the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy somehow manages to live up to the nickname without feeling overly polished or touristy. It feels like a real town first — one where people bike to work, linger at cafés, and go about their day surrounded by some of the best scenery in France.
The Old Town (Vieille Ville) is where Annecy really shines. Narrow cobblestone streets wind between pastel-colored buildings, opening unexpectedly onto canals and small bridges that crisscross the center of town.
Water is everywhere here. The Thiou River runs straight through town, impossibly clear, reflecting shutters, flowers, and stone facades as it flows beneath your feet.
We found ourselves crossing the same bridges more than once, not out of necessity but because every angle felt worth seeing again. Annecy is the kind of place where wandering without a plan is the whole point.
Just beyond the Old Town, the scenery opens up toward Lake Annecy, and the scale shifts from intimate canals to wide-open alpine views.
The lake is famous for being one of the cleanest in Europe, and standing along the shoreline it’s easy to believe. The water shifts between turquoise and deep blue, depending on the light, with mountains rising sharply behind it.
A paved walking and cycling path runs along the lake, making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace. Even a simple walk feels special when every turn comes with another postcard-worthy view.
Despite its popularity, Annecy never felt overwhelming. There’s an easy rhythm to the town — active without being rushed, lively without being loud.
As the light shifted throughout the day, the colors changed with it. Mountains softened in the distance, the water darkened, and the town took on a calmer, almost storybook feel.
Back in town, the streets filled gently as evening approached, with people settling into restaurants and terraces for long meals.
Annecy is beautiful, without question, but what really stood out was how easy it felt to be there. Nothing felt rushed or overplanned — just a town perfectly situated between water and mountains.
It’s the kind of place that works just as well as a short stop or a longer stay, equally rewarding whether you’re actively exploring or simply sitting and watching the world go by.
Driving in from Lyon, wandering the canals, and walking the lakefront all felt like different chapters of the same experience — one that made Annecy impossible not to love.
