France

Things to do in Annecy

Going to Annecy is like stepping into a fairy tale due to its castle, canals, snow-capped mountains, and pretty pastel coloured houses.

Located between the French Alps and Geneva, you can reach this beautiful destination in 8 hours from Calais by car, and the drive is so scenic that it will feel like part of your holiday.

Although it is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and watch the world go by, there are plenty of things to do in Annecy when you visit. However, we guarantee that you will spend most of your trip simply admiring your surroundings.

To give you more freedom and peace of mind when you travel with your car why not upgrade to one of our Flexi tickets when booking our ferries to France? Allowing you to take the scenic route home and not have to rush back, our Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi tickets give you greater flexibility to your departure time!

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Dover

CQF

Calais

Morning	06:40	07:00	08:25	09:25
Midday	10:10	11:10	12:05	12:55
Afternoon	13:55	15:00	15:40	16:30
Evening	17:25	18:35	20:15	22:05

£ 104

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Annecy Old Town
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Eating in Annecy
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Lac d'Annecy
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Gardens in Annecy

Things to do in Annecy

Visit Annecy Old Town

The most popular part of Annecy is its Old Town, and when you see how picturesque it is you will understand why. The whole area is pedestrianised so you can explore the narrow streets and crooked alleyways with ease, and you’ll soon notice the unusual combination of medieval buildings and pastel coloured homes which make this place so unique.

Take time to wander past lemon, pistachio, and rose facades, discover crumbling churches, and stumble across secret gardens, as there really is something amazing hidden around every corner in Annecy. You will also want to make sure that you go to see the Palais de l’Isle, a castle that sits on an island in the river.

Don’t forget to make your way to the Perrière Bridge which is the most photographed spot in Annecy. The bridge crosses over the River Thiou connecting the Quai de I’lle with the Quai des Vielles Prisons and is the city’s most famous footbridge.

Eating in Annecy

You will be spoilt for choice when trying to find pretty places to eat in Annecy as there are a number of lovely bistros and cozy cafés lining the waterways, many of which offer the chance to sit outside and eat when the weather allows.

Annecy delicacies include tartiflette, fondue, bilberry tart, and lavender ice cream, and as the city is located so near to Switzerland you will also find many Swiss specialties, including raclette, a round cheese which is warmed and served with dried meats, potatoes, gherkins, and pickled onions.

If you fancy cooking up a local treat or two for yourself, visit the outdoor market, where you can buy anything from garlic frog’s legs to cheese. The market also has a number of takeaway options for those on the go, such as sausages or stew.

Lac d’Annecy

Named as the purest urban lake in Europe, the glacial Lac d’Annecy, France is protected by strict environmental guidelines which ensure that the water continues to look beautifully clean despite the number of people that spend time there.

With its mountain backdrop and mesmerizing azure water, this lake offers the perfect photo opportunity, and you can choose to walk, cycle, or Segway around it to see as much as possible. Cyclists can travel around the lake using cycle paths which span 50km, and many like to have a dip in the water to cool off afterwards.

Those looking for something a bit more active might enjoy paragliding, water-skiing, or wakeboarding on the lake instead, or you can opt for a luxurious boat ride if you’d prefer to just sit back and admire the view.

Gardens in Annecy

Annecy boasts a number of gardens and green spaces where you can either walk or sit down and relax. The most famous gardens are the Jardins de l’Europe which face the lake and are home to plantations which are over 100 years old. You’ll often see painters here using the view to inspire them, and each year the park is home to the Little Lost Ball which is held under the trees.

The Paquier is the other green space where you might like to spend time. Seven hectares in size, this expanse of grass is home to an old carousel and a little train which kids will love, and is the perfect place to have a picnic or play games.

We don’t think that you will find anywhere as pretty as Annecy in Europe, so book your Dover to Calais crossing today and see if you agree with us.