What to do when you visit Annecy? There is so much that you can do when you visit one of the most beautiful cities in France. Therefore, it is normal for one to feel lost and confused considering that there is so much to do. This article is going to give you some of the fun things that you can do when you visit Annecy.

What to Do When You Visit Annecy: Biking

This area is quite popular among bikers, but don’t assume they’re all come to tackle massive mountain climbs. The lakeshore has a great cycling route that will allow you to visit the communities around the lake. And, as an added benefit, when you visit Annecy, you will find that it’s perfectly flat. Depending on your energy and legs, you may ride the entire Tour du Lac (doable in a day at a moderate pace) or just tour portions of it.

The main trail, or Voie Vert, is a repurposed railway line that extends from Annecy’s center to Doussard at the lake’s southern end and beyond. It’s a more uneven route back into Annecy from Doussard along the east side of the lake (parts are still under renovation as of August 2017). But, it brings you through more picturesque villages and through some wonderful bathing places.

Hiking

Explore the Roc du Chere between Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires for an afternoon stroll. This granite outcrop, a designated nature reserve, is cool and shaded in the summer. There’s a secret route that goes to a lookout overlooking Talloires Bay. Also, there is a climb down to the lakeshore that’s more difficult than it appears Explore the Cascade d’Angon.

A wonderful round walk from Talloires, you’ll ascend out of the hamlet on the old road to St. Germain’s church, which is paved in sections and has loose stone underfoot in others. It winds past a few tiny hamlets and then through woods until appearing outside the church, where there are panoramic views of the lake’s southern end.

Return to the lakeside through Verel and a forested route that leads to the Pont du Fer and cascade – a magnificent gulley of flowing water hewn into the granite hillside that abruptly gives way to a thundering waterfall.

Visit the Pistes

Les Portes des Aravis ski area is less than 30 minutes away, but don’t believe it’s only for winter guests. At any time of year, the towns of La Clusaz and Grand Bornand are definitely worth a visit. Aside from the more contemporary snow sports infrastructure, there are lovely town squares, historic alpine churches, and mountains with more cheese than you can poke a stick at. Spend the day walking through the wooded slopes above either town, indulging all of your senses at the Monday morning market in La Clusaz