Category: Lyon Area
This episode features our frequent and very popular guest Elyse Rivin. If you enjoy her episodes, please consider supporting her on Patreon.
Thinking about visiting Annecy? Wondering what makes this small Alpine town so special? In episode 556 of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, Annie Sargent and guest Elyse Rivin dive into everything you need to know to discover Annecy — its history, food, outdoor activities, and what to do around the lake.
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If you're planning a trip to the French Alps, this episode is for you. Read on for the highlights, then go listen for all the insider tips.
What Makes Annecy Special?
Annecy is often called the “Little Venice of the Alps” because of its canals, stone bridges, and pastel-colored buildings. It's located in Haute-Savoie, near the Swiss border, just a short drive from Geneva.
But it’s not just pretty.
It’s a real town with deep history and a postcard-perfect setting on Lac d’Annecy, one of the cleanest lakes in Europe. Whether you're into biking around the lake, paragliding, or just sipping coffee by the water, Annecy delivers.
History and Old Town Charm
In the episode, Elyse explains how Annecy became a strategic and religious hub in the Middle Ages. The Counts of Geneva moved their seat to Annecy, and later the House of Savoy turned it into an important religious center.
You can feel that history in the architecture. The Palais de l’Isle, sitting right in the middle of a canal, looks like a fairytale castle — it was once a prison. The Château d’Annecy, perched on the hill, offers panoramic views and a peek into local art and history.
If you're searching for "things to do in Annecy" or "Annecy old town walking tour," this is the place to start.
Best Outdoor Things to Do in Annecy
The lake is the star of the show. You can swim, sail, paddleboard, or take a boat cruise. There’s even a beach area called Plage des Marquisats that’s free and family-friendly.
The bike path around Lake Annecy is legendary. It’s a smooth, scenic 42 km loop that takes you through charming villages like Talloires, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, and Duingt. You can rent a regular or electric bike right in town.
Looking for a thrill? Try paragliding over Lake Annecy. It's one of the top spots in Europe for it, and the views are unforgettable.
Local Food You Need to Try
Savoyard food is hearty, cheesy, and delicious. Annie and Elyse talk about must-try dishes like:
- Tartiflette (potatoes, reblochon cheese, bacon, onions)
- Raclette (melted cheese over potatoes and charcuterie)
- Fondue Savoyarde (classic alpine cheese fondue)
If you're visiting in summer, check out the local markets for fresh fruits, cheeses, and picnic supplies. Don’t skip dessert — gâteau de Savoie is a local sponge cake that goes great with coffee.
Festivals and When to Go
If you're planning your trip around events, the Fête du Lac in August is Annecy’s biggest festival, with fireworks over the lake. In October, Retour des Alpages celebrates traditional mountain culture — think cows, crafts, and cheese.
Spring and early fall offer perfect weather, fewer crowds, and stunning light over the lake. Try to avoid peak summer if you don’t like crowds.
Listen to Discover Annecy in Depth
This blog post only scratches the surface. In the full episode, Annie and Elyse share personal stories, practical advice, and off-the-beaten-path ideas to discover Annecy in your own style.
They talk about the Annecy International Animation Festival, the peaceful Jardins de l'Europe, and even a French TV crime series, Cassandre, that’s filmed in town.
Click here to listen to episode 556 – Discover Annecy: The Little Venice of the Alps
Start Planning Your Annecy Adventure
Use this post as a starting point, but don’t stop here. To really discover Annecy, tune into the episode and take notes. Whether you want culture, nature, or just a relaxing few days by the lake, Annecy has something for everyone.
Table of Contents for this Episode
More episode about the French Alps
#FranceTravel, #DiscoverAnnecy, #AnnecyFrance, #FrenchAlps, #LakeAnnecy, #VisitFrance, #JoinUsInFrance, #TravelPodcast, #SlowTravelFrance, #HiddenGemsFrance, #FrenchCulture, #FrenchFoodLovers, #ExploreFrance, #FrenchCountryside, #ProvenceToAlps, #FranceByBike, #CharmingVillagesFrance, #BestOfFrance, #AnnecyOldTown, #FranceVacationIdeas
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Discussed in this Episode
- Annecy
- Thiou River
- Lake Annecy
- Haute-Savoie
- Alps
- Semnoz
- Parmelan
- Old City
- Palais de l’Isle
- Château d’Annecy
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TranscriptCategory: Lyon Area