Annecy: France’s Outdoor Playground
Looking for the best things to do in Annecy? This picture-perfect alpine town in Haute-Savoie offers more than pretty canals and lake views — it’s a launchpad for outdoor adventures all year round. From wild swimming and paddle boarding to cycling, mountain biking, skiing, and paragliding, you’ll never be stuck for something to do in Annecy.
ACTIVITIES | ACCOMMODATION | PRACTICAL INFO
Annecy’s historic Vieille Ville is a good place to start your visit — think cobbled lanes, canal-side cafés, and bustling markets. And, arguably the best ice cream in the Alps. But don’t get too comfortable. Just beyond the flower-decked bridges lies one of Europe’s cleanest lakes, perfect for water sports, and a ring of mountains begging to be explored.
The town is compact and bike-friendly, with direct access to the cycle path that circles the lake. Outdoor lovers can hike nearby forested hills, paddle board the neon-blue water, fly over the lake on a paraglider, or catch a ski bus to the slopes in winter. If you’re planning active things to do in Annecy, this guide will help you dive in.
Annecy Activities & Adventurous things To Do
Everything in Annecy revolves around the lake — a 14.6 km stretch of crystal-clear water perfect for everything from refreshing morning swims to full-day paddle adventures. It’s a natural playground that sets the tone for Annecy’s active spirit.
Venture beyond the shoreline and you’ll find yourself surrounded by peaks, forests, and high-altitude lookouts. The Semnoz Plateau and Col de la Forclaz offer sweeping views and quick access to hiking trails, mountain bike routes, and paragliding launch points. Come winter, world-class ski resorts like La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand are just a short drive or bus ride away, making Annecy an unbeatable base for year-round adventure.
Here’s a list of our favourite things to do in Annecy:
1. Tandem Paragliding
Experience the thrill of tandem paragliding over Lake Annecy from the iconic Col de la Forclaz. With the take-off zone in Montmin and a gentle landing in Doussard, you’ll soar above alpine peaks like La Tournette and Dents de Lanfon, with uninterrupted lake views below. Thanks to sheltered flying conditions, tandem paragliding is possible most days from May to September. Local experts like Flyeo offer a range of flights — from relaxed discovery tours to adrenaline-fueled aerobatics — all led by certified tandem paragliding pilots.
2. Stand Up Paddleboarding
Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the best ways to explore Lake Annecy — peaceful, scenic, and suitable for all levels. From Sévrier, just 4 km south of town, Stand Up Annecy rents a variety of SUP boards: stable allrounders, sleek touring models, high-speed racers, and even fishing boards for those casting off in calm waters. All rentals include a paddle and life jacket, with optional wetsuits and dry bags available. Open year-round from sunrise to sunset, paddleboarding in Annecy offers stunning views of Mount Semnoz, La Tournette, and even Mont Blanc on clear days.
3. Guided Segway Tour
Roll through Annecy on a fun and informative guided Segway tour — a unique way to explore the medieval old town and lakefront. After a quick intro to the easy-to-use personal transporters, cruise past flower-filled gardens, scenic canals, and the shimmering shores of Lake Annecy. Highlights include the Imperial Palace Hotel, once host to Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill, and the winding streets of the Vieille Ville. You’ll also pass the Thiou River, one of the shortest rivers in France. Perfect for first-time visitors, this 1.5-hour Segway tour blends sightseeing with a touch of adventure.
4. Canyoning
For a refreshing, adrenaline-filled half-day near Annecy, try canyoning in the Angon Canyon, nestled at the foot of La Tournette. With Terreo Canyoning, choose between a gentle discovery route or a more intense “sensations” descent, complete with waterfalls, slides, and optional jumps up to 5 metres. Abseil through cascading waterfalls — up to 35 metres high — in one of Haute-Savoie’s most scenic canyons. Wetsuits, helmets, and harnesses are provided, and your guide ensures both fun and safety. Best of all? You’ll get free action photos of your adventure down to Lake Annecy. Canyoning is a must-do activity for thrill-seekers!
5. Skiing & Snowboarding
Annecy makes a great base for an active holiday summer and winter due to its proximity to the mountains. Within 20 minutes you can reach the small, family-friendly resort of Le Semnoz, which has 18 km of ski runs and offers Nordic (or, cross-country) skiing and snowshoeing itineraries.
The bigger, higher resorts of La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand are both about 40 minutes away and provide a lot more scope for snow sports, whatever you’re into. Both resorts are in the Massif des Aravis ski area with over 200 km of ski runs. La Clusaz is slightly cooler, and Le Grand-Bornand is a bit more family-friendly.
Accommodation in Annecy
If you’re into outdoor sports and looking for a comfortable base between lake dips and mountain missions, Annecy has plenty of mid-range accommodation to choose from. Whether you’re after a stylish apartment near the old town, a lakeside hotel with bike storage, or a quiet guesthouse close to hiking trails, the best stays offer both convenience and character. Aim to find a place to stay that’s within walking distance of Lake Annecy and the Vieille Ville so you’ll all the best activities right on your doorstep. And, if you can find accommodation with parking, that’s a major bonus.
Here are some of our favourite places to stay in Annecy:
Annecy
Hôtel du Château
Annecy
Hébé Hotel
Practical Info
Planning your active holiday in Annecy is easier when you’ve got the logistics sorted. Here’s what you need to know to make your time in Annecy smooth, from getting there to getting around.
Getting there from Geneva Airport
Annecy is around 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes from Geneva Airport by car or transfer. Regular shuttle buses run throughout the day, making it an easy gateway for international visitors.
By Train
Annecy has a well-connected SNCF train station just a short walk from the old town. Direct trains run from Lyon, Geneva, and Paris (via high-speed TGV connections), making rail travel a smooth option.
Driving
Driving to Annecy offers flexibility if you’re planning to explore the surrounding mountains. The town is accessible via the A41 motorway, with scenic routes through Haute-Savoie if you’re arriving from Geneva, Chamonix, or Lyon.
Parking
Annecy has several underground and surface car parks close to the old town and lakefront. Paid parking is common in central areas, so check your accommodation for free or discounted options. If you don’t mind a 20 minute walk down a steep hill to the old town, you can park for free at the Basilique de la Visitation.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Several charging points are available in and around Annecy, including at major car parks, supermarkets and some hotels. For instance, Carrefour Annecy has an Allego charging station (134 Av. de Genève). Apps like Chargemap or PlugShare can help you locate real-time availability.
Bike Hire
Annecy is as bike-friendly a city as it gets and with several rental shops offering city bikes, road bikes, and e-bikes, it’s easy to strike out on two wheels. You’ll find bike rental shops conveniently located near the train station and lakefront, perfect for exploring the Voie Verte and surrounding countryside.
Please leave a comment below if you need specific advice for your trip to Annecy, or if you have any recommendations to help us improve this guide. Happy holidays!
