Annecy in Winter – 16 best things to do in winter in Annecy

Annecy is beautiful any time of the year, but there is something truly magic about Annecy in winter. This beautiful mountain town is located in the centre of the French Alps in the Haute-Savoie region and it feels like a fairytale when dusted in snow.

I’ve visited Annecy a few times now in both winter and summer while housesitting and looking after pets, and a lot of the recommendations in this guide actually come from the homeowners themselves. They shared all their favourite local spots and things to do, which made my experience feel even more insider.

Now I’m sharing all this local Annecy insight with you so you can plan the perfect winter escape!

Why visit Annecy in winter

Annecy has so much to offer even in the winter months. Visiting Annecy in the winter means you get to see the picturesque mountain town which overlooks the snow capped mountains and the beautiful crystal-clear lake. Seeing the snow capped mountains makes it feel more special.

It’s known as the Venice of the alps, but Annecy is a lot prettier than Venice!

Visiting Annecy in winter means the town has a lot less tourists. You can wander around the town and enjoy the views without the crowds, then sit outside by the fire, having a warm, gooey cheese fondue.

Where to stay in Annecy in winter

You’ll want to stay in Annecy’s Old Town, either near the lake or in the city centre.

You will be within walking distance to most of the attractions such as the lake, the markets and restaurants, cafes and bars. Prices for accommodation in the winter are usually cheaper than the summertime.

16 amazing things to do in Annecy in winter

Lake Annecy (Lacd’ Annecy)

Lake Annecy is the main attraction in Annecy! Lake Annecy is truly stunning, with clear turquoise water you can see right through, even in winter. One of the best things to do is simply walk along the lakeside and take in the amazing views, it’s the perfect winter activity.

Make sure to stroll over to the Pont des Amours for a scenic photo of the bridge framed by the mountains. You can also relax in the nearby Jardins de l’Europe, where it’s lovely to sit with a hot chocolate from the Glace Room just near the water. If you follow the path from Jardin de l’Europe to Plage d’Albigny, you’ll see why it’s one of my favourite views in Annecy. The views open up across the whole lake, and they’re honestly incredible.

Make sure you watch the sunset over Annecy Lake, you will see the pink skies reflecting off the snowcapped mountains!

Explore Annecy Old Town

You might first come across Annecy Lake on Instagram and instantly fall in love with the photos of the Old Town overlooking the mountains. When you visit, you NEED to explore the Old Town during your trip.

The old town looks like it’s out of a fairytale and has a medieval charm! It has cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured houses, and winding canals with lots of nice restaurants and cafes to eat and drink in. When you explore the Old Town, you’ll find it’s much quieter than you might expect  if you visit in winter, you might even catch it with snow.

One of my favourite moments was sitting outside Café des Arts, people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere.

Visit Annecy castle – Château d’Annecy

Château d’Annecy sits high above the old town, offering some of the best views of the lake. Honestly, it’s worth the visit for the panorama view alone. Once a residence of the Counts of Geneva, the castle is now a museum filled with local history.

Entry costs about 6.50 euros, and it’s free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month from October to May.

Palais de l’Isle

Palais de I’Lsle is definitely the most recognizable landmark in Annecy, it’s now a museum set like a stone ship in the middle of the water.

It’s a small but fascinating museum where you can wander through old cells and exhibits that tell the story of Annecy’s past as it was once a prison and castle. Surrounded by the pastel buildings of the old town, the Palais is especially magical in winter, when the canals are quiet.

It costs 4 euros to enter the museum. Definitely worth the visit at such a small cost!

Visit the shops

Annecy is great for shopping! If you love browsing cute shops, the old town is full of boutique shops, offering unique fashion, crafts, and local specialties which will keep you busy.

You’ll also find several print and stationery shops tucked along the narrow streets, perfect for prints, gifts, or souvenirs. The boutique shops in Annecy always tempt me in!

If you have visited Paris and the famous shopping centre Galleries Lafayette, there is also one in Annecy! Away from the old town, the shopping centre has larger brands and department stores like H&M, Zara which pretty much everyone loves.

Even if you don’t want to buy anything, it’s always great just window shopping and looking at all the pretty store items.

Enjoy the local markets

Annecy has beautiful local markets in the old town on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. At the old-town markets, even “just looking” feels enjoyable.

The market’s stalls have fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheeses and cured meats, artisan breads and pastries, as well as pretty flowers and handmade crafts.

You can also get some local gems such as honey, jams, and oils, making it the perfect place to taste and take home a taste of Annecy with you. You could even bring home some souvenirs or equally just keep all the goodies for yourself!

Start to feel festive with Annecy’s Christmas Markets

If you’re visiting Annecy at Christmas, you must visit the Christmas markets located in the centre. Christmas markets always make a place feel alive, and in Annecy they’re called Noël des Alpes.

They offer free admission and are the perfect place to browse stalls for crafts, food, mulled wine, and to soak up the festive atmosphere. I would go early to avoid the crowds but also not too late as you want to see all the Christmas lights glow.

The Christmas markets run from November to January, and Annecy also hosts Christmas concerts and an ice rink during this time.

