France
Annecy
France
Annecy
Updated Tue, Aug 12, 2025
Overview
Annecy captivates with crystal-clear canals weaving through a perfectly preserved medieval old town. Beyond postcard views, discover local fromageries tucked into ancient alleyways, join residents at the Thursday market for regional specialties, and cycle the lake's hidden beaches where locals swim. Mountain paragliders dot summer skies while cozy wine bars buzz with French conversation year-round.
Best time to visit. May through September offers warm weather for lake activities and mountain hiking. July brings lavender blooms and outdoor festivals. Winter provides cozy charm with Christmas markets and nearby skiing.
City stats
Population
53,000
Land area
5 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
1107 CE
Official langauge
French
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Haute-Savoie
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
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Cities within 8 hours
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Breakfast and brunch
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Where to stay for work trips
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Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
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Nearby
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Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41°F - 28°F | 37°F - 23°F | Cloudy | 8:05 am | 5:15 pm | 8 days 3.1 in | 6 days 6.0 in | 4 mph |
| February | 46°F - 30°F | 43°F - 26°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:35 am | 6:00 pm | 7 days 2.7 in | 4 days 3.4 in | 4 mph |
| March | 54°F - 36°F | 52°F - 33°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 6:55 pm | 9 days 3.4 in | 2 days 1.2 in | 7 mph |
| April | 61°F - 42°F | 60°F - 40°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:50 am | 7:45 pm | 11 days 3.8 in | 1 days 0.3 in | 7 mph |
| May | 68°F - 49°F | 68°F - 48°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:10 am | 8:25 pm | 12 days 4.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| June | 75°F - 55°F | 76°F - 55°F | Sunny | 4:50 am | 8:55 pm | 10 days 3.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| July | 79°F - 59°F | 81°F - 59°F | Sunny | 5:00 am | 8:50 pm | 8 days 2.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| August | 78°F - 58°F | 80°F - 58°F | Sunny | 5:35 am | 8:15 pm | 9 days 3.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| September | 72°F - 52°F | 72°F - 51°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:20 am | 7:25 pm | 8 days 3.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| October | 63°F - 45°F | 61°F - 42°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:10 am | 6:25 pm | 9 days 3.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| November | 50°F - 36°F | 47°F - 32°F | Cloudy | 7:10 am | 5:00 pm | 9 days 3.4 in | 2 days 1.7 in | 4 mph |
| December | 43°F - 30°F | 39°F - 25°F | Cloudy | 8:00 am | 4:55 pm | 8 days 3.2 in | 5 days 5.0 in | 4 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebrates the beginning of the new year. Public holiday with festive atmosphere. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. | ||
| Easter Monday | Varies (March or April) | Christian holiday following Easter Sunday. Day of rest and family gatherings. | Limited services. Plan activities ahead. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Celebrates workers' rights. Public holiday with demonstrations and parades. | Expect closures. Plan alternative activities. | ||
| Victory in Europe Day | May 8 | Commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. Official ceremonies held. | Some closures. Patriotic atmosphere. | ||
| Ascension Day | Varies (May or June) | Christian holiday marking Jesus' ascension. Often creates a long weekend. | Plan for reduced services. Popular travel time. | ||
| Whit Monday | Varies (May or June) | Christian holiday celebrating the Holy Spirit. Often creates a long weekend. | Expect some closures. Plan activities ahead. | ||
| Bastille Day | July 14 | French National Day. Celebrations, parades, and fireworks across the country. | Festive atmosphere. Plan for crowds. | ||
| Assumption of Mary | August 15 | Catholic holiday honoring the Virgin Mary. Religious processions in some areas. | Some closures. Popular vacation time. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Honors Catholic saints. Families visit cemeteries to remember loved ones. | Expect some closures. Solemn atmosphere. | ||
| Armistice Day | November 11 | Commemorates the end of World War I. Official ceremonies and remembrances. | Some closures. Patriotic atmosphere. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' birth. Family gatherings and festive spirit. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winterevent - Ice and Snow Festival | January - February | Ice sculpture displays and winter activities throughout the old town canals. | Charming winter atmosphere, dress warmly. | ||
| Festival International du Film d'Animation | June | Major international animation film festival drawing industry professionals worldwide. | Very crowded, book accommodations early. | ||
| FĂȘte du Lac | first Saturday in August | Spectacular fireworks display over Lake Annecy with music and light show. | Extremely crowded, traffic chaos expected. | ||
| Return of the Alpine Pastures | mid-October | Traditional celebration of cattle returning from mountain pastures to valleys. | Authentic local culture, minimal disruption. | ||
| Christmas Market | December | Traditional Alpine Christmas market in the old town with crafts and food. | Festive atmosphere but crowded weekends. |
1 | Learn basic French phrases like 'Bonjour' and 'Merci'. Always greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' when entering and 'Au revoir' when leaving. It's considered rude not to do so. |
2 | Dress neatly in public. Avoid athletic wear, shorts, or flip-flops in cities. French people tend to dress more formally, even for casual outings. Blend in to avoid looking like a tourist. |
3 | Don't assume everyone speaks English. Start conversations in French, even if it's just to ask if they speak English. This shows respect for the local language and culture. |
4 | Keep your voice down in public spaces. French people generally speak more softly in public. Loud conversations, especially in restaurants or on public transport, are frowned upon. |
5 | Embrace the leisurely pace of meals. Lunch and dinner are social events that can last hours. Don't rush through your meal or ask for the check until you're ready to leave. |
6 | Tipping is not expected as service is included in the bill. However, it's common to round up or leave small change for good service in cafes and restaurants. |
7 | Always say 'Excusez-moi' (Excuse me) before asking for help or directions. The French appreciate politeness and good manners in social interactions. |
8 | Learn about French cuisine and try local specialties. Avoid asking for menu substitutions; it's often seen as rude. Instead, embrace the chef's creations as they are. |
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