Top 5 things to do in Annecy in winter
Organise your winter break to discover Annecy
Would you like to organise a winter break in Annecy? Also known as the "Venice of the Alps", Annecy is famous for its crystal-clear lake, picturesque cobbled streets and medieval architecture.
In winter, Annecy takes on an even more enchanting beauty, with its snow-covered landscapes and Christmas festivities.
Here are the top 5 things to do in Annecy in winter:
Visit the Palais de l'Île
The Palais de l'Île is a must-see historic monument in Annecy. It stands on a small island in the heart of the lake and offers a breathtaking view over the town.
For a long time, until the 20th century, the Palais was used as a prison, and a visit to it will give you an insight into the few remaining traces of its past. The building is now home to the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire d'Annecy, which displays a collection of art and objects from local history.
➡️ The Palais de l'Île is open to visitors all year round.
Skiing and snow sports
Annecy is surrounded by numerous ski resorts, making it an ideal destination for snow sports enthusiasts. The nearest resorts are Le Semnoz, Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz. They offer slopes for all abilities, as well as activities such as snowboarding, cross-country skiing, sledging and dog-sledding.
Visit Annecy's nature reserves
Annecy is surrounded by a number of nature reserves, providing an exceptional setting for hiking, mountain biking and nature watching. These nature reserves are exceptional places well worth exploring. They include :
- The Bout du lac nature reserve is located to the south of Lake Annecy. It is home to a wide variety of animal and plant species, some of which are rare or threatened.
- The Roc de Chère nature reserve is located to the north-west of Annecy. It is home to a massif of limestone rocks offering uninterrupted views of the lake and mountains.
Winter entertainment
Annecy offers a host of winter activities for visitors of all ages. Among the most popular events are the Annecy Carnival, the Glagla Race and the Rock the Pistes Festival.
- This year's Annecy Carnival runs from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 February 2024.
Cruises on Lake Annecy in winter
Lake Annecy takes on a special beauty in winter. The snow-capped mountains that surround it provide a magical backdrop, and the reflections of the snow on the water are breathtaking.
The Compagnie des Bateaux d'Annecy offers a variety of cruises on the lake, including winter cruises. These cruises are an excellent opportunity to discover the lake from a different angle and enjoy the beauty of the snow-covered landscape.
There are several cruises to choose from, depending on what you're looking for.
