Annecy Animation Festival: Dates, Tickets, and Tips

The 2026 Annecy Animation Festival will take place from Monday, June 8th to Saturday, June 13th. This annual event fills the city with screenings, workshops, and industry discussions over six days, mostly centered around the town’s cultural venues.

The primary festival venues include Bonlieu Scène Nationale on Boulevard de la République and the Pathé Annecy cinema near the train station on Avenue de Genève. Both locations host premieres, competitions, and masterclasses. You can see the Old Town’s Rue Sainte-Claire and Rue Royale animated with festival-related displays and pop-up events. The scent of fresh croissants from nearby boulangeries mixes with the lively chatter of animators and visitors throughout the day.

For practical arrival details, the festival hub is within easy walking distance from Annecy’s train station, roughly 10 minutes on foot via Quai de la Tournette.

Tickets for the Annecy Animation Festival 2026 are available online at the official festival website, with early bird prices valid until April 30th. Single-day tickets begin at about 50 EUR, while full festival passes cost around 200 EUR. Reduced rates apply for students and seniors, making attendance more affordable.

Tickets can be collected at the Bonlieu Scène Nationale box office starting the day before the festival opens. This venue sits beside the Thiou canal, where you can enjoy the gentle splash of water and the fresh scent of nearby flowers while waiting. The ticket office opens daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the festival.

Since Bonlieu is a short five-minute walk from the Vieille Ville (Old Town), you can combine ticket pickup with a stroll through cobbled alleys lined with artisan shops and cafés. For an overview of the venues and ticket types, visit the festival’s official website.

The festival program includes film screenings, workshops, exhibitions, and networking events for both animation professionals and the public. Highlights include open-air screenings at Jardins de l'Europe, masterclasses, and the MIFA industry market.

Open-air film sessions at Jardins de l'Europe, located along the lakefront near Pont des Amours, let visitors watch animations under the sky. The rustling leaves and gentle breeze from Lake Annecy create a relaxed atmosphere. Workshops and panels at Bonlieu offer direct access to creators, while MIFA (Marché International du Film d'Animation) draws professionals for screenings, meetings, and business opportunities.

Exhibitions at the Château d’Annecy, found on Rue de la Préfecture in the La Visitation district, feature historical and contemporary animation art. The festival also spills onto the streets with impromptu performances and pop-up events, especially around Rue Royale and Place François-de-Menthon.

For a detailed schedule and event locations, see the official program on the festival’s homepage and check updates on our Annecy Animation Festival guide.

Accommodation near the festival venues ranges from lakeside hotels to budget-friendly options in central Annecy. Staying within a 10-minute walk of Bonlieu or the train station ensures easy access to events.

If you prefer comfort with lake views, the Imperial Palace hotel on Quai Napoléon III is a classic choice. For more affordable stays, the Ibis Annecy Centre on Rue Vaugelas, close to the Old Town, provides clean rooms starting around 90 EUR per night. Boutique hotels in the Vieille Ville, like Hôtel du Palais de l'Isle on Rue Perrière, offer historic atmosphere and proximity to cafés and restaurants.

Booking early is essential as rooms fill quickly during the festival period. Consider neighborhoods like Les Marquisats or Cran-Gevrier for quieter stays with tram or bus connections to the city center.

Evening walks along the canal in Vieille Ville reveal softly lit streets and the aroma of wood-fired ovens from nearby bistros, a relaxing way to end festival days.

Annecy is well connected by train and air, with easy city transport options and weather considerations for June visits. Planning ahead can make your festival experience smoother.

Trains run frequently from Paris (around 4 hours) and Lyon (about 2 hours) to Annecy’s Gare SNCF on Avenue de Genève. From the station, Bonlieu and Pathé cinemas are within 10 minutes on foot. For travelers flying in, Geneva Airport is 45 km away and Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport about 100 km. Shuttle buses and taxis serve both airports regularly.

Once in Annecy, walking is the best way to move between venues. Bicycle rentals are available near the station and in the Old Town. The cobblestone streets of Vieille Ville invite slow strolls, with the sounds of animated conversations blending with the occasional street musician.

June’s weather is mild, with temperatures typically between 15°C and 25°C. Mornings and evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket is advisable. Sunscreen and hats are recommended for outdoor screenings and daytime events.

Try local dishes such as tartiflette and raclette at restaurants along Quai de l’Évêché, where you can watch the canal boats pass by as you eat. For a wider selection, see our list of best restaurants in Annecy.

For public transport details and bike rentals, see our guide on getting around Annecy.