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Ultimate One Day in Annecy Itinerary

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Annecy is easily one of the most beautiful towns in France . With flower-lined canals, a breathtaking lake surrounded by craggy mountain peaks, and charming Medieval buildings, spending one day in Annecy is a dream.

Annecy is my favorite place in France and it isn’t difficult to see why. Not only is Annecy worth visiting, spending a day in Annecy or longer is a fantastic way to enjoy the cuisine, culture, and sights of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region! 

One Day in Annecy Itinerary: Top Things to Do in Annecy, France in a Day

If you are short on time and have 1 day in Annecy, let’s talk about the best things to do in a day! 

Now, to get the most out of your day, I highly recommend spending the night there so you can get up bright and early and see the town as it is waking up as well as beat the crowds! But if this is an Annecy day trip, then definitely get in early. 

1. Explore the Old Town of Annecy

Old Town Annecy is a Medieval charmer. There are several beautiful churches, shops, and residences in the old town of Annecy that are drop-dead gorgeous to behold. 

Then, of course, you have the canals. If there is one must-do during your 1 day in Annecy, it is to walk along the canals. And the main reason why I say to stay the night is so that you can enjoy these flower-lined waterways without the crowds.

Explore the Thiou canal and spot the famous Palais de L’ile monument in the middle of the water. Admire the ducks and swans as they glide gracefully on the crystal clear channel. And, of course, get a few photos or a cup of coffee next to the canals while the world is still waking up. 

It is so worth it to see this first thing, because trust me, by afternoon the place is swarmed. Annecy may not be well known to people from other countries, but it is a very popular place to visit in France. 

2. Palais de L’ile

While you’re wandering around the Old Town, stop at the Palais de L’ile! This palace island was once a prison, a minting workshop, an administrative center, a royal residence, and is now a museum.

It’s really interesting to visit this little palace and learn more about its past and the history of Annecy. It only takes about an hour to visit, and it costs €4 for admission from January-June and September-December. The price is €5 in July and August. 

Palais de L’ile Hours: Wednesday-Monday 10 am-12 pm, 2-5 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

3. Old Town Market in Annecy

While you’re in Old Town Annecy, why not stop by the most amazing farmers market ? Open year-round on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 7 am-1 pm, there are stalls selling the most amazing and fresh foods! 

On Tuesdays, you’ll find tons of local produce, and on Fridays and Sundays, you’ll also see many textile goods as well. It is also larger on the weekends. No matter when you visit, though, you’ll enjoy pursuing the stands and purchasing anything from fresh veggies to local cheeses and everything in between.

Stalls are located throughout the old town with many near the canals. The freshest strawberries I’ve ever tasted came from this market! Plus, there is a phenomenal nougat stand worth checking out too! 

4. Picnic Along Lake Annecy During Your 1 Day in Annecy

You know about the Old Town Market above, so why not gather up the best sausages, bread, cheeses, fruits, and veggies and stop by a shop for a bottle of wine to take to Lake Annecy for a picnic?

The best place for this picnic has to be the Jardins de l’Europe. This scenic park has many shade trees that make for a perfect place to set up a picnic, and you get sprawling views of Lake Annecy. 

It couldn’t be a more perfect place to enjoy a lovely afternoon of people watching and tasty local food.

5. Get Out on Lake Annecy

Okay, while you could certainly bike around Lake Annecy, walk along the shores or just lounge on the beaches, why not get out on the crystal clear water to really enjoy it?

There are a few boat tours you could take, or if you want to keep it simple, just rent a paddleboat for an hour or two and get out on the water! 

This is such a fun thing to do on a warm, sunny day! Take in the mountain views as you lazily paddle along, perhaps with that bottle of wine from earlier! 

I did this last time with a friend and it was honestly one of my favorite memories from Annecy, so I highly recommend renting a little boat and enjoying the water!

Prices to rent a paddleboat are €22 per hour for a 2 person boat or €27 per hour for a 4 person boat. 

6. Visit Pont des Amours for a Romantic Thing to do in Annecy for a Day

After exploring the lake, pop over to Pont des Amours for a lovely view of the canal that meets the lake. It is a romantic spot to enjoy together ! 

Legend says that if you kiss your love here then you’ll be together forever!

7. Catch a Sunset in Annecy

After a beautiful day in Annecy on both the lake and in the old city, it is time to enjoy a lovely sunset. 

Obviously, the lake is a great option, but the old city sets a great backdrop for stunning sunsets as well! 

8. Have Some Wine at La Cave

Once the sun has set it is time to enjoy a little bit of wine and an appetizer or two. La Cave Wine Bar is the perfect hidden gem to go to for splitting a bottle of amazing French wine and sharing some small plates.

Being near some incredible wineries of the Savoie wine region, you can’t miss the chance to try local wine! Grapes grown in the Savoie include Jacquère, Altesse, Gamay, and even some Pinot Noir. 

While the wines here are predominantly white wine, you’ll find some great reds too! Seriously, I had the best Pinot Noir of my life here.

La Cave also has seriously tasty appetizers that are seasonally made. 

La Cave Hours: Monday-Saturday from 6 pm-12 am.

9. End the Evening With Alpine Fare

To wrap up your one day in Annecy, you’ll definitely want to feast on alpine classics! Tartiflette, raclette, and fondue all come to mind when thinking about hearty and delicious alpine food! 

Luckily, L’Etage is a great place to enjoy all of those options as well as other French classics like escargot, beef tartare, and steak frites. 

If you’re going to be visiting this region of France, you can’t miss the chance to try the local cuisine! 

After dinner, it is time to either head back to wherever you visited or spend the night. 

L’Etage Hours: Monday-Saturday 12-2:15 pm and 7-10:30 pm. Sunday 12-2:30 pm and 7-10 pm.

If You Have More Than One Day in Annecy

If you have more than one day in Annecy, the options are endless! First of all, you could spend more time exploring Lake Annecy including biking the circumference of the lake! 

There are also several hiking trails nearby to explore, as well as the chance to take day trips to nearby cities like Aix les Bains for their thermal baths, Geneva in Switzerland, and maybe even take a tour of the wineries of the Savoie wine region. 

I really enjoyed the Alpes Flaveurs hiking and wine tour with Bernard! You can book this by emailing [email protected] ! 

Other Things to Know About Visiting Annecy, France in One Day

Before you enjoy your Annecy one day itinerary, here are some tips to know:

How to Get to Annecy:

The best way to get to Annecy is via train. If you’re coming from elsewhere in France or Switzerland, then a train is best! The Annecy train station is in the middle of the city center.

If you’re further away, then you’ll need to fly into a nearby airport and take the train to Annecy. Airports to check out include Paris, Lyon, and Geneva. Paris is about a 4-hour train ride away , while Lyon is 2 hours away, and Geneva is 1 hour away. 

Check Skyscanner for the best prices on flights to France!

Getting Around Annecy: 

Luckily, if you’re just sticking to Annecy, then walking is just fine. It is a pretty walkable city, so whether you want to enjoy the Old Town or visit the lake, walking is a great way to get around. 

However, if you wish to visit nearby towns, you can either take the train if it is a larger town or rent a car for more flexibility. I love checking AutoEurope for rental car prices!  

