Annecy France
Pearl of the Alps:
Annecy France is a super cool town that sits on the edge of Lac d Annecy at the base of the French Alps. Annecy is nicknamed “The Pearl of the Alps” for good reason. This dreamy town has a very relaxed and easy feel. Regardless of what season you choose to visit, there is always a lot of fun and adventures to be had.
Venice Of France:
Not only is Annecy referred to as The Pearl of the Alps, but people also call it the Venice of France, because of the canals that run through town and all the brightly colored buildings that line the canals. Much of Annecy is traffic free which allows people to wander in the streets without worrying about being run over. The old town is lined with boutiques, cafes, bakeries, and everything else you might need for a few nights in town.
Activities:
If you are looking for outdoor activities the possibilities are endless, with the lake and the mountains a stones throw away, there are too many things to do to list them all. There are tons of hiking trails just outside of town, and if you visit in the summer you might get lucky to see the lavender fields blooming.
Gorges de Fier:
About 10 kilometers outside of Annecy is the Gorges du Fier. This is an incredible slot canyon that has a railed walkway about 30 meters above the river that flows in the bottom of the canyon. This really wouldn’t qualify as a hike. It is a short walk down to the canyon entrance and then through the canyon on the platform. If the weather is nice you can count on their being lot’s of people, but it’s a really cool spot, and our kids loved it.
Biking:
If you are into biking there are several places to rent bikes, and there is a path that meanders around the entire lake. Throw a picnic and a swim suit in your basket and you can bike to several different beaches and take a dip and have a snack, or just stroll around and enjoy the incredible views.
Lake Life:
If you prefer to be in the water rather than just looking at it (the water in the lake is very clear, and the temperature perfect for swimming) grab your suit! There are many different places around the lake the allow access to swimming spots. There are also several places to rent boats, and paddle boards. If you’re up for it, you can also go on a dinner cruise for an evening tour around the lake.
Endless Things to do:
Honestly there are so many things to do! You can go paragliding, museum wandering, castle viewing, go on a flight over the lake, rafting, climbing, gelato eating (our favorite) and more. In the winter months you can go skiing, ice climbing, visit a glacier, and so much more. Needless to say there is always so much to do in Annecy there is no reason for anyone in the family to be bored.
Interested in another SUPER COOL town within driving distance of Annecy? Chamonix has it all! Check out our post about why Chamonix might be the coolest place we have ever been!
