Kid-friendly beaches, boat rides, and activities for all ages
Annecy offers a wealth of activities that cater to families looking to enjoy a memorable stay in the French Alps. From sandy beaches good for young children to engaging boat rides on Lake Annecy, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Plage d'Albigny and Plage des Marquisats are the top choices for families, offering shallow waters and playgrounds.
Plage d'Albigny, located a short walk from the city center, is a sandy beach with gentle waves, making it safe for toddlers. Plage des Marquisats, further south, provides ample space for picnics and barbecues, with nearby cafes to grab a quick bite. Both beaches have lifeguards during the summer months, ensuring a safe environment.
Yes, pedal boats and small motorboats are available for rent at several locations along the lakefront.
Consider renting a pedal boat from Annecy's main lakeside area near Jardins de l'Europe, where a variety of options are available. For a more leisurely experience, motorboats can be rented from Sevrier or Menthon-Saint-Bernard, both a 10-15 minute drive from the city center. Rates start around €15 per hour for pedal boats and €50 for motorboats.
The Palais de l'Ile and the Musée-Château d'Annecy offer interactive exhibits that engage children and adults alike.
The Palais de l'Ile, a historic building in the Thiou Canal, features audiovisual displays that delve into Annecy's history. The Musée-Château d'Annecy, perched on a hill, not only offers sweeping views but also has dedicated exhibits for kids, including hands-on activities and crafts. Both sites are accessible and make for an educational yet fun outing.
La Table d’Elise in Annecy serves traditional tartiflette for around €18, while the city’s annual Festival of Savoyard Cheese, held since 1995, attracts over 10,000 visitors each October. Annecy sits 35 km south of Geneva, with average summer temperatures reaching 25°C.
Lake Annecy covers 27.59 km² and reaches depths of 82 meters, making it one of Europe’s cleanest lakes. Public beaches like Plage d’Albigny charge €3.50 for adult entry, while paddleboat rentals start at €15 per hour during summer months, when temperatures average 25°C.
Lake Annecy, spanning 27.59 km², is one of Europe’s cleanest lakes with water temperatures averaging 24°C in summer. The 12th-century Palais de l’Isle, located in the Old Town, attracts 250,000 visitors annually, while boat rentals start at €25 per hour along the lakefront.
Annecy in winter transforms into a snowy paradise with skiing nearby and festive Christmas markets. Savor hearty Savoyard cuisine amidst Old Town's charm.
The 42km cycling route around Lake Annecy passes through towns like Talloires and Duingt, with bike hires starting at €15 per day from local shops such as Cyclable. The region’s average summer temperature is 25°C, making it ideal for cycling along the lake’s clear waters.
Annecy’s Christmas Market runs annually from late November to December 24, featuring over 80 wooden chalets along Quai de la Tournette. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine priced around €3.50 while temperatures average 2°C in December near Lake Annecy, located 45 km southeast of Geneva.
Plage d’Albigny, a paid beach on Lake Annecy, charges €3.50 per adult (free for children under 5) for entry during summer months, while the free Plage des Marquisats is located just 2 km from Annecy’s city center. Average lake temperatures reach 22°C in July and August.
Café le Vieux Annecy, dating back to 1900, serves traditional Savoyard dishes from €18 per main course, just 150 meters from Lake Annecy’s waterfront. Lakeside restaurants along Quai Napoléon III offer three-course menus averaging €40, with outdoor seating available from May to September when temperatures reach 25°C.
Camping sites around Lake Annecy, such as Camping Le Belvédère, charge €20-€40 per night for pitches, while glamping pods at Camping Les Fontaines start at €75. The lake covers 27.59 km², and Annecy’s average summer temperature reaches 25°C, ideal for lakeside stays from June to September.
Savor the tastes of Annecy at Le Freti on Rue Sainte-Claire and L'Etage near Palais de l'Isle, where locals indulge in Alpine flavors.
Annecy Old Town features the Palais de l’Isle, a 12th-century former prison located on an island in the Thiou River, 120 meters long. Walking tours last about 90 minutes and cost around €15 per person, while average summer temperatures reach 25°C, ideal for strolling along cobblestone streets and canals.
The 108 km journey from Annecy to Chamonix takes about 1 hour 45 minutes by car, with bus fares starting at €15 one way. Mont Blanc, at 4,810 meters, is accessible year-round, though winter temperatures in Chamonix average -2°C to 5°C, requiring proper gear for mountain visits.
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