Where to Stay in Annecy

There are several options for where to stay in Annecy including rentals like Airbnb and VRBO . 

But if you’re looking for great hotel options, here are a few based on your budget:

Budget: IBIS Styles Annecy Gare Center

Located near the train station and Old Town, it is a perfect place to explore on a budget. Aside from free breakfast, they also have rooms with mountain and city views!

Book it here!

Mid-Range: Atipik Hotel Alexandra

This is where I stayed last time, and it is also located near the train station and Old Town. It had great views of the city from our room, and the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful.

Luxury: Les Loges Annecy Vieille Ville

This luxury hotel is right in the old town and offers lovely apartments complete with cozy fireplaces, two bottles of wine for guests, and a delightful breakfast each morning. 

Best Time To Visit For an Annecy Itinerary

Annecy, France is a fantastic place to visit year-round. While winter can definitely be chilly with temperatures ranging from 28-30ºF (-2 to -1ºC) at night and 38-42ºF (3-6ºC) during the day, there is ample opportunity to go skiing nearby! 

Plus, the Christmas markets in Annecy are so lovely! These typically occur between late November and most of December. 

Carnaval in Annecy also occurs in the winter months in either February or March where you can get dressed up in masks and wander the city! 

Spring sees temperatures reaching 49-64ºF (9-18ºC) during the day and 33-45ºF (.5-7ºC) at night. It is also not terribly busy this time of year so it is a great opportunity to visit without a lot of crowds. 

Summer is the warmest time of year to visit with temperatures averaging 71-76ºF (22-24ºC) during the day and 51-53ºF (11-12ºC) at night. There is also the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June as well as the Lake Festival in August with a giant fireworks display! 

Autumn cools down a bit with temperatures ranging from 46-69ºF (8-21ºC)  during the day and 35-48ºF (2-9ºC) at night. The Return of the Alpine Pastures Festival occurs on the second Saturday in October when the flocks are heading back toward the town for the winter. There is a parade of animals (including cows in flower crowns!) as well as traditional music and dancing! 

No matter when you visit, I know you’ll fall head over heels for this French alpine city! It is still my favorite place in France and I love each and every time I’ve visited no matter the time of year!

Spending one day in Annecy, France is a great way to get a taste of what this incredible city has to offer! From charming architecture and the stunning lake to tasty, hearty cuisine, a visit to Annecy will leave you wanting more! 

Would you like to spend a day in Annecy, France?

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One Day in Annecy Itinerary: A Day Trip from Geneva

Last Updated on February 28, 2024

by Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Annecy is a beautiful French Alpine city just 50 km south of Geneva , with a beautiful old town showcasing its unique architecture amongst the canals, as well as an enormous lake and lush mountains all around, waiting for you to explore over one day in Annecy. Nicknamed the Venice of the Alps due to its canals, but with the splendour of Monaco , you won’t be short of things to do on your Annecy itinerary, making for a perfect day trip from Geneva.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Annecy?

There are plenty of things to do in Annecy, however, it’s also a beautiful place to simply walk around and enjoy the pastel colours of the buildings in the old town and the incredible blue of the famous lake and summer sky, interrupted by the green of the surrounding mountains.

In one day, you can explore the old town on foot and enjoy a picnic by the lake, either in the city park or on one of the beautiful beaches on the shores of Lake Annecy.

However, if you have 2 days or a weekend in Annecy, you can also enjoy a hike up to one of the mountain tops in the French Alps for a spectacular view of Lake Annecy, the city and other small towns in the distance.

Ultimately, how many days to spend in Annecy depends on how much time you want to spend adventuring through the magnificent natural landscape.

Getting To & Around Annecy

If you’re taking a day trip to Annecy from Geneva, you can drive South for 50 km on the A41 to be there in less than an hour.

Do be aware that, although Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, you may still need to show your ID to pass its borders and you have to pay a road tax to drive on Swiss motorways.

You can also find plenty of parking in Annecy, with a 24-hour car park by the central train station.

The train is an equally simple option, with Swiss Railways trains taking just over an hour and departing regularly throughout the day to arrive at Annecy train station, which is within walking distance from the old town and city centre.

Or, you can take a slightly cheaper and shorter journey with Flixbus or Blablabus, or car-share with Blablacar to save even more and take the opportunity of talking to a local to practise your French and find out some of the Haute-Savoie’s hidden gems.

If you prefer to go on an organised Annecy day trip from Geneva, you can take this half-day tour or this half-day tour that takes care of the planning for you.

You can also travel to Annecy from Lyon , with direct trains taking about 2 hours and the drive taking about as much time. This makes visiting from Lyon another great option. You can view train schedules here .

Our route doesn’t venture far out of the old town, which covers an area of a few kilometres, so you can easily walk around it in a day, however, there is a comprehensive bus system in the city, called Sibra, to make it easier to reach the modern centre and outskirts.

You can also rent bikes all over Annecy, with one company, Vélonecy, offering reasonably priced bike rentals per hour or day so you can get around the centre more quickly or venture out on the cycle paths around the lake.

1 Day in Annecy Itinerary

A day is the ideal amount of time to spend strolling along the quaint streets and canals of the old town, before visiting a museum and enjoying a picnic by the lake or a boat trip around Lake Annecy to get a different perspective.

Old Town of Annecy

Annecy Old Town is a beautiful area on one edge of the lake, with Le Thiou Canal running through its heart and smaller streams separating the streets, creating an intricate patchwork of bridges and passageways throughout.

As you spend the beginning of your day in Annecy, notice the colourful houses jutting out over some of the canals, including some ‘hôtels particuliers’ owned by notable families of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Enjoy breakfast in one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area or make a mental note of somewhere to come back to for lunch or dinner to enjoy the gastronomic scene in the city and tuck into some fondue or a tartiflette.

If you visit Annecy in February, you might be lucky enough to see the Venetian carnival; a parade of performers in traditional Venetian costumes who silently walk through the old town streets over one weekend. The costumes are remarkable and well worth stopping by for a photo.

However, if you’re visiting in July, you can enjoy arts festivals that descend on the whole city and admire the sculptures hidden around the street corners, as well as performers and poets.

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre

One of the highlights of Annecy’s old town that you can enjoy all year round is Saint Peter’s Cathedral.

Having originally been constructed in the 16th century, due to damage and reparations you can see the contrast between the Gothic interior, shown through the bright stained glass windows and the beautiful symmetry of the Renaissance exterior.

Inside, you can take a moment to cool off from the summer sun while admiring the architecture and catch a glimpse of the enormous 19th-century organ that stands over 7 metres tall. 

Pont Morens

As you continue wandering the old town streets, towards the second stop on your Annecy day trip itinerary, pass over the pretty Pont Morens. From this delightful old bridge with a weir, you can enjoy wonderful views along the canal lined with colourful houses and charming bars and restaurants.

Musée-Château d’Annecy

There are three main museums in Annecy: the Musée-Château d’Annecy, Palais de L’Île and Le Musée du Film d’Animation. However, each museum is relatively small and only a short walk from each other, so you can visit at least two of them in one afternoon.

