Annecy: Where Adventure Meets Tranquility
The picturesque city of Annecy by night
Between glittering lakes and alpine peaks, Annecy is where adventure meets effortless charm. Over 7 unforgettable days, you’ll paddleboard across turquoise waters, soar over the lake on a paraglider, hike wild trails, and unwind in chic mountain villages. It’s the French Alps reimagined for those who love both thrill and tranquillity.
An adventure weighted itinerary in Annecy
Holiday Balance
Adventure: Paragliding, hiking, canyoning, kayaking, cycling, and skiing day trips.
Culture: Medieval Annecy, local markets, Savoyard villages, Chamonix’s alpine heritage.
Relaxation: Lake swims, spa sessions, sunset dinners, and peaceful mountain stays.
The Itinerary
Getting There: Fly from the UK into Geneva Airport (the nearest major hub, around 1 hour’s drive from Annecy). Pick up a rental car or arrange a shared transfer to your hotel. It’s not essential, but having your own car will give you flexibility for day trips.
Day 1 – Welcome to Annecy!
After checking in to your lakeside hotel or guesthouse, stretch your legs with a walk along the Canal du Thiou, explore the Old Town’s pastel streets, and visit the Château d’Annecy for panoramic views. Dinner is best enjoyed at a traditional Savoyard restaurant. If you haven’t, try tartiflette or raclette with local white wine. Magnifique.
The cleanest lake in Europe is popular for swimming and watersports
Day 2 – Lake Annecy Adventures
Start your day with kayaking or paddleboarding — easy to rent from Annecy’s lakeshore or the nearby village of Talloires. The lake is calmest in the morning, perfect for beginners. After lunch, rent a bike or e-bike and ride part of the Lake Annecy Greenway (Voie Verte) — a flat, scenic path that loops much of the lake’s western edge. Stop at Saint-Jorioz for a swim or ice cream before returning to Annecy. Evening at leisure with lakeside dining.
Annecy is an incredible spot for paragliding
Day 3 – Paragliding & Alpine Villages
Drive (25 mins) to Col de la Forclaz, the region’s famous paragliding launch point. Flights can be pre-booked with local operators and offer unforgettable views of the turquoise lake below. Land near Talloires, where you can have lunch at a lakeside bistro. Spend the afternoon exploring nearby Menthon-Saint-Bernard (home to a fairy-tale château) and Veyrier-du-Lac, a charming village with lakeside cafés. Return to Annecy for dinner and perhaps a relaxed evening stroll.
Day 4 – Into the Bauges Mountains
Take a 45-minute drive into the Bauges Regional Natural Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve known for its alpine meadows and traditional cheesemaking villages. Choose a moderate loop hike around Mont Julioz or Semnoz Plateau, both offering panoramic views. Pack a picnic lunch with local produce from Annecy’s market. Stay overnight in a mountain auberge or chalet — many offer set dinners featuring regional dishes like croziflette and local charcuterie.
Day 5 – Canyoning & Spa Time
Return toward the lake (40 mins) for a morning of canyoning at Angon Waterfall, a local favourite with natural slides, jumps, and pools. Guided tours include all equipment and last about 3 hours. In the afternoon, relax — enjoy a spa session at your hotel or a swim at Plage d’Albigny, one of Annecy’s best beaches. Dinner by the lake to watch the sunset over the peaks.
Experience the breathtaking landscapes by using the Mont-Blanc Tramway.
Day 6 – Day Trip to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
After breakfast, take a 1.5-hour scenic drive via Sallanches to Chamonix, one of Europe’s most iconic mountain towns. Ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car (pre-book tickets) for jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc and the glaciers. Explore Chamonix’s lively town centre, with boutiques and brasseries, before returning to Annecy in the evening. Optional detour to Lac de Passy for a coffee stop with mountain reflections.
Annecy’s Thiou river is lined with shops and cafes
Day 7 – Market Morning & Departure
Spend your final morning exploring Annecy’s Sunday market (held year-round). Pick up local cheeses, honey, or handmade crafts before a lakeside coffee. Return your rental car and transfer back to Geneva Airport (allow 2.5–3 hours total including border time). Depart refreshed, with mountain air and lake views still lingering in memory.
How Much Does it Cost?
Cost estimates for a 7 day stay, including everything from flights, to other travel, food, activities and add-ons. These estimates will of course change with traveller preference.
Tight Budget: £800 to £1,200: Guesthouses, public buses, simple meals, limited activities.
Mid-Range: £1,300 to £1,600: Boutique hotels, car hire, mix of self-guided and local tours.
Luxury: £1,800 to £2,500 plus: Lakefront hotels, private guides, spa treatments, fine dining.
When Should I Go?
Each season paints Annecy in a new light. Spring brings blossoms, cool mountain air, and quiet hiking trails. Summer will give you warm lake days, prime time water sports, and a lively buzz in town. Autumn glows with golden forests, crisp air, and fewer crowds, which is perfect for cycling and food lovers. Winter turns Annecy into a wonderland, with snow-dusted peaks nearby for skiing and cosy evenings by the fire.
A climate overview of Annecy at different times in the year
