Here's a breakdown of what to do in Annecy with the family: **Must-Do Activities & Attractions:** * **Explore the Old Town (Vieux Annecy):** This is the absolute highlight. Wander through the charming cobbled streets, admire the flower-bedecked canals, and discover the colourful buildings. * **Château d'Annecy:** Visit the castle for panoramic views of the lake and town, and explore its museums. * **Palais de l'Isle:** This iconic medieval prison located on an island in the Thiou canal is a great photo opportunity and an interesting historical site. * **Pont des Amours (Bridge of Love):** A picturesque bridge offering beautiful views, especially at sunset. It's also steeped in local legend. * **Marchés (Markets):** If you're there on a market day (Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings), immerse yourselves in the local produce, crafts, and atmosphere. * **Lake Annecy (Lac d'Annecy):** The "Pearl of the French Alps" is central to any Annecy visit. * **Boat Trip:** Take a leisurely cruise on the lake to appreciate the stunning scenery from a different perspective. Many companies offer guided tours. * **Swimming & Watersports:** In warmer months, enjoy swimming from one of the many beaches (e.g., Plage d'Albigny, Plage de la Buffa). Kayaking, paddleboarding, and pedal boats are also popular options. * **Cycling:** Rent bikes and cycle along the dedicated cycle paths around the lake. This is a fantastic way to explore the surrounding villages and countryside. **Family-Friendly Activities:** * **Le Pâquier:** A large, grassy area by the lake, perfect for picnics, playing games, or simply relaxing. * **Animations on the Esplanade (Summer):** During the summer, the esplanade by the lake often has various activities, including playgrounds, games, and sometimes even small fairground attractions. * **Parc des Sports:** This large park offers playgrounds, sports facilities, and plenty of space for kids to run around. * **Le Champ de Mars:** Another green space near the lake, good for leisurely strolls and playing. * **Musée-Château d'Annecy:** While a bit more historical, children might enjoy the castle itself and some of the exhibitions. * **Centre Bonlieu:** This cultural centre often hosts family-friendly events, exhibitions, and performances. **Day Trips & Excursions (if you have more time):** * **Gorges du Fier:** A spectacular natural gorge with a walkway allowing you to explore its dramatic rock formations. * **Grotte de la Curiosité:** A fascinating cave with unique geological formations. * **Col de la Forclaz:** A mountain pass offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Annecy. Great for a scenic drive or even paragliding for the adventurous! * **The Mountains:** Depending on the season, consider a cable car ride up a local mountain for hiking or simply to enjoy the views. **Tips for Families:** * **Wear comfortable shoes:** You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the Old Town. * **Pack for all weathers:** The weather in the Alps can change quickly. * **Consider a picnic:** Buying local produce from the markets and having a picnic by the lake is a budget-friendly and enjoyable option. * **Book accommodations in advance:** Especially during peak season. * **Check event schedules:** See if there are any festivals or special events happening during your visit. Annecy is a beautiful and engaging destination for families, offering a mix of history, nature, and outdoor activities.

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The Lake Annecy region is a great idea for a family weekend. Here are some of our favourite activities to discover this beautiful region!

Mount Veyrier Walk

Let's start the weekend with a hike up Mont Veyrier from the Col des Contrebandiers. This walk takes around 30 to 45 minutes, making it a great activity even for the youngest ones. Once you reach the summit you can enjoy the superb view over Lake Annecy as well as Mont Blanc! 

In terms of accessibility, you can park your car right at the foot of the mountain pass.

Visit to the Gorges du Fier 

The Fier is one of the main rivers in Haute-Savoie. Located about 10 km from Annecy, the Gorges du Fier are classified as one of the greatest curiosities of the Alps. They are accessible via a footbridge suspended 25m above the river! Once out of the canyon you will arrive at the “Clairière des Curieux”, a landscaped area where visitors are introduced to the Gorges du Fier from a geographical, geological and geomorphological perspective. 

For further information, particularly regarding the accessibility of the site: The Gorges du Fier

Get stuck into some canyoning with Hydrogene sports!

After visiting the Gorges du Fier, you can dive into the heart of adventure once again with a canyoning trip. Sébastien will accompany you throughout your family excursion, which you can choose according to your ability level. You will then be able to discover the Bauges Regional Natural Park exclusively. A canyoning descent lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, but allow 3 hours on site for getting equipped and travelling to the location. A great activity to do as a family to enjoy nature!

For further information and to book your session, click here

what to do in Annecy with the family

Having a picnic at Semnoz at 1,697 metres altitude

Many forests surround Annecy and make for lovely family walks, especially in autumn. What's more, they are very often equipped with tables and benches for picnicking. Towards the Semnoz, you can stop at the Grande Jeanne animal park where you can enjoy a relaxing moment surrounded by the region's red deer, hinds and fallow deer. 

Continuing your ascent towards the balcony of the Alps, you will reach the Puisots site. A large clearing in the middle of the forest, set up as a picnic area with tables and benches available. A great place to stop off before continuing on your way to explore the mountains. 

Le Semnoz also offers other activities such as summer tobogganing, in winter a ski resort suitable for beginners, hiking or even paragliding, making it a must-visit destination at any time of the year. 

Swimming in Lake Annecy

After all these activities you'll surely want to take a dip in Lake Annecy Accessible from multiple points, you can choose the spot that suits you best. Near the old town for a lemonade, near the park for the children, or even on the pedal-boat side for the more adventurous!

Find all the beaches and their access points on the Lake Annecy website.

Stroll through the old town

If you are visiting Annecy for the first time, you will definitely have to take a trip to the “Old Annecy”. Although very touristy, you will be charmed by the historical beauty of the buildings. You can then take the opportunity to buy a few souvenirs or stop for a lunch break. Do not forget to take a trip to the Palais de l’Isle, the Pont des Amours and the Jardin de l’Europe. 

Fancy a visit? The city of Annecy offers you these 15 iconic locations in the old town of Annecy.

Here are a few ideas if you are wondering what to do in Annecy as a family? 

And if you want some more

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Here are a few ideas if you are wondering what to do in Annecy as a family?