Just a 4-minute walk from Le Thiou is Annecy’s castle which has been converted into a museum. With numerous artefacts as well as centuries-old paintings and a collection of contemporary art, the Musée-Château d’Annecy has a lot to offer everyone with any kind of historical or artistic interest.

Having formerly served as the official residence of the counts of Geneva – there were many noblemen living in the Duchy of Savoy area so the château changed hands over the centuries – the mediaeval castle was expertly restored into the striking building we see today.

Le Palais de L’Île

Heading back down to the centre of the old town and following Le Thiou, you’ll come across a curious medieval castle sitting in the middle of the canal. Built in the 1100s on top of a natural rocky island in the canal, this small palace has served many different purposes over the centuries.

A prison numerous times in the last millennia, the palace was a mint for the Count of Geneva in the 1300s and was transformed into a courthouse in the late 1500s. In the mid-1800s the palace was briefly a home for the elderly, and more recently a boarding school for carpenters and stone carvers.

You can see evidence of the Island Palace’s long history in its architecture, as additions were made over the years to optimise the palace for its new purposes, before undergoing restoration works in the 1980s and 2016.

Now, the palace is an art and history museum, where you can learn about the island’s history, visit its chapel and see how the 14th-century gold and silver mint worked.

Le Musée du Film d’Animation

Definitely check out the Animated Film Museum, 10 minutes walking southeast of the château or the palace, as it’s free all year long.

Visually detailing the history of animated images and moving pictures, the museum takes visitors on a journey through the history of film and into the minds of the creatives who developed the art form.

Thanks to this museum, which also has a large collection of loaned objects from other countries, Annecy is now a European hub of animation, with its international animated film festival taking place at the beginning of June each year, drawing huge crowds from all over the world.

Lake Annecy

After spending most of your day in the old town and historical sites, it’s time to see the lake.

Shop in Monoprix for a budget-friendly picnic, or find nearby some small shops selling wonderful homemade takeaway meals such as octopus salads, rice dishes and sausages. You can also stop by the Pierre Gay fromagerie for some delicious local cheeses.

Plage des Marquisats

One of the most popular and easy-to-reach beaches on the lake is the Plage des Marquisats, just a 10-minute walk away from the centre towards the South. It can become busy in summer, but this small beach reaching into the crystal clear waters of one of the cleanest lakes in Europe is a great place to have a picnic on a sunny afternoon and venture out for a paddle.

You don’t have to pay to sit at the beach and there are snack bars as well as toilets and showers, so it’s a practical spot to spend a lot of time too.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Annecy on the first Saturday of August, you can watch the huge 2-hour-long fireworks show with music over the lake from here as well!

Jardins de l’Europe

If you’re only having one day in Annecy so don’t want to lug wet clothes around with you, you can have your picnic in the Jardins de l’Europe behind the town hall.

This beautiful park full of trees and small birds gives you stunning views of the lake, with two fountains and a small wild island close to the shore, in front of the statue of French chemist Claude Louis Berthollet from Talloires, on the opposite side of the lake.

The Jardins de l’Europe are a great spot for a picnic as the trees provide a lot of shade and the small friendly birds will come by to pick up your crumbs.

From here you can cross the Pont des Amours to reach Le Pâquier d’Annecy, a large green with walkways through if you want to spend the rest of your afternoon basking in the sun or joining in a football match.

On this side of the lake, there are also a few boat rental agencies so if you have time you can rent a motorboat or pedalo and enjoy your afternoon on the lake.

Have 2 or 3 Days in Annecy?

One of the best things to do around Annecy is to hike up the surrounding hills and mountains to get a stunning view over the lake. If you walk for 40 minutes or take a bus to the opposite side of the lake, a path comes off Avenue de Chavoires leading up the mountain with options of different routes with varying difficulty.

It takes 1 hour to reach Sous Pré Vernet, 1 hour 15 to Talabar, 2 hours 40 to Mont Veyrier and 2 hours 55 to Mont Baron. Be wary, however, if there are fast and slow routes to the same point, the faster routes will be more direct and thus significantly steeper.

If you’ve got 2 days in Annecy and want to get out and about around the lake, there is a 25 km cycle route around the lake which you can enjoy, or simply follow the winding roads. You can even t ake an organised cycle if you prefer to go with a guide.

Thanks to the Tour de France regularly coming through Annecy, with the famous hairpin bends of the Alpe d’Huez not too far away, the roads are very well-kept and suited for all cyclists regardless of experience.

Another option is to spend one day or at least an afternoon out on the lake, so rent any kind of water transport, from motorboats, speedboats and catamarans to pedalos, kayaks and canoes; there are plenty of ways to enjoy the gorgeous lake, just don’t forget your sunscreen.

If you’re a watersports enthusiast and the wind is favourable, you can even rent wing foils or do stand-up paddle yoga in the lake!

If you’re spending a week in the Alps or more than 3 days, you can also drive for around 20 minutes westwards to spend time exploring the spectacular Fier Gorges, with the amazing Château de Montrottier which you can visit.

You can also time your visit to Annecy with the food market that takes place every Wednesday in the Place des Romains for the freshest of picnics, or to simply see the city streets come alive.

Where to Stay in Annecy

Hôtel du Château – This cosy hotel in the centre of Annecy is a great choice for mid-range travellers. There are a number of comfortable rooms to choose from and there is also a continental breakfast available each morning.

Allobroges Park Hôtel – Another lovely hotel in the centre of Annecy, this one has a range of wonderful, clean and comfortable rooms on offer, a delightful terrace to enjoy, breakfast available in the mornings and a restaurant/bar on site.

Aparthotel Adagio – Those after a comfortable self-catering option in Annecy will love this centrally-located aparthotel. They have a number of fully-furnished flats available, ranging in size, and plenty of other amenities to ensure guests have a great stay.

Annecy Hostel – Budget and solo travellers will love this hostel. Centrally located close to all Annecy has to offer, they have both private rooms and dorm beds available along with great common areas and good self-catering facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Annecy hotels!

Annecy may be well known as a beautiful Alpine city, but it’s by no means overloaded with tourists and remains an extraordinary city to visit. Whether you have a week in the Alps or just one day to explore Annecy, you’re sure to fall in love with this dazzling city surrounded by incredible scenery.

Are you planning to visit Annecy? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

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Europe , France · August 8, 2022

A Weekend in Annecy, France – 2 Day Itinerary

There is something very special about the french city of Annecy, a historic alpine town with arguably one of the most picturesque lakes in the world. The old town, with its castle, flowing canals and cobble streets takes you into a fairytale world, one where you are eating cheese fondue every day and wandering through fresh food markets tasting local produce. Spending a weekend, or 2 to 3 days, in Annecy is a perfect taster of this little alpine city. 

This 1 to 3 day itinerary for spending the weekend in Annecy includes how to get there, the best things to see and do, and some hidden gems we discovered on our trip!

How to get to Annecy

Flying to annecy.

Annecy itself doesn’t have an airport so to get to the city you must fly to either Lyon in France or Geneva in Switzerland. 

