What to Do in Annecy in 3 Days? Nature, Fine Dining, and the Lake

Day 1 - Explore Annecy, then head to Veyrier-du-Lac

9:30 a.m. – Explore Annecy’s Old Town on foot

From the arcades of Rue Sainte-Claire, take a leisurely stroll toward the Palais de l’Île, perched in the middle of the Thiou River like a theater set. Then follow the Quais de l’Île and de la Perrière, where the facades are reflected in the canals. To truly appreciate the city’s architecture, wander through the narrow alleys, following wherever they lead, to cross the passageways that lead to the Morens Bridge, the city’s first stone bridge. Keep your eyes peeled: the old shutters, wrought-iron signs, and geraniums in the windows are all details worth pausing to take in, allowing you to soak up the rhythm of this historic city shaped by the textile and metalworking industries. You can explore the old town in an hour or two before heading back to the lake.

11:30 a.m. – Stroll along the Jardins de l’Europe to the Pâquier

Behind City Hall, the Jardins de l’Europe offer a shaded retreat between the Old Town and the lake. At the far end, near the statue of Berthollet and the sundial, you can see Île des Cygnes. This small, tree-lined artificial island serves as a refuge for birds and is an ideal spot for taking a photo. Continue on to the Pont des Amours, which connects the Jardins de l’Europe to the vast, green esplanade overlooking the lake in the Pâquier neighborhood. At the crossroads between the city’s streets, the mountain scenery, and the crystal-clear lake, Annecy reveals all its beauty!

12:30 p.m. – Lunch in Annecy: Mazette, a restaurant featuring locally sourced cuisine on the banks of the Thiou

Just a stone’s throw from the narrow streets of the old town, in the Faubourg Sainte-Claire neighborhood, Mazette! offers classic bistronomic cuisine praised by the Michelin Guide. In a small, simply charming dining room, the restaurant features a generous menu with dishes inspired by Alsatian traditions and adapted to whatever’s fresh at the market. The Marcellaz zucchini pâté en croûte with goat cheese, as well as the lake féra—an iconic regional fish cooked with eggplant and cherry tomatoes—are among the customers’ favorite dishes.

Wow!
15 Faubourg Sainte-Claire, 74000 Annecy
Restaurant’s official website

3:00 p.m. – Visit the Cité internationale du cinéma d’animation

Located at the Haras, the Cité internationale du cinéma d’animation is Annecy’s latest cultural attraction. Opened in June 2026, it now sheds light on what has made the city world-renowned: animated film. In the various buildings surrounding the renovated former Haras, the exhibitions explore the history of the medium, its techniques, and its most famous creators. Visitors can see clips from *Gertie the Dinosaur*, the very first animated film made in 1914; selected scenes from Hayao Miyazaki’s cult classics; and puppets from stop-motion star Nick Park (*Wallace and Gromit*).

To mark its opening, the Cité is also dedicating a wonderful exhibition to Ankama. “Ankama: From Sketch to Epic—25 Years of Creation” traces the journey of the French studio and its Krosmoz universe, from *Dofus* to *Wakfu*. Drawings, characters, graphic research, and production stages offer insight into how these animated worlds are built, at the intersection of video games, TV series, and film. The exhibition runs through January 31, 2027.

Cité internationale du cinéma d’animation
19 rue Guillaume-Fichet, 74000 Annecy
Official website

6:00 p.m. – Take a stroll in Veyrier-du-Lac 

In the late afternoon, leave the bustle of downtown Annecy behind and head to Veyrier-du-Lac on the eastern shore. Here, the streets become more residential and quiet, and you’ll discover the village nestled at the foot of the steep slopes of Mont Veyrier. From the small harbor, take a leisurely stroll along the shore toward Brune Beach. At this time of day, you can also admire the pleasure boats returning to the docks, while the light glides over the Bornes mountain range. Annecy comes into view in the distance, and to the south, your gaze follows the mountain range all the way to the peaks of La Tournette.

Where to Stay at Lake Annecy? La Maison Bleue by Yoann Conte

When evening falls, settle in on the eastern shore at La Maison Bleue by Yoann Conte, a 5-star hotel in Annecy. Located in Veyrier-du-Lac, this Relais & Châteaux hotel offers an intimate experience with just eleven rooms and suites, all overlooking the lake and featuring a balcony or terrace. Behind its family home-style façade, this lakeside hotel combines light wood with linen and cotton curtains to create an intimate atmosphere far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Outside, a sauna and a Nordic bath offer a unique way to enjoy the scenery.

La Table de Yoann Conte, awarded two stars by the Michelin Guide, is also worth a visit, while Le Roc offers hearty cuisine centered on regional ingredients.

La Maison Bleue by Yoann Conte 
11 rooms, rates starting at 500 euros per night
13 Vieille Route des Pensières, 74290 Veyrier-du-Lac

Day 2 - Explore Talloires and the eastern shore of Lake Annecy

9 a.m. – Explore the Roc de Chère on a hike and by packraft

Far from the crowds on the beaches and rows of pedal boats, Blue Secret invites you to discover the lake in breathtaking surroundings, in a sporty and intimate setting. The excursion uses equipment provided by the guide, including a packraft (an ultra-lightweight inflatable boat that fits into a large bag), a paddle, a life jacket, and a waterproof bag. The day’s hike begins in Menthon-Saint-Bernard and winds through the wooded landscapes of Roc de Chère. The hike takes about an hour and a half of walking through the forest and over hilly terrain, with an elevation gain of nearly 150 meters. Once at the top, a magical view opens up onto the lake and the cliffs. After a short break, it’s time to head back down to the shore.

