Have you ever been somewhere that it seems like you’re inside a movie? That’s exactly how we felt on our day in Annecy, France. Like we were inside the Beauty and the Beast movie….
After such an epic day in Mer de Glace and Chamonix, we headed over to the adorable city of Annecy, France. We spent two nights and one full day in Annecy and had the most wonderful time. We arrived late in the evening, so we immediately drove to our campsite and checked in. Because it was already dark and we were pretty exhausted from our long day, we grabbed dinner and called it a night.
We then spent the entire next day in Annecy, taking in the sights and smells and eating our way through the city. If you’re looking to spend a day in Annecy, France, here’s what our day looked like:
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How to get to Annecy France
Driving from Chamonix, France, took us an hour to reach Annecy taking the N205 to A40. If you’re arriving from Geneva, it’s a quick 40 minutes via A41. And if you’re coming from the north, you have the options of A5, A6, or A77.
TIP: All routes have Tolls along the way.
Things to do in Annecy France
Let’s finally get to the good part – things to do and see in Annecy, France. Known as the Pearl of the French Alps, it truly is a travel gem to be explored.
We started our day with a nice walk down to the city from our campground. One of our favorite things about RV travel is being able to wake up and have a nice breakfast from the comfort of our home on wheels. The walk is about 15 – 20 minutes down to Lake Annecy and along the water to the city.
A Day in Annecy Old Town
Walking toward the old town is filled with gorgeous flowers and parks. And Lake Annecy is busy with kayaks, boats and paddleboards. And that first sight you see of the Old Town is like walking into a story. Lined with restaurants and cafes, the canal running through the middle of the town is such an idyllic sight.
We spent the morning walking through the streets, checking out the fresh market, snacking on delicious croissants and breads (my daughter is OBSESSED with French bread), and sipping on coffee. We found a cute little cafe along the water for a mid-morning coffee with the Palais de L’Isle in view.
I was lucky enough to spend my birthday in Annecy. My husband found a beautiful (and delicious) cake at a local bakery so we could celebrate at this extraordinary destination. We took the cake back to our campsite, ate a light lunch back at our RV, and spent some time relaxing while our daughter played at the playground.
Then we headed back down to the Old Town just before sunset to catch golden hour along the water. And ate dinner at one of the restaurants (which was delicious). As soon as we finished, it started raining, so we grabbed an Uber to take us back up to the campsite.
TIP: Make sure to stop in a local bakery for a taste of the pastries and breads. You do NOT want to miss it!
Palais de L’Isle
Dating back to the 1300s, Annecy’s main attraction is the Palais de L’Isle. This iconic structure was first a prison, then a courthouse, and now a historic monument. Located in the middle of the Thiou and separating the water into two canals, you can now take tours of the infamous building, and of course, those Instagram pics in front of it.
TIP: Sunset and early evening is a GORGEOUS time to take pics of Palais de L’Isle. The lights of the town light up, and the canal is so beautiful!
Lake Annecy
If you have time to spend on the lake, there are many options available. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards for more active activities. And you can also take a boat tour on one of the local tour boats docked along the deck. Tickets can be bought right at the office on the deck.
Hiking and Bike Riding
Lake Annecy is one of the most gorgeous areas for hiking and bike riding. There are tons of trails to choose from around the lake. Check out Lac Annecy tourisme hiking page for hikes in the area. And the bike routes are located everywhere around Annecy, so grab a bike and see the city in a new, fun way!
Is one day enough for Annecy?
We spent one full day in Annecy, and for us, yes, it was enough. You can also pair it with time on Lake Annecy with a boat trip, kayaks, or paddle boarding. We were able to explore the city in plenty of time throughout the day.
Is Annecy a walkable city?
Yes, Annecy is a completely walkable city. We actually walked down from our campsite and spent the entire time walking around. Many of the areas are car-free, so having a vehicle can sometimes be a detriment. So I highly recommend parking outside and simply walking around.
Did Annecy France inspire Beauty and the Beast?
Walking around Annecy, you definitely get Beauty and the Beast vibes. So much so that my daughter and I often sang, ‘Bonjour’, while walking through the streets. But it’s been said that the villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé in the Alsace region are the actual villages that inspired the classic movie. Colmar, for us, resembled the movie the most, but they all give off the vibes. It was such a fun feeling like you’re inside Belle’s ‘provincial life.’
Annecy France at Christmas
If you’re lucky enough to visit Annecy, France during Christmas and the holidays, you’re in for a treat. The Christmas markets are fantastic, the city is all decked out in lights and decorations, and there is magic in the air. So if you are traveling around France during the holidays, make sure you add Annecy to your Christmas list.
Where to Stay in Annecy with a Camper or RV?
We stayed 2 nights at Camping Municipal d’Annecy, which was located directly above and overlooking Lake Annecy. It was close enough that we were able to walk down to Annecy. It was a 15-minute walk down to the city (downhill) and a little bit longer going back up – especially with young children. The campground has full hookups, a cute little playground and putt-putt golf course, an entertainment area with games and TVs, full shower and bathroom area, and lovely camping spots. We thoroughly enjoyed staying here and highly recommend it to anyone camping near Annecy.
Is Annecy France worth visiting?
I finish all my guides with this question, and for this one it’s simple. Annecy, France is a thousand percent worth visiting! It’s one of the most idyllic French cities we’ve had the pleasure of visiting. So make sure you add this stop to your France trip, and you’ll be so glad you did.
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What elements of Annecy, France, make it resemble the idyllic village depicted in the movie “Beauty and the Beast”?
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Walking through the streets, the buildings and cobblestone roads with the market along the inside, and the overall feel of the town. 🙂