Geneva to Annecy

Flying to Geneva is relatively easy, with regular flights from airports around Europe. However, many flights are not direct and stop in Zurich on the way, especially if you fly with Swiss air. For these flights, I actually suggest taking the train from Zurich to Geneva. It takes 3 hours rather than 1, however, you are less bound by delays, it is better for the environment, and ends up taking a similar amount of time when you account for connections.

From Geneva, there are several buses you can take to Annecy. They arrive semi-regularly but it is always best to book in advance. This way they are cheaper and you can better plan your trip.

Travel by bus or train

The other way to get to Annecy is by bus or train. This city is very well connected to major cities in both Switzerland and France so is very easily accessible! A common connection in France is Lyon, where there is a Flixbus that leaves every few hours! The best way to plan your bus travel to Annecy is using the companies Flixbus and Blablacar. 

If you want to travel to Annecy by train then the best platform to book this through is the Trainline . This way you can find all sorts of different routes and book them in the same place!

Annecy as a day trip from Geneva

One day in annecy.

Although any place is best explored slowly, Annecy is still a great day trip from Geneva! The bus journey takes around 1 hour one way so gives you the whole day to explore the city! This weekend in Annecy itinerary still works for anyone planning a day trip from Geneva, however, you will want to prioritize the things to see and do that fit your travel style as it includes too much to fit into one day!

Alternatively, you can take a half day tour of Annecy which takes care of transport from Geneva and back and gives you the best the city has to offer!

Find out more here!

If you want a more private experience, there is also the option of a private trip for small groups ! Here you get your own private tour guide and the chance to explore the city in the way you want, without the hassle of arranging transfers and buying tickets.

Things to do in Annecy – 2 day weekend itinerary

This 2 to 3 day Annecy itinerary is set out as more of a guide of things to see and do rather than a strict timetable! As there are so many different ways to explore Annecy, the best way for everyone to plan their optimal weekend is to pick and choose their own activities!

Must see places and things to do in Annecy

Lake annecy.

Lake Annecy is something right out of a postcard. Crystal blue water against the layered mountain backdrop of the French alps, dotted with colourful pedalos and sailing boats throughout the summer months. No matter what time of year you are visiting, Lake Annecy is worth seeing, even if it is just to take a stroll down Le Pâquier d’Annecy.

Hire a Pedalo on Lake Annecy 

You can’t go wrong with hiring a pedalo on Lake Annecy, paddling out to the middle of the lake and taking a swim in the refreshingly cold water! It is a must when visiting Annecy for a weekend in the summer. There are many different places to hire a pedalo, all lined up along the water to both sides of Pont des Amours. 

Although there are various different companies, hiring a pedalo costs the same no matter which you choose! You pay for the first hour and then a set cost for every 15 minutes following!

We found that one hour was enough to peddle out a fair way, take a swim and peddle back. However, choosing 1.5 to 2 hours will take the stress off of your trip a little bit!

Cycle around Lake Annecy

If you like cycling, then don’t miss the incredible cycling route that takes you around Lake Annecy. The cycle path is 42km in total and takes around 3 hours to complete without stopping. The path takes you past some of the most picturesque points of Lake Annecy. Don’t miss stopping at the town of Talloires on your way past, or exploring some of the smaller beaches along the way. 

Swimming in Lake Annecy

As an alpine lake, the water in Lake Annecy never reaches high temperatures. However, that doesn’t take away from the experience of taking a dip here! There are a few different places close to Annecy city centre that make for good swimming spots! Two of my top recommendations are below!

Parc Charles Bosson

The swimming area in Parc Charles Bosson is the best place in Annecy to Swim. Along the water’s edge you can sit in the grassy park, swim from the dock or jump from the diving board at Plage de l’Imperial. In the summer months, this is a paid area, however, from September to June access is free and the park is open 24 hours a day!

If you are feeling up for it, and the weather permits, I definitely recommend a sunrise swim here! There is no better moment than when the sun rises over the mountains behind, sending light rays out across the lake.

Plage d’Albigny

Plage d’Albigny is the main beach in Annecy, located just around the corner from the diving board at Plage de l’Imperial. The beach is quite small, but sandy with a shallow decline into the water! 

Le Palais de I’Île

This medieval gaol is the centre of one of the most iconic views in Annecy’s old town. Located in the middle of two canals and only accessible by bridges on their side, it is a point that marks the historic centre of Annecy. The oldest parts dating back to the 12th century, this building has a history of being used as a prison, a courthouse and an administrative centre. Today, it is a museum and exhibition space.

Entry costs 3.90€ for adults and 2€ for children. You can book tickets in advance here, or on the day!

Château d’Annecy

Château d’Annecy is more commonly known as Annecy Castle, a big residence turned military barracks that overlooks the city. The castle dates back to the 13th century, with later additions being added over the next 300 years. Today, the castle is home to a great museum. The museum is open every day except Tuesdays and costs 5.60€ for adults and 3€ for children and students. 

Pont des Amours

Pont des Amours, or the lover bridge, is an iron bridge in the centre of Annecy, designed to give a beautiful view over the lake. Made of iron and designed by Charles Galletto, Pont des Amours connects the two sides of the Canal du Vasse – the European Gardens and the Paquier Esplanade. This is a popular spot for visitors, the legend states that those who kiss in the middle of the bridge will stay together for life.

Stroll around Annecy Market

The best market in Annecy to visit is the old town market. This runs every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday morning and fills the streets of the old town. The stalls are usually open from 8am until just before midday, selling local fruits and vegetables, cheese, meats, and handmade crafts!

Explore Annecy Canals

Annecy is nicknamed “the Venice of the alps” for a reason. Throughout the old town, thin canals break up the streets, leading you over bridges and through tunnels to navigate the city! Make sure to walk along Quai de I’lle to discover some of the most picturesque bridges and street corners!

Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour

A great way to explore a city is by taking a walking tour, and there’s no way to make this more fun than turning it into a scavenger hunt! We did this during our time in Annecy and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the city in an alternative way, discovering places and facts we wouldn’t have otherwise been aware of!

Taste Annecy’s Best Ice Cream

When we asked the locals for tips on the best ice cream in Annecy, opinions were divided! After tasting them all, we know why – they all have great ice cream and there are different flavours which make each the best! Head to Le Glacier Des Alpes for the creamiest mango sorbet, Gelateria L’Edelweiss for their voilet ice cream, and Le Palais Des Glaces for one of the best pistachio ice creams you will ever taste!

Frequently asked questions

Is annecy worth visiting.

Yes, Annecy is definitely a city worth visiting! It is one of the most picturesque alpine cities in France, with a stunning old town and mountainside lake right out of a postcard!

Is one day in Annecy enough?

One day in Annecy is enough to see the main sights, however, two days are recommended if you want to really experience the city. 

How many days do you need in Annecy?

I recommend spending a long weekend in Annecy, so 2 to 3 days in total. This way, you can slowly explore the city, visit your favourite spots more than once, and not rush your travels.

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23 Things to do in Annecy and the Surrounding Areas

Located in the beautiful, mountainous region of southeastern France, Annecy is found in the heart of the French Alps.

Known as “Venice of the Alps”, the charming city lies on the shores of Lake Annecy, where verdant water stretches out towards high, snow-capped peaks. Few other places in France can match Annecy for beauty, but more than just looking good, there is a lot to explore in the city too.

As well as being the perfect base for outdoor activities, the Old Town, the canals and the markets of Annecy are full of history and culture. Hit the lake for watersports, hike into the countryside or day trip across the border to Switzerland.

There are plenty of great things to do in Annecy France, and here’s our guide to the best of them.

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Table of Contents

Things to do in Annecy

Walk through annecy old town.

The best way to begin any Annecy sightseeing tour is to simply walk through the Old Town. Annecy has a long history, dating far back to Roman settlement in the east of France, and much of the historic centre dates back to medieval times.

The Old Town is still the touristic heart of the city, and you can enjoy strolling through ramshackle, cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and past buildings that have stood proudly for hundreds of years.

It’s a charming and undeniably photogenic place, but you’ll also find great restaurants, cafes and museums to call in at as you wander through the streets of the Old Town.

Château d’Annecy (Annecy Castle-museum)

The ever imposing shape of Château d’Annecy dominates the skyline of the Old Town, with its impressive defences and historic aura.

Annecy castle dates back to the 12th century, but in recent decades was masterfully restored by the city to act as a centrepiece.

The castle is home to an informative museum that will give you an insight into the history of Château d’Annecy and the wider history of human habitation around the lake.

Stroll Along the Canals

Annecy is often referred to by tourists and locals as Little Venice, and when you see the network of canals and waterways that the Old Town is built around, you’ll quickly understand why.

The Annecy canals are one of the best attractions, and the best way to experience them is to stroll along the authentic pathways that run alongside.

Markets in Annecy

Annecy is a great place to visit if you love a good market, and the markets in the city provide a great opportunity to throw yourself into local life, to practice your French and to pick up a few souvenirs too.

Every day of the week, you can find a market somewhere in Annecy, but the real highlight is the colourful Sunday Market, which takes over much of the Old Town as locals from across the lake bring their goods and fresh produce to sell in the city.

Kiss on the Pont des Amours bridge

Annecy is home to some picturesque bridges, and with so many canals that need crossing, that’s no surprise. One of the most legendary bridges in the city though is the Pont des Amours.

As well as making for a good photo opportunity, Lover’s Bridge as its name translates to in English, has a rather intriguing legend attached to it.

If you are in a relationship, then bring your partner to the bridge. Local lore will have you believe that two lovers who kiss in the middle while overlooking the mountains will never break up.

Notre-Dame de Liesse

Notre-Dame de Liesse is the most impressive church in the city and it makes for one of the best places to visit in Annecy.

There has been a church in the same location in the Old Town for centuries, but the elegant building you see today dates back only to the 19th century.

Its predecessor was destroyed during the violent French Revolution, and only rebuilt decades later when things in the city had calmed down again.

Church of St. Maurice

Also found in the Old Town, the Church of St Maurice is another elegant example of French religious architecture.

The huge structure dates back to the early 15th century, and this long history has ensured that it can now claim to be the oldest church in Annecy.

The outside is impressive, but make sure you head inside too, to explore the intricate religious sculptures and artwork found within the main hall.

Walk or Bike Around Lac d’Annecy (Lake Annecy)

The city is built around the northern edge of Lake Annecy, which is large enough to be classified as the third largest lake in France.

Annecy Lake stretches for just under 15 kilometres on its longest side, making it perfect for hiking or biking around.

From the city, you can easily head out walking, and to enjoy the many Lake Annecy activities waiting to be experienced.

A cycle path runs around the entire circumference, making it easy to follow the lake from village to village, stopping off in small rural locations along the route and at the many spectacular viewpoints.

Paragliding Over Lake Annecy

If you are feeling adventurous and would like to see Lake Annecy from above, then you can even paraglide over the water.

Being part of the Alps region and being surrounded by mountains, there are many great launching points for paragliding, and many great local companies looking to take out everyone from beginners to experienced enthusiasts.

Pedal Boat Hire (and other water sports)

A great way to experience the real beauty and tranquillity of the lake is to head out onto the water. Around Lake Annecy, you will find plenty of operators hiring out pedal boats to visitors, allowing you to gently cruise across the calm lake at your leisure.

Of course, if you don’t fancy peddling across the lake, you can also join boat tours, or take part in many other water sports too.

Visit the Palais de l’Isle

The Palais de I’lsle is one of Annecy’s most important historical attractions. Located on an island in the Old Town’s Thiou Canal, cross over on the bridge to explore the palace that has served many different roles through history.

Today, the Palais de I’lsle is home to a museum, but in previous centuries it was the location of a castle, an imperial palace, then a prison and then a mint.

The views from the Palais de I’lsle are some of the best in Annecy, as you can see along the length of the canal, and across the Old Town.

Picnic in the Jardins de l’Europe

The Jardins de l’Europe – or the Gardens of Europe – is a lovely open space that’s found on the edge of the city, directly overlooking the lake.

As well as being incredibly picturesque, it’s also incredibly relaxing, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by greenery, flowers and trees with one of the best views of Lake Annecy ahead of you.

Bring a picnic, a good book, or some friends, and just enjoy the pleasant Gardens of Europe.

Basilique de la Visitation

Located on the outskirts of the city itself, the Basilique de la Visitation is an iconic church and basilica that offers visitors some of the best views over the city.

Found in the rising hills above the lake and the city, the basilica has a huge tower that can be climbed, for magnificent panoramics.

The church itself is not that historic, dating back only to the early 20th century, but its dramatic location has ensured that it is still a firm part of the tourist trail around and about Annecy.

Places to visit close to Annecy

Annecy makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding region too, and once you have seen all the sights in the Old Town and visited the lake, there are plenty of great opportunities to day trip, even across the border to Switzerland in the north.

Chateau de Menthon-Saint-Bernard  

Just a few miles away, a visit to Chateau de Menthon-Saint-Bernard makes for a great escape from Annecy, without having to travel too far either.

This medieval castle looks dramatically similar to the type of castle that you might just find in a fairytale or a Disney movie and is one of the most breathtaking chateaus in the region.

The castle has long guarded the mountain passes through the Alps, but today is home to a museum and historical exhibits.

Gorge du Fier

Gorge du Fier is a natural attraction that few other destinations close to Annecy can beat. The River Fier, crashing down through the Alps, has carved a spectacular gorge straight through the mountains over millions of years.

It’s not far from Annecy, found in the mountains that rise from the lake, and it makes for a great day out.

You can follow the winding, rustic pathways that have been built above the flowing, alpine water below, and that takes visitors along large sections of this dramatic canyon.

Col des Aravis

Being surrounded by mountain peaks, it would be a shame not to venture further out into the Alps when visiting Annecy. One of the most breathtaking places to visit is the Col des Aravis, a high mountain pass that’s an hour away by car.

The road trip could be the most scenic in the region, but it’s not for the faint-hearted, as you drive along winding mountain roads in the shadow of snow-capped peaks.

The Col des Aravis is somewhat infamous amongst cyclists too, and if you think you can handle the twisting turns and high ascent, then you could even try biking from Annecy.

Rising to a height of 1487 metres though, it’s not an easy climb, and is frequently featured in the Tour de France if the cycling event passes through the region.

Located less than an hour’s drive away to the north of Annecy, a day trip to Geneva is a must for anyone visiting the region.

Switzerland’s second largest city is the centre of the French-speaking region of the country and is found on the shores of Lake Geneva.

There’s a lot to do in Geneva, and one day there might not be enough to do everything complete justice, but you can certainly make a start.

Explore the modern streets, eat at the fine dining restaurants or enjoy some upmarket shopping. Take a boat across the lake, photograph the huge fountain and tackle the winding, cobbled streets of the old city.

Semnoz is one of the many mountain peaks that you can see from Annecy. Found to the south of the city, winding roads can take you to the pass over the summit, offering spectacular vistas over the lake and the other mountains on the way.

Like many of the mountains in the area, this is a favourite amongst hardened cyclists, who like to tackle the climb to the top.

La Tournette

Standing at just over 1500 metres in height, La Tournette is the highest mountain peak found around Lake Annecy.

You can’t drive all the way to the summit, but you can drive most of the way up, and technical climbers can ascend to the very top with the right gear.

The views over Lake Annecy, are unparalleled.

The Chateau de Montrottier

Chateau de Montrottier is another of the many fairy tale castles waiting to be discovered in the mountain passes surrounding Lake Annecy.

You can find this beautifully well preserved medieval chateau, with its dramatic turrets and walls, just a short drive away from Annecy.

Veyrier-du-Lac

Along the northeastern shore of Lake Annecy, is the small village of Veyrier du Lac. This little, lakeside community is close enough to Annecy for you to easily hike or bike out to, making for a great little escape from the city.

Just a half hour car ride or a few hours of lakeside hiking away from Annecy is the popular resort town of Talloires.

It’s one of Lake Annecy’s most picturesque towns, and you can find plenty of charming cafes, restaurants and bars to enjoy, alongside lots of opportunities to take to the lake for some water sports.

On the other side of the lake, opposite Talloires, you can find the equally charming community of Duingt.

This is one of the most ancient settlements around the lake, and many prehistoric finds have been unearthed at Duingt.

The striking local castle juts out prominently over the water of the lake, while the vistas will certainly take your breath away.

Recommend budget tours in Annecy

• Annecy Segway Tour – 2h
• Annecy Half-Day Independent Tour from Geneva
• Private Market Tour and Modern French Cooking Demo and Meal with a Local

Get your guide is a Great company, that often offers heavily discounted tours! Check out a few options below:

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Annecy (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Annecy (France)

One of France’s prettiest medieval towns is right on the shore of Europe’s cleanest lake. It just doesn’t get much better than this. Annecy is laced with canals and the historic streets have fun passageways darting off to the sides.

The lake is glorious, bordered on all sides by mountains and with crystalline waters that call your name on hot summer days.

Half the time you may lose yourself staring at scenery – Lac d’Annecy has a year-round gossamer haze – but there’s a breathless amount of activities to do and places to see. This is Europe’s outdoor sports capital after all.

Lets explore the best things to do in Annecy :

1. Lac d’Annecy

Whatever your reason for coming to Annecy, “Europe’s Cleanest Lake” will be in your plans.

Lake Annecy has the quality of staying peaceful at all times of year despite all the activity on its shores If you come in summer you can’t be blamed for passing hours lazing by the transparent waters at one of several beaches around the shore, in awe of the Alpine landscapes.

Two beaches, Plage la Brune at Veyrier-du-Lac and Plage Municipal in Saint-Jorioz, have earned the Blue Flag for the undeniable quality of the water and the facilities like restaurants, play areas and lifeguard patrol.

2. Vieille Ville

Annecy has earned the eminent French label “Ville d’Art”, and just within its compact old town there are 21 historical monuments to be found.

The medieval core on the Thiou River is extremely pretty, with canals, arcaded pedestrian streets and exciting little passageways that have you fumbling for your camera every few steps.

You could put yourself in the capable hands of a guide for the complete inside track on the city’s history and the unexpected vestiges that constantly catch your attention.

On Tuesday there’s a food market in the old centre, which adds real colour and energy to the old streets.

3. Jardins de l’Europe

It’s hard to conceive of a municipal park blessed with better panoramas anywhere in the world.

The Jardins del’Europe are in front of Annecy’s city hall, and before the embankment and Vassé canal were built had actually been a marshy island outside the city.

In the 19th century the city plotted an English garden, and more than 600 deciduous trees were planted around the statue of the pioneering chemist Claude-Louis Berthollet.

In any weather you have to walk down to the water, sit back on a bench and feast your eyes on the peaks around the lake, out to La Tournette high above the southeast shore.

4. Pont Des Amours

There are many picturesque bridges in Annecy, but when it comes to scenery none can compete with this one on the lakeside.

Pont des Amours spans the Vassé canal and connects the Jardins de l’Europe with the Jacquet Promenade, a walkway blessed with yet more sumptuous views of the lake and mountains.

The story goes that any lovers who kiss while on the bridge will be together for life.

The mountain vistas make it a very romantic spot, but you should also look back towards the city along the canal, which is flanked by trees and has charming jetties where small boats are moored.

5. Palais de l’Île

You won’t be the first person to have stood on Pont Perrière for a photo of this fortified palace in the middle of the Thiou, but you have to do it anyway.

Although it has been rebuilt several times in its extensive history, the complex dates to the 1100s and for hundreds of years it was a residence handed down the noble families of the County  of Geneva.

From the 17th century the palace became a prison, and then after the Revolution it had many different functions, as a home for veterans, a warehouse and barracks.

Today it contains exhibitions about Annecy’s architecture and heritage, and you can take a look around the old courtroom, dungeon, cells and chapel.

6. Cathedral and Basilica

Saint-Pierre Cathedral is also admired for the way it interacts with the water, and is partly built over the canals.

Saint-Pierre is a lovely renaissance building, constructed in the 1500s, and if it seems a bit subtle for a cathedral that’s because it wasn’t made one until 1825. Make the steep walk up to the Basilique de la Visitation, high to the south of Annecy.

The tower of this 19th-century church can be seen for miles around and possesses one of the best local views of the city.

Inside are the tombs of two saints, Francis de Sales and Jane Frances de Chantal.

7. Château d’Annecy

The seat of the Counts of Geneva, Château d’Annecy dates to between the 12th and 16th centuries, and there are a few good reasons to climb the steep hill up to this building.

You can spend a while pottering around the castle’s towers and halls, and there’s a museum giving you a window on the lifestyle of the itinerant rulers of Savoy.

Poke through the large displays of medieval furniture, beds, chest chairs and tables, as well as more precious illuminated manuscripts.

A lot of visitors opt not to enter the château and instead admire one of the definitive views of Annecy from the terrace.

8. Gorges du Fier

Minutes west of the city is a marvellous river canyon cut by the Fier River.

Even in the French Alps, which are famous for their natural wonders, the gorge is a must-visit.

That’s down to how accessible it is: There’s a series of walkway suspended 25 metres above the river letting you marvel at the odd shapes create by many years of erosion.

In places the gorge is so narrow that the cliffs almost meet overhead, and you’ll be able to touch the rock face on the other side.

There’s also a free path delivering you to a natural pool where people come to sunbathe and swim in the summer.

9. Château de Montrottier

Combine your trip to the Gorges du Fier with this castle, which looks down on the river.

Château de Montrottier dates to the 13th century and is open during the summer months.

The architecture is impressive, with a tall circular tower dominating the landscape.

But the big story here is the collection of Léon Mares, who was a 19th-century explorer and prolific collector.

Mares hoarded priceless items from around the world and when he passed on specified that he wanted the collection to be presented exactly as he left it.

So the 90-minute tour shows you round masses of historic tapestries, antique weapons, armour, period furniture, ceramics, glassware and the many items he acquired while travelling Asia and Africa.

10. Winter Sport

Annecy is close enough to resorts like Manigod, La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand and Saint Jean de Sixt to make it a ski destination.

If you want a more cultured base than a typical village, Annecy is a beautiful place to return to after a day on the slopes and isn’t more than 45 minutes from any of the local ski areas.

They’re all at low altitudes and well-suited to families and newcomers: Manigod for example has 17 kilometres  of wide and an easy slopes, while Le Semnoz offers short-term lift passes by the hour or day, which obviously makes things a lot more flexible.

Highest-rate of all is La Clusaz, with the most challenging runs of all the resorts around Annecy.

11. Watersports

A big directory of companies awaits your business at Lake Annecy in the summer, providing almost any watersport under the warm July sun.

Just to reel off the list, there’s waterskiing and wakeboarding for people who need high-speed, motorised exhilaration.

But you can also push off onto these glistening waters on a paddle-boarding adventure or, if you’re really sure of yourself, try open water swimming.

Due to the easy learning curve paddle-boarding is now a hit with families.

Best of all it gives you an opportunity to look up every now and take in those views .

12. Hiking and Cycling

Around the lakeshore are a load of viewpoints with spellbinding vistas of the lake and mountains.

Getting up to these lookouts is a joy too, as you ramble through upland pasture, orchards and woodland.

Here’s a few to seek out: Le Taillefer, the Semnoz Plateau, the Laudon Circuit, the Oratory in Entrevernes and the La Frasse Pass.

All are achievable for families and you only need a pair of good shoes.

Lake Annecy also has the ultimate greenway for cyclists, starting in the city, running down the lake’s east shore and ending up in Marlens in the Fauverges Valley 35 kilometres away.

13. Local Food

Annecy is cheese heaven as the city is in four designated production areas:  Gruyère, Emmental de Savoie , Emmental français est-central and Tomme de Savoie.

And if you’re really curious about cheese you could track down  rural shops Ferme de l’Angelie and Fromagerie du Cruet selling their cheese on the farm premises, along with homemade jams and sausage.

A lot of freshwater fishers make their living around the lake and anchor their boats in the Vassé: The arctic char, perch and trout that they catch could be on your plate at one of Annecy’s fine restaurants on the same day.

14. Aix-les-Bains

An easy road trip southwest of Annecy is this spa town on the shore of Lac du Bourget, founded by the Romans and wildly popular with Europe’s wealthy in the 19th century.

They came to take the health-giving waters, and during this time fitted Aix-les-Bains with grand Belle Époque hotels, townhouses and a casino.

Whether you feel like gambling, or just to gaze awestruck at the art nouveau interiors, you need to call in at the Casino Grand Cercle.

If you need cosseting after your outdoor excursions at Lake Annecy, Aix-les-Bains is still a top-class spa resort with pools and saunas, and all the restorative treatments you could hope for.

15. Chambéry

Push on a bit further to reach this exquisite Alpine town, with an old centre  that you can’t resist exploring.

The medieval buildings, tight passageways and renaissance arcades have survived the years, but what’s great is that they’re part of a working town, and not kept like museum pieces.

The major sight is the Fontaine des Éléphants, dedicated to Benoît de Boigne, a Napoleonic military man who helped train and lead the Maratha Empire against the British in India.

The Château de Chambéry was another in the roll call of palaces belonging to the Counts of Savoy, and is still a regional government building, but open for tours.

15 Best Things to Do in Annecy (France):

• Lac d'Annecy
• Vieille Ville
• Jardins de l'Europe
• Pont Des Amours
• Palais de l'Île
• Cathedral and Basilica
• Château d'Annecy
• Gorges du Fier
• Château de Montrottier
• Winter Sport
• Watersports
• Hiking and Cycling
• Aix-les-Bains

See the best of Annecy with this day trip itinerary

The Alpine city of Annecy is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in France. Located in the Haute-Savoie region in the south east of France, this good-looking town sits at the tip of an aquamarine lake of the same name, Lake Annecy, surrounded by the snowcapped French Alps.

It’s just 40m from Geneva and within easy distance of myriad mountain resorts including La Clusaz, Le Semnoz, Morzine and Les Gets .

Truthfully, there are so many things to do in Annecy – from paragliding and learning to free dive to excellent restaurants and a charming old town – that it’s worth staying here at least a few days, if not longer.

But, if you’ve only got time for an Annecy day trip then this guide will at least give you a feel for the city – and persuade you that you have to come back! Annecy is a small city and easy to get around so you can easily see the main sights in one day. The two main areas are the Old Town and Lake Annecy.

Disclosure: I was a guest of Annecy Mountains for the day. All opinions are entirely my own. This post may contain affiliate links. I have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy  for more details.

Things to do in Annecy

Table of Contents

First things first, you can’t sightsee on an empty stomach so start your day trip to Annecy with a good breakfast. There are plenty of restaurants in the town of Annecy to choose from but some favourites include La Ramoneur Savoyard that serves delicious stacks of pancakes. It’s a particularly good option if you are visiting Annecy with kids.

La Buvette du Marché  is a popular local option and the place to enjoy a traditional French breakfast basket of baguettes and croissants in Annecy’s Old Town.

Annecy Old Town

Breakfast done, it’s time to start your day tour of Annecy and where better to start than the Vieille Ville , the old town. Often called the ‘Venice of the Alps’ owing to its three canals, all lined with bright flowers, the town is unbelievably pretty.

Wandering the cobblestone streets is easily the best way to enjoy the old town. The narrow roads are lined with pastel-coloured houses many of which are now restaurants or souvenir shops, although don’t be fooled into thinking the neighbourhood is just for show, this is still very much a living and working community.

On Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays a market is held in the old town. Tuesdays is a food market with stalls filled with local meats, cheeses and produce.Fridays and Sundays sell local produce plus all manner of other goods including clothes and textiles.

If you’re keen to learn more about the history of Annecy then I can highly recommend a walking tour with Emmanuelle Roch , who is an excellent tour guide. Knowledgeable and entertaining she’s is also well skilled at telling you enough but not too much!

Shops in the Old Town

There are some lovely shops in Annecy Old Town. Le Tetras sells beautiful traditional Savoyard pottery, Rose des Neiges is a tea room and chocolaterie , and there are lots of  brocante (antique) shops. You’ll also find lots of stores selling local Haute-Savoie cold meats and cheeses.

