While Venice grapples with overwhelming tourist numbers, a quieter European alternative offers a similarly enchanting experience. Annecy, often called the 'Venice of France', presents a stunning destination for travellers seeking beautiful waterways without the intense crowds.
Annecy's Allure: A French Rival to Venice
Venice faces significant challenges with overtourism, hosting approximately 30 million visitors annually. This has led to proposed solutions like entry fees for day trippers and bans on large tour groups. Meanwhile, Annecy provides a peaceful yet equally captivating experience with its network of canals weaving through a charming old town.
Situated along France's eastern border with Switzerland, Annecy lies approximately one hour from Geneva and about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Lyon. The city occupies a spectacular position on the banks of Lac d'Annecy, a 27-kilometre lake that extends into national parks within the Alps mountain range.
What Makes Annecy Special
The comparison to Venice stems from Annecy's picturesque canals that wind through the historic Vieille Ville (old city), creating a romantic atmosphere reminiscent of the Italian landmark. Like its more famous counterpart, Annecy features colourful waterfront buildings, cosy cafes, and medieval architecture lining cobbled streets.
According to travel experts at About-France.com, Annecy ranks among 'one of the most picturesque cities in France'. Its history as the former capital of the Duchy of Geneva gives it a unique Alpine-French cultural blend. While it might not have a cathedral matching St Mark's Basilica's scale, the Renaissance-Gothic style Cathedrale Saint-Pierre showcases impressive historic architecture.
Visitors on TripAdvisor praise Lake Annecy for its 'clear water and stunning views', while others highlight the 'fabulous views and lovely old town, fantastic market and lovely restaurants'.
Experiencing Annecy: From Relaxation to Adventure
Annecy's tourist offerings cater to both relaxation seekers and adrenaline enthusiasts. For a more laid-back visit, options include wooden boat tours, luxury pedalo rentals, Savoie wine tastings, visits to the Ecomuseum of Lake Annecy, and wild cooking adventures.
Thrill-seekers can experience more adventurous activities like 'paragliding baptism' courses, 'Devil's Bridge' water hiking, transparent kayak hire, and even Avalanche Rescue training. After daytime activities, the city offers excellent restaurants, bakeries, and boutiques for retail therapy or leisurely people-watching with a glass of wine.
Travelling from the UK to Annecy proves relatively straightforward. The most convenient option involves flying to Geneva Airport (GVA) in Switzerland, followed by an approximately one-hour drive along the A41. Regular flights operate from London, Manchester, and Birmingham to Geneva, with bus and train links also available from Geneva to Annecy.
For those preferring train travel, journeys from London to Paris connect to high-speed French TGV services cross-country, though this option involves longer travel times.