Eat and Drink Your Way Through Annecy’s Best Restaurants, Cafés and Bars

Annecy is filled with amazing cafés, bars, and restaurants. The food scene will be one of your favourite things in Annecy. Start your morning with the famously huge croissants at Campagne, (honestly the croissant was the highlight for me) and coffee from café bunna which has the best coffee!

For a quick bite, the sandwiches at La Fermette are a must. The fresh bread, creamy cheese, and tasty meat, you can see why it’s a hit with the locals. Enjoy a cosy moment under outdoor heaters along the canal front with a hot chocolate or a festive mulled wine.

Indulge in the iconic cheese fondue at Le Fréti, this is a MUST visit one of the best cheese fondues I’ve had. One of Annecy’s best-loved restaurants,

For drinks, head to lively spots like Café des Arts, La Riposte or the local Irish Bar called Captain Pub.

Annecy Boat Tour/Cruise

You can enjoy lake activities in Annecy all year round, even in winter when the water is freezing!

A winter boat tour on Lake Annecy is especially worthwhile because it offers a completely different view of the lake and the mountains. The water is often at its clearest during the colder months, and you can see the snowcapped mountains, it gives a different view from seeing the lake at the shore.

A boat tour is also a great way to see the small towns and landmarks around the lake, including Talloires Bay and Duingt Castle. It’s also a great way to see more of the lake if you aren’t able to rent a car.

Winter is much quieter, so you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful, almost private experience on the water. And being on a heated boat while taking in the crisp winter scenery feels very cosy!

Watch the GlaGla Race

A great lake activity to watch is the GlaGla Race which is the largest SUP race in the world (paddle boarding) or if you are brave enough you can take part in it!

They have a variety of distances which you can take part in, the atmosphere is great as lots of people watch and cheer them on.

Relax and visit a spa

The best thing to do to escape the cold in the winter and relax is to visit a spa. There are a couple of spas in Annecy to choose from.

Most of the spa packages will include a treatment such as a massage or facial, It’s always worth it for a spa day and plus you must treat yourself when you are on holiday!

Here are my spa recommendations:

Rivage Hotel – A 45 minute treatment and access to the spa facilities the costs start at 75euros.

Auberge du Père Bise – A 45‑minute body or facial treatment with to spa facilities) costs 175 euros.

MONT Spa – This spa is the cheapest especially if you don’t want a treatment and just want to access the spa facilities. Access to the relaxation area for 60 minutes is 30 euros or free for all treatments of at least 119 euros.

Go on a Food Tour

Annecy has an amazing food scene! The best thing to do when experiencing a place is always through FOOD, and this food tour is the best way to do it.

The tour is around 3.5 hours, and you will wander around the town of Annecy and taste a variety of different dishes. You will get to taste the local charcuterie, regional cheeses, and the ultimate comfort dish, which is tartiflette, a warm, gooey potato bake smothered in Reblochon cheese. This was the highlight for me!

The guide on the tour will share stories of Annecy’s food culture, hidden restaurant gems and what the local traditions are. The tour saves the best part till last which is the artisan pastries or chocolates. This is a MUST-do tour if you are a foodie!

Winter hiking

There’s so many beautiful hikes to do in Annecy, you can still do some routes on the surrounding mountains of lake Annecy, but you will need to check the trail conditions at visitor centre in Annecy town centre or online.

Depending on the weather you might be able to go out in just walking boots, but snowshoes will be needed if the conditions are snowy and icy. You can rent snowshoes from the cycle/ski rental shops in Annecy town centre. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

We’d planned to go hiking one day, but the weather turned on us, so we decided against it. I was honestly gutted, but it just gives me another reason to come back. Instead, we opted for a walk around Lake Annecy.

Hikes are usually better in the warmer months so if hiking is your priority, consider visiting Annecy in summer.

Skiing or Snowboarding in the nearby Alps

France has some of the best skiing especially in the haute region, you have Chamonix, La Clusaz and Grand Bornand ski resorts near Annecy. La Clusaz and Gran Bornand are the closest to Annecy (30 – 40 minute drive).

There are a couple of car parks in the ski towns which cost around 10-15 euros a day, you should get to the car parks especially the ones near the ski lift early as they fill up quickly and no one likes walking far with their skis! 

You can book your ski passes online. If you book in advance, they will be around 46 euros to 50 euros, depending on how far in advance you book. Otherwise there are lots of places in the town where you can collect the passes from, usually near a ski lift.

I would highly recommend skiing in La Clusaz. There’s lots of blue runs which is great for beginners and as it’s more of a local ski resort there aren’t many ques for the ski lifts! Just make sure you pack your ski essentials and warm layers — conditions can change fast, and you’ll want to be comfortable on the slopes.

Watch the paragliding in Col de la Forclaz

Col de la Forclaz is a popular spot as it’s an amazing viewpoint overlooking the mountains and lake Annecy.  It’s also a great spot for watching the sunset in all seasons and you will see the sun going down and the pink skies reflecting off the mountains. Watching a good sunset is always my favorite thing to do and you will see why when you visit this is such a popular spot.