On the last Saturday of the month a flea market takes place in the Old Town where up to 200 stalls sell everything from ceramics and cheeses to antiques, paintings and even ski kit!

Palais de l’Île

The streets get busy from late morning so your best bet is to arrive early and avoid the crowds. The most recognisable building is Palais de l’Île , a 12th-century building that was once a courthouse and prison. It sits on on and island in the middle of the canal and is today a museum.

Château d’Annecy

From here head up to Château d’Annecy , the former home of the counts of Geneva. It later became army barracks and during WWII provided shelter to homeless families. Today it’s an art museum but even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth a walk up to the castle for the views over the town’s terracotta rooftops. Although it’s worth noting that you’ll have to buy a ticket for the museum even if you just want to go to the terrace and snap panoramic pics.

Don’t miss a visit to Le Glacier des Alpes while here, this is the oldest ice cream store in town.

Pont des Amours

Once you’ve finished exploring the old town, walk to the Pont des Amours (Lover’s bridge) is a picture-perfect bridge by Lake Annecy. A wooden bridge stood here originally followed by a cast iron bridge and then the riveted steel arch bridge that you see today. Legend has it that if you kiss someone on this bridge you will be united for life, so choose wisely! Even if you don’t pucker up, however, it’s a great spot for snapping photos of the lake.

Jardins de l’Europe

The Pont des Amours connects Pâquier Esplanade and Jardins de l’Europe , the European Gardens.This grassy space on the edge of the lake is the ideal spot for a picnic lunch or simply a stroll. If you’re only spending the day in Annecy then skip the picnic as you’ll want to enjoy lunch on the lake instead. A sculpture exhibition was taking place when we visited.

Lake Annecy 

Annecy’s star attraction is its beautiful lake.  Le Lac d’Annecy is the third largest lake in France and is famous for its clear blue waters, the cleanest of any lake in Europe. This is where the majority of Annecy’s outdoor activities take place and there are myriad water-sports to choose from including swimming, stand up paddle boarding, sailing, water-skiing and diving (including free diving).

A cycle path runs for 50km alongside Lake Annecy, following the old railway track that connects the city to Albertville. Even if you don’t want to cycle the entire length of the track, a bike ride is another good way to enjoy the lake.

Bikes are available to hire near the lake (near the Pont des Amours) including tandem bikes, electric bikes, and cargo bikes for families. Bcyclet also have children’s bikes for hire; the require a minimum two-day hire unless you hire one of their guides for the day (or half-day). Cycle Classic Tours is another bike rental option and Roul’ Ma Poule is another. Although you will see plenty more bike rental options around.

There are also hiking, mountain biking, canyoning, ultra running trails and via-ferrata opportunities. Annecy is also one of the best places to learn paragliding – some 150,000 flights take place here every year. Try Flyeo.com , Airmax Parapente or Annecy Adventure .

Lunch on the lake 

If you want to enjoy the lake but don’t want to exert yourself (you are on holiday after all) then taking a boat from Annecy to the other end of the lake, known as Petit Lac d’Annecy (Little Annecy Lake) where you’ll find a handful of restaurants including Chez Ma Cousine . We enjoyed a lovely lunch here watching the paragliders sail over the lake.

There are various ways to reach this end of Lake Annecy including driving but I really recommend travel by water. This is by far the best way to see and enjoy all that the lake has to offer. Public boats run the length of the lake or you can hire a private transfer (a water taxi).

As you glide along the turquoise waters you’ll pass enormous mansions and luxury villas lining the northeastern shore of the lake. This is Annecy-le-Vieux, a residential area and the 4th largest city in the Haute-Savoie department. You’ll also spy Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard , a medieval castle overlooking the lake that’s said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. You can visit on a guided tour.

Diagonally opposite the pontoons where water taxis pull up on the lake is the Imperial Palace , a four-star hotel. If you want to stay in Annecy, then this luxury hotel with views over the lake is the place to treat yourself.

Lake Annecy’s Beaches 

There are a number of beaches dotted around Lake Annecy’s shoreline, some are free and some you pay for. The following are some of the best.

If you like you’re after a little bit of luxury then book a day at Moon Beach , near the Imperial Palace. You have to pay but there are slides, diving boards, sun loungers, a bar and more.

Saint Jorioz is a great option if you are visiting Annecy with kids. Located opposite the Dents de Lanfon and the Tournette mountain, there’s a diving board, children’s paddling pool, pontoons and games including volleyball and pétanque.

Talloires is another good option for families. With a large grassy area, a diving board and a slide there’s also a paddling pool for kids. It’s supervised by lifeguards during summer months too.

Menthon-Saint-Bernard offers plenty of shade plus showers, toilets and a snack bar. There’s also a swimming area for kids.

For more beach ideas see here .

Lake Annecy accommodation

Admittedly this is just supposed to be a guide to spending the day in Annecy but chances are you will want to come back and when you do, you’ll need somewhere to stay. The map below shows your best option for hotels and holiday rentals in Annecy.

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Katja Gaskell

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Castles and canals: Things to do in Annecy, France

Posted on Last updated: March 31, 2020

Less than a year after deciding Strasbourg was my new favourite French spot, I’ve already lost my heart to Annecy. It must be something about the canals as both places are set around a network of waterways. But as well as a perfectly preserved old town with gorgeous historic buildings and cafés, Annecy also throws in a turquoise lake and stunning mountain scenery.

It’s not somewhere with a lot of famous sights, but rather somewhere perfect for a bit of aimless wandering, eating and drinking. The town’s compact size means you can easily spend a few hours exploring and then relax for the afternoon on the lakeside beach or in one of the waterside restaurants. So here are some of my favourite things to do in Annecy.

Read more: 10 fabulous French weekend break ideas

The best things to do in Annecy

Boats lined up on the lake shore at dusk

Meander around Annecy’s canals

Annecy’s old town – the Vieille Ville – has more waterways than roads, surrounded by pretty, pastel-coloured buildings. The water comes from the River Thiou, which at only 3.5km long is one of Europe’s shortest rivers, connecting the River Fier to Lake Annecy. But what it lacks in length it makes up for in scenic surroundings. The river splits and rejoins around the old town, creating islands linked by arched bridges, draped in flowers during spring and summer.

A network of narrow streets and passages take you past turreted castles, quirky shops and a seemingly endless number of gelateria where you can get your ice cream fix. There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants, most of which have tables lined up along the riverbank to soak up the sunshine. It’s somewhere to go wandering, get lost and see what you discover.

Pathways along the water’s edge in the old town

Climb up to the castle

Built on a hilltop, the Château d’Annecy towers over the town, so you’ll burn off that gelato on the climb up to the top. The castle was built as a residence for the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours from the 13th to 16th centuries, but it was later damaged by fire and abandoned in the 17th century. Later it was turned into a barracks before being bought by the town after the Second World War and restored back to its former glory.

Now it’s used as a museum with a couple of different sections – one with local furniture, sculptures and art, and the other with exhibits about the people and wildlife living around the lake (entry €5.50 for adults, €3 for under 25s and free for under 12s). Don’t miss the castle’s terrace for a fantastic panoramic view down into the old town and across the lake.

Inside Annecy’