Weekend Getaway: Experience Annecy with iBestTravel

They call Annecy the “Venice of the Alps” for good reason. An utterly charming town in the Haute-Savoie region of Southeastern France, it is crisscrossed by canals lined with flower boxes and encircles a great, glittering alpine lake, with shorelines best seen from the bow of a boat.

Guided by French friends with a family home here, I explored every medieval castle, beach, boat, restaurant, hotel, café, and curio shop I could fit into my summer itinerary. Now, I can’t wait to return.

Friday

Morning: Start your morning like a true Annécienne: with really good coffee. Head into the historic old town called Annecy-le-Vieux and stroll down the charming, cobblestone Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, where you’ll find Café Bunna Annecy. Despite being the “smallest coffee shop in Annecy” (it’s literally a hole in the wall), there is a barista counter churning out some of the town’s best lattes, croissants, and baguettes served warm with fresh local goat and cow cheese.

How to spend the day: If Lake Como had a wide, 42-km (26-mile) bike path along its entire perimeter, where pro-cyclists spend summers breezing past the petals of wildflowers—that’s Lake Annecy. The world revolves around cycling here, regardless of skill level. I recommend Cyclable rentals, which has two separate locations and a robust inventory. On the bike path, you’ll pass signage designed to entice you into a lakeside lunch—let it happen.

Generally speaking, the restaurants here are casual waterfront affairs, often facing their own pier or patch of beach. A great spot for lunch is Le Poisson Rouge, where attentive staff serve local fare (think filets de perche with crisp pomme frites), and Aperol spritz cocktails are flowing. You could easily while away the entire afternoon here if you had no agenda, but we’ve only got 72 hours, so get ye to the boat!

Lac d’Annecy is brimming with French teenagers renting paddle boats for just €14 to €24, creating a carefree atmosphere. For a more luxurious experience, cycle to The Boat and spend the afternoon sailing on a catamaran with a native Annécienne. Even in summer, the alpine snowmelt cools the bright turquoise water, making for a refreshing swim. Build rapport with Captain Arnaud, and he’ll share local secrets, including chic dining spots. For dinner, he recommended the restaurant Vincent Favre Félix, which hosts only nine tables and serves a prix-fixe gastronomic adventure.

Dinner: The highlight of this dining experience is that Chef Félix personally greets you and prepares several dishes tableside. One memorable dish is a riff on le petit déjeuner, combining a Beaufort cheese mousse with a lightly cooked egg yolk and topped with Roquefort and croutons, creating a beautiful texture contrast. The 8-course “Essential” menu (€119) is more than sufficient to satisfy most appetites.

Saturday

Morning: Kick off your Saturday with a light breakfast at the trendy beach café, Pura Vida. After Friday night’s delights, a purple acai smoothie will set you up for shopping. With many retail shops closed on Sundays, an early start is essential.

Two standout stores showcase genuine made-in-France craftsmanship: Paul Marius, featuring vintage leather goods crafted in Normandy, and Le Tetras, a Savoyarde shop filled with charming pottery hand-painted by local artisans.

How to spend the day: A visit to Château de Menthon-Saint Bernard is an absolute must. This stunning medieval castle on a hill is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Take a guided tour to learn about Count François de Menthon, a fascinating figure in WWII history.

Just a short walk away lies Plage de Menthon Saint Bernard, a perfect spot for swimming or enjoying a leisurely lunch from the beach café. With another exquisite dinner on the horizon, it’s wise to keep lunch light.

Dinner: For a truly unforgettable meal, dining at Chef Jean Sulpice’s Michelin-starred restaurant at Auberge du Père Bise in Talloires should be a priority. The atmosphere is magical, especially from an outdoor terrace table overlooking the lake meeting the mountains.

Expect a meticulously choreographed service as each remarkable dish arrives from a six or eight-course menu. The “cueillette d’été,” a circle of summer vegetables in emulsified cream sauce, honors seasonal flavors beautifully. Don’t miss the local Beaufort cheese for a delightful finish.

Sunday

Morning: Regardless of the weather, Sunday morning is best spent sipping coffee and indulging in avocado toast at Dip Honest Food, Annecy’s answer to boho-chic brunches. Locals frequent this all-day café, creating a relaxed vibe that feels perfect for lingering.

How to spend the day: Pack a backpack with a water bottle and a change of clothes, then lacing up your hiking boots is essential as you head to Roc de Chère, a protected nature reserve filled with lush forests and breathtaking limestone cliffs. The trails here accommodate all levels of hikers, rewarding your efforts with magnificent views of the lake.

On a clear morning, the air is filled with paragliders launching from nearby hills. If you’re feeling adventurous, paragliding lessons are available through local schools. Enjoy a splendid late lunch at Le Cottage hotel, watching the ever-changing colors of Lake Annecy while savoring exquisite dishes.

Raise a glass of Chablis and savor every bite of the lobster cassoulet, making it a fitting end to your enchanting Annecy weekend.