Charming Walkable French Town Dubbed 'Venice of the Alps' with no Crowds

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 10, 2024 17:30 PMNews
Share:
The river between the buildings in Annecy
The river between the buildings in Annecy. Source: Photo by Mathias Reding on Unsplash

A picturesque town in France, often referred to as the "Venice of the Alps," boasts charming canals and historic waterfront homes.

Annecy, located at the northern tip of Lake Annecy, is just 22 miles south of Geneva, Switzerland. This prime location offers stunning scenery, including snow-capped mountains in winter and lush landscapes in spring. The town is a blend of natural beauty and historical charm, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Part of the Haute-Savoie region, bordering Italy and Switzerland, Annecy offers a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy paddle-boarding on the lake, explore medieval castles in the surrounding areas, or shop at the Christmas markets that line the canals each year. The town also hosts various festivals and cultural events, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

For those seeking a relaxing experience, Annecy is perfect for walking. The town's narrow streets and picturesque canals are best explored on foot, making it an ideal destination for leisurely strolls. Walking along the cobbled streets of Annecy’s Old Town allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in its rich history and charming ambiance.

Annecy's Old Town, built around its canal network, features numerous canal-side restaurants where visitors can savor local dishes like tartiflette, a baked potato dish. Shoppers will find unique items in boutique delis and stores along the canals. The town's culinary scene is renowned for its local specialties, which are a delight for food enthusiasts.

Nearby lakeside villages such as Veyrier-du-Lac and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, just a few miles from Annecy, offer additional attractions. The town is also close to various lake beaches, including Plage de La Brune, a fifteen-minute drive away. These spots are perfect for day trips and provide a serene escape from the bustling town center.

Despite its popularity, Annecy remains less crowded than Venice, which has recently implemented measures to combat overtourism. Venetian authorities have introduced a daytripper ticket and other regulations to manage the influx of visitors.

The issue of overtourism in Venice, which sees over 25 million visitors annually, has raised concerns with UNESCO, which suggested adding the city to its list of World Heritage sites in danger last August. However, Venice has managed to avoid this designation so far, thanks to its proactive measures.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Laptop and smartphone on a hotel bed

Hotels Adopt Smart Systems to Modernize Guest Services

Mar 29, 2025 23:24 PM
China Airlines aircraft preparing to land with landing gear deployed

China Airlines Adjusts Rules After Southeast Asia Earthquake

Mar 29, 2025 21:30 PM

Azuma Train Trial Hints at New London Arrival Option for Travellers

Mar 29, 2025 19:42 PM

Lufthansa Adds New Tools to Tackle Travel Disruptions This Summer

Mar 29, 2025 17:28 PM
Scenic view of the Andalusian coastline with historic architecture and Mediterranean Sea in the background

New Luxury Hotel Project Enhances Estepona’s Appeal

Mar 29, 2025 15:35 PM
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM
Brussels Airlines aircraft landing on runway

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM
Empty Italian train platform with distant Trenitalia carriage

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM
Aerial view of Benidorm’s beachfront and high-rise skyline on a clear summer day

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM
Flooded railway tracks disappearing into a body of water with overhanging tree branches

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM
Jet2 aircraft taxiing on runway at airport

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM