While staying in Rumilly-Albanais, it's impossible not to escape for a day in Annecy, the “Venice of the Alps”. Each season, the city reveals its charms to you. Between heritage, nature and gastronomy, we promise you an unforgettable visit ...

Internationally renowned, Annecy is known for its lake and the quality of the landscape on its shores. It is not for nothing that, every year, 3 million visitors come to Annecy!
So now follow the guide!

Direction the Old Town

Meet in the historic center of Annecy with its colorful pedestrian streets and flowery canals. The Old Town (not to be confused with Annecy-le-Vieux, a town on the heights of Annecy) invites you to stroll. Savoyard restaurants, souvenir shops, local products ... This is the opportunity to taste the many local specialties including cheeses and fish from the lake (Féra or Omble Chevalier).
Walking through the maze of cobbled streets, you will inevitably come face to face with the Palace of the Island, emblematic monument of Annecy. Built on a natural rocky island and listed as a historical monument in 1900, the Palace of the Island has been in turn a prison, a courthouse and an administrative center. We can no longer count the pictures or selfies taken in front of this monument of the Middle Ages.
Finally, don't miss the Old Town market, an institution in these cobbled streets and shopping arcades, every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday morning.

Let's take height

The old center is dominated by the Annecy castle which offers you an exceptional panorama of the city. For that you have to climb a bit, but it's really worth it. Listed as a historic monument, the castle is the former residence of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours. Today, it houses the Annecy Museum and offers various temporary exhibitions.
Very close, you can visit the Basilica of the Visitation which also dominates the landscape. Dedicated to Saint François de Sales and Saint Jeanne de Chantal, it was built between 1922 and 1930. The spire of its church as well as its 72 m bell tower can be spotted for several kilometers around.

Stroll by the lake

Between the city and the lake, the lawns of Paquier are an essential meeting place. Couples, families, friends, all appreciate this immense green space which invites you to take a break, with a view of the lake and the surrounding mountains (including Parmelan and Tournette).
Nearby, make a romantic stopover on the famous Love Bridge...
You can continue your walk to the Gardens of Europe or towards the Imperial.

To the rhythm of events

Annecy is a city on the move and which offers many events throughout the year. Among them, the traditional Return from the mountain pastures, International Animation Film Festival or Venetian Carnival.
But the unmissable event in Annecy is undoubtedly the Lake Festival !
On the first Saturday of August, the lake becomes the enchanting setting for the biggest fireworks show in Europe. 1h10 of fireworks punctuated by music, lights, water games ...
2020 will be the year of the 90th edition of this grandiose, magical and unique event. 
A spectacle to see at least once in your life!

The edges of the lake

Many authentic villages surround the lake and are worth a detour: Talloires-Montmin, Veyrier-du-Lac, Menthon Saint Bernard, Sevrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt. Stops full of charm that conceal treasures, and so many places where to taste the nautical pleasures!
Among your best discoveries; castles, waterfalls, waterfront restaurants, starred restaurants, sunny beaches ...
And for our cycling friends: a cycle ride around the lake allows you to discover all these magical places.

Do you want to go to Annecy?
We strongly recommend that you take the train from Rumilly station.
In 15 minutes, and for around € 4, you will find yourself in the city center of Annecy. Forget about traffic, parking… and travel stress-free!
Once there, everything is nearby: the city center with many shopping addresses, the Old Town and the Lake. Everyone will find their pleasure there!