On the Monks’ Trail, near the Grotte aux Oiseaux in Talloires, inflate your packraft before launching it into the water. Adjust the back straps, and you’re ready to go!  Now you’re off for two to three hours of paddling along the cliffs, gliding through the lake’s crystal-clear waters. Ideal for both experienced paddlers and beginners alike, the stable and maneuverable packraft lets you paddle at your own pace, with no prior experience required. Along the way, stop at the Grand Pertuis Cave, accessible only via the lake. The route winds through crystal-clear waters, rocky cliffs, small coves, and wooded areas…

Don’t miss the Rose Beach either—it’s perfect for a swim and to recharge before heading back. Along the entire route, there are plenty of spots for the more adventurous to dive into the water from rocky outcrops of varying heights. After half a day of activity, the loop trail takes you back to Menthon-Saint-Bernard. Be sure to bring sturdy shoes, a bottle of water, and a waterproof case for your smartphone if you plan to take photos on the lake.

Blue Secret
Half-day or full-day trips available with a guide or on your own
Prices starting at 50 euros per person 
Official website
 

1:30 p.m. – Lunch in Talloires: a stop by the lake

Back on dry land, stay in Talloires for lunch at Les Terrasses du Cottage. Located on the lakeshore, the gourmet restaurant at the Hôtel Le Cottage Bise overlooks the slopes of La Tournette. Facing the bay, beneath the chestnut trees, and just a few steps from the water, Les Terrasses du Cottage offers a cozy, family-friendly take on local haute cuisine. Here, history matters just as much as the food: the Bise saga began with François Bise, who arrived from Switzerland at the end of the 19th century. Enamored with the region, he founded the family inn with Marie Fontaine.

Opened in 1931, Le Cottage Bise focused on regional specialties and earned two stars in the Michelin Guide. Although the family eventually gave up the distinction to avoid the associated constraints, the quality of the dishes and the service remain as impeccable as ever. Even today, the restaurant is still run by the same family. In the kitchen, Chef Olivier Suire creates excellent contemporary cuisine that is both simple and technically sophisticated. The bistronomic lunch menu features numerous fresh options as well as an array of perfectly seasoned gourmet dishes. Depending on the season, we particularly enjoy the “Coco con leche” sea bream ceviche, the house-made veal, duck, and Duroc pork pâté en croûte from Bataillé, or the Iberian pork pluma served with house-made fries.

Les Terrasses du Cottage
390 route du Port, 74290 Talloires-Montmin
Official website

4:00 p.m. – What to see in Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard?

After lunch, take some time to stroll through Talloires before heading back up toward Annecy. Nestled at the far end of the bay, this charming village is home to several charming restaurants and hotels. Stroll along the lakeshore from the harbor and watch the boats docked at the pier, then venture into the narrow side streets to admire the historic houses, small gardens, and chic, discreet hotels. To return to Veyrier-du-Lac, hop back in the car or hop on a bike (either a regular or electric model) to ride along the eastern shore on the green-marked bike paths.

Day 3 - Duingt, Bout-du-Lac, and the southern part of Lake Annecy

10 a.m. – Duingt Castle

After a hearty breakfast, follow the western shore of the lake toward Duingt. Perched on its own peninsula, Duingt Castle (a private property) is one of the lake’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s best viewed from the shores and along the bike path. The stone building on its wooded promontory is particularly photogenic in the morning.

12:30 p.m. – Lunch at Chez Ma Cousine

Just a few minutes from the nature reserve, Chez Ma Cousine offers a break right by the water at Bout-du-Lac. This family-run restaurant specializes in contemporary French cuisine and features a large wooden terrace that opens out onto the lake. It also has a private dock for guests arriving by boat, as well as a private beach area. Settle in outdoors at a table right on the lakeshore or under a plane tree.

Chez Ma Cousine
2036 Route d’Annecy, Bout-du-Lac, 74210 Doussard
Official website

3:00 p.m. – Hike through the Bout-du-Lac Nature Reserve

Continue on to Bout-du-Lac to enter a completely different landscape… At the southern end of the lake, the national nature reserve—open to the public—is one of the last remaining large wilderness areas along its shores. Stroll along the marked trails that wind through reed beds, wet meadows, and waterways that provide habitat for numerous species. Beavers have been documented here since 1972. Starting from Chemin de la Vieille-Église, the trails offer an easy walk that’s very different from the developed shores of Annecy.

If you’re in the mood to head back to the water, stay in Doussard itself to enjoy the family-friendly, lifeguard-supervised beach. Drop off your bags at La Playa, a great beachside restaurant that also serves sweet treats at snack time…  

4:30 p.m. – Grab a snack at Tartine 

On your way to the Col de la Forclaz, stop by the organic bakery Tartine to pick up a “pompe à l’huile”—a Provençal specialty made with brioche dough, prepared with olive oil, and flavored with orange blossom. Tucked away from the main road, this hidden gem in Doussard has retained its authentic charm. The baker kneads the dough in the large room right behind the display window. A real treat!

Tartine 
955 Route de la Ravoire, 74210 Doussard

5:30 p.m. – Head up to the Col de la Forclaz

Round out your Lake Annecy adventure by heading up into the hills. The road to the Col de la Forclaz climbs steeply, and once you reach the summit, the panoramic view unfolds before you: the lake stretches out in all its glory, framed by the mountains, from Doussard all the way to Annecy, It’s also one of the main takeoff spots for paragliders, whom you’ll often see soaring above the lake. If the weather permits and you’re up for it, the view from up there is even more impressive! At the end of the day, the Col de la Forclaz is a unique spot to admire the sunset.