If you’re looking for a quaint romantic getaway in France, look no further than the charming city of Annecy. After settling in to Lyon, our home base for my 6-week stay in France, my boyfriend and I decided to take the short train ride to explore the medieval town. Although I absolutely love visiting new places, only a handful of cities have immediately captured my heart upon arrival. Annecy is one of them. The winding medieval streets with colorful facades, the canal with arched bridges, and the lake with spectacular views of the mountains creates a certain magic that can only be felt by spending a few days in this cute town. There are so many things to do in Annecy, no matter the season. We visited in November, and although it was cold and a little rainy, we had a great time. Annecy is definitely a must-see while in France!

Things to Do in Annecy

Lac d’Annecy

The lake is Annecy’s biggest draw during the warmer months. Swimming, boat rides, biking the perimeter, and water sports are just a few things to do at this freshwater lake. Unfortunately the weather was too cold in November to fully enjoy the lake, but I loved seeing the snow capped mountains in the distance across the crystal clear water.

Pont des Amours

Just in front of the lake is a cute little bridged dubbed “Pont des Amours”, or Lover’s Bridge. With the beautiful lake and mountains behind you, it’s the perfect place to take a photo with your beau. So of course, we did!

Old Town

By far my favorite thing to do in Annecy was stroll along the canals in the gorgeous old town. The pastel facades house cute little artisan shops and delicious restaurants. The covered alleyways and cobblestone streets definitely transport you to medieval times. There are even swans swimming along the canals; so magical! This atmosphere was what made me fall in love with Annecy!

Palais de l’Isle

Along the canal is a small little island that was once both a medieval castle and a prison. It is definitely worth a visit to learn a little more about the history of Annecy.

Chateau d’Annecy

The castle is a short walk from the center of town with a nice view. The interior hosts both an art exhibit and a natural history/science museum. It’s worth a short half-hour visit.

Basilique de la Visitation

This basilica is quite a hike further than the castle, but is definitely a sight to see. It’s a newer church than many in France, but magnificent nonetheless.

Sunday Market

We happened to be in town on a Sunday and stumbled upon the best little market. Olives, fresh produce, spices, charcuterie, and patisserie – this market is a great place to have a Sunday brunch on the move!

Food

The food…oh my god, the food! This region of France is home to many hearty foods, especially in the winter. I discovered raclette at Le Vieux Necy. Picture this: melted cheese over potatoes, tomatoes, and cuts of charcuterie – it is heaven! Tartiflette is a close runner up – it’s another type of melted cheese over potatoes. Cheese and potatoes, what could be better?!

Les Jardins de l’Europe

This garden is just off the lake and a lovely spot to take a stroll.  I especially liked the fall colors while we were there.

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