Unfortunately, in the winter only the professionals will be setting off on a paraglide, but you can still go to the viewpoint and watch them take off. The viewpoint is about 30 minutes drive from Annecy town centre. At the viewpoint there is also a restaurant called Le Balcon du Lac which has a beautiful view of the lake. If you want to visit the restaurant, always be sure to check the opening times on Google.

Day Trip to Chamonix

A Chamonix day trip in winter is a MUST! It has a truly magical feel, with snow-capped mountains and a gorgeous town to wander through, Chamonix was a highlight for me when visiting in winter. It’s about a 1 hour and 30-minute drive from Annecy, or you can take a bus, though the bus takes longer as it stops at several places along the way.

The town is beautiful and has so much to offer. You can take your time wandering around the shops, cafés, bars, and amazing restaurants. Make sure you try the local cuisine, especially the cheese fondue, it’s always to die for!

If you visit Chamonix in winter, you can take the cable car up to Mont Blanc. Keep in mind it will be freezing, as you’ll be over 4,810 meters above sea level! The ticket centre for the cable car is located in town, and you can buy tickets there before boarding. Tickets are easy to purchase, though they are quite expensive at around €65 per person.

Chamonix also has an amazing spa called QC Spa Chamonix, and if you have time, it’s definitely worth a visit. We visited in the evening and it was so busy, so I would recommend getting a day time slot.

Day Trip to Geneva

A day trip to Geneva is popular from Annecy and it’s very easy to do this, you can tick off two countries in one trip! Geneva is a 40-50 minute drive away from Annecy depending on traffic. You could do this either when landing into France or on your way home or you can always get the train from Annecy. The trains are very frequent, and you can easily book online.

You can easily go to Geneva in a day trip, you can get around the main sights in a day. Geneva also has a beautiful lake, the old town and the Jet d’Eau fountain.

Winter holidays and events in Annecy

24th of December
Christmas Eve
Restaurants will be busy and might close early, book dinner reservations in advance. 

25th of December
Christmas Day
Most shops will be closed, if you want a dinner reservation for Christmas lunch you will need to book in advance. The Christmas markets are open from 3pm – 9pm.

31st December
New Year’s Eve
Expect shops and attractions to close earlier on this day. Dinner reservations are essential. Lake Annecy has a firework display and you can watch from the lakeshore, get there early to get a good spot. 

1st of January 
New Year’s Day
Shop, restaurant, and tour operating hours might be affected.

6th of January 
The Epiphany
Epiphany is a christian holiday which celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men with the traditional Galette des Rois pastry, keep in mind bakeries will require pre orders.

14th of February
Valentine’s Day
Shop and tour opening times are not affected. Dinner reservations are essential.

School holidays
School Christmas Break (Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026) It will be busier in Annecy in between these dates.
Winter Break (Feb 7 – Feb 23, 2026): Ski resorts and attractions are busy, book accommodation and activities early.

Carneval (Fasching)
Dates vary each year, usually in February or early March. Street parades are free, but check local schedules for exact dates and times.

Annecy’s winter temperature and weather

Month	Max&Min Temperature	Average Rainy Days	Average Sunshine hours
December	Max 7°C/ 44°F – Min -3°C/ 26°F	14 days (4days of snow)	5h
January	Max 3°C/ 37°F – Min  -3°C/ 25°F	13 days (4days of snow)	5h
February	Max 7 °C/ 44°F Min -3°C/ 25°F	14 days (4days of snow)	6-7h
March	Max 12°C/ 53°F Min 1°C/ 33°F	13 days (snow days less frequent)	6-8h

Does it snow in Annecy?

Yes, Annecy does get snow! It makes it even more magical if you are visiting in December around Christmas time. Snow always makes everything feel more special!

How many days in Annecy in winter

You can visit the majority of Annecy town centre landmarks in just one jampacked day. But if you want to explore everything around Annecy, including the beautiful alps, you’ll want to spend about 4-5 days here to be able to experience everything Annecy has to offer.

Getting to Annecy

By air: You will need to fly to Geneva or Chambery airports which are the closest airports  to Annecy. From the airport, you can take a train, taxi, public bus or drive to reach Annecy.

By bus: You can take buses to Annecy from cities like Lyon, Geneva, or Paris. Tickets can be booked online through FlixBus or BlaBlaBus.

By car: Depending on where you are driving from and if you want to be more flexible on your trip,  Annecy is well connected to the main highway system in France and Switzerland. 

By train: Annecy has a well-connected train station in the middle of the town which is walking distance from the main attractions. You can reach Annecy by train from several major French cities such as Paris, Lyon etc and even from Geneva in Switzerland. 

Getting around Annecy

You’ll want to rent a car if you want to explore the surrounding areas of Annecy. 

If you are unable to rent a car, you can get Flix buses or Bla Bla Buses to the ski areas such as La Clusaz, Chamonix and to some of the other towns located around the lake.

The buses are easy to book; you can easily book the buses here on the website and usually cost around 8-15 euros. Bear in mind the buses will take longer than driving.

The tourist office in Annecy will help you get around Annecy and surrounding areas.

If you are just wanting to just explore Annecy, you can easily walk around the town to access the lake, old town, boat tour and shopping.