Day Trips & Excursions: Annecy

Nearby Destinations

Several appealing destinations are within easy reach of Annecy, offering varied experiences. From alpine peaks to international cities, your options abound.

Many tours and activities for these destinations are available. Search for options here: Find Day Trips on GetYourGuide.

Popular Day Trips

Chamonix Mont-Blanc: Alpine adventures and stunning peaks.
Geneva, Switzerland: International city with lake views.
Yvoire: Charming medieval village on Lake Geneva.
Aix-les-Bains: Historic spa town on Lac du Bourget.

Further Exploration

The region around Annecy presents many natural and cultural wonders for exploration.

Natural Escapes

Beyond the city and lake, the surrounding region unfolds with beautiful natural attractions.

Natural Sites

Parc Naturel Régional du Massif des Bauges: Hiking and mountain views.
Gorges du Fier: Dramatic canyon with suspended walkway.
Cascades de Seythenex: Waterfalls and grotto tours.

Cultural Excursions

Discover the rich history and charming villages along Lake Annecy and beyond.

Historical Landmarks

Menthon-Saint-Bernard Castle: Impressive medieval fortress.
Duingt Castle: Picturesque lake castle (view from exterior).
Abbaye de Talloires: Historic abbey in a beautiful lakeside setting.

Multi-Day Extensions

Adventure & Scenery

Route des Grandes Alpes: Scenic driving route through the French Alps.
Ski Resorts: World-class skiing at La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, or Three Valleys.
Italian Lakes: Lake Como or Lake Maggiore for a cultural shift (border crossing applies).
Provence: Distinct landscapes, lavender fields (seasonal), and Roman ruins.

Planning Your Extension

Car rental is a fantastic way to discover smaller, charming spots.
Train travel connects Annecy to major cities like Lyon and Grenoble.
Remember border requirements for international trips.
Allocate 2-7 days for an in-depth extension, based on your chosen region.

Travel Distances from Annecy

Chamonix Mont-Blanc~1 hour drive
Geneva, Switzerland~45-60 minutes drive/bus
Yvoire~45-60 minutes drive
Aix-les-Bains~30 minutes drive/train

Grenoble~1 hour drive/train
La Clusaz / Le Grand Bornand~30-45 minutes drive
Lyon~1.5-2 hours train
Three Valleys Ski Resorts~1.5-2 hours drive

Travel Insight

For smaller, charming spots around Lake Annecy, renting a car for a day or two is often the best choice, as public transport options may be limited.

Day Trip Highlights

Discover attractions in nearby popular day trip destinations.

Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car, visit Mer de Glace, explore hiking trails, or enjoy winter skiing.

Geneva, Switzerland

See the Jet d'Eau, visit the UN European headquarters, explore the charming Old Town, and wander by the lake.

Aix-les-Bains

Relax at thermal baths, discover Roman ruins, stroll along the lakeside promenade, or take a boat trip on Lac du Bourget.

Parc Naturel Régional du Massif des Bauges

This regional natural park south of Annecy features extensive hiking opportunities and stunning mountain landscapes. It is a designated Geopark.

Activities Here

Explore diverse hiking trails suitable for all levels.
Discover caving adventures within the park.
Observe local flora and fauna in protected ecosystems.

Gorges du Fier & Cascades de Seythenex

Explore these impressive natural attractions located west and southeast of Annecy respectively.

Visit Details

Gorges du Fier: Walk a suspended walkway through a dramatic canyon.
Cascades de Seythenex: Take a beautiful walk to waterfalls.
Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex: Guided cave tour revealing unique formations.

Regional Highlights

Chamonix Mont-Blanc Activities:Aiguille du Midi cable car, Mer de Glace.

Geneva Attractions:Jet d'Eau, UN Headquarters, Old Town.

Yvoire Features:Flower-filled streets, Five Senses Garden, castle (exterior).

Aix-les-Bains Focus:Thermal baths, Roman ruins, lake promenade.

Grenoble Main Sight:Bastille fortress via cable car.

Massif des Bauges:Hiking, caving, geological heritage.

Smart Exploration

Check opening hours for attractions, especially during off-season.
Consider an organized tour for hassle-free transport to Chamonix or Geneva.
For hiking, carry appropriate gear and water.
Allocate sufficient time for each destination to truly experience it.
Have your passport ready for border crossings to Switzerland.

Regional Castles & Abbeys

Explore the historical richness found in the castles and abbeys near Annecy.

Menthon-Saint-Bernard Castle

An impressive medieval castle overlooking Lake Annecy from the eastern shore, a short drive from Annecy.

Castle Experience

Take guided tours to discover its furnished rooms and history.
Admire panoramic views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding landscape.
Its fairytale appearance makes it a popular photography spot.

Duingt Castle

This picturesque castle rests directly on Lake Annecy's western shore, near the village of Duingt.

Viewpoint Information

Admire it from the cycle path or during a lake cruise.
It is privately owned and not open to public tours.
It holds significant appeal as a scenic backdrop for photos.

Abbaye de Talloires

A historic abbey complex on the lake in Talloires, now a luxury hotel and restaurant.

Visiting the Abbey

Enjoy a meal or coffee at the restaurant with stunning lake views.
Appreciate its historical significance and beautiful lakeside setting.
Discover the charm of Talloires village while you are there.

More Cultural Stops

Additional Points of Interest

Saint-Maurice Church: Annecy's oldest church with Gothic architecture.
Saint-Pierre Cathedral: Features Renaissance art and impressive stained glass.
Palais de l'Isle: Historic former prison and courthouse in the Thiou River.

Extending Your Stay for Culture

With more time, Annecy serves as an ideal base for exploring a broader range of cultural highlights.

Lyon's Heritage

Explore Lyon's Roman ruins, Renaissance architecture, and gastronomic traditions.

Provence Delights

Discover distinct landscapes, charming villages, and ancient Roman sites further south.

Swiss City Charms

Experience Geneva's international vibe or explore Lausanne on Lake Geneva.

Cultural Immersion Note

Always check the official websites of castles and abbeys for current visiting hours and tour availability, as these can vary seasonally.

Alpine Winter & Beyond

Annecy serves as a fantastic base for exploring the winter sports opportunities and other unique regional attractions.

Ski Resorts near Annecy

L.C.

La Clusaz

Part of the Aravis mountain range, it offers an extensive ski domain with charming alpine village atmosphere.

L.G.B.

Le Grand Bornand

Another Aravis resort, offering excellent skiing and family-friendly activities in a picturesque setting.

T.V.

Three Valleys

Further afield but a world-renowned destination for unparalleled skiing, featuring resorts like Méribel and Courchevel.

Driving Adventures

This journey over several days presents breathtaking scenery, ideal for road trip enthusiasts.
Plan for 4-7 days to truly immerse yourself in the mountain vistas and charming villages along the way.
Check road conditions, especially during shoulder seasons, as high passes may be closed due to snow.
Ensure your vehicle is suitable for mountain driving.
Allow extra time for stops at viewpoints and small towns.

Seasonal Considerations

Winter brings opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing at nearby resorts like Semnoz.
Christmas markets in December create a festive atmosphere.
Spring and Autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling with fewer crowds.
Autumn foliage in the mountains during September and October provides stunning photographic opportunities.
Summer is ideal for water sports on Lake Annecy and lively lakeside activities.
Off-season travel often yields lower prices for accommodation and flights.

Extended Region Exploration

Beyond the Alps

Explore the distinct landscapes of Provence to the south, with its charming villages and Roman history.

Italian Connection

Consider a 2-3 day extension to the Italian Lakes for a different cultural and scenic experience. Remember border procedures.

Culinary Capital

Head to Lyon, France's gastronomic capital, for a multi-day immersion in food and history.

Smart Planning

For multi-day extensions, research transport options and accommodation well in advance. International travel requires up-to-date documentation.

Day Trips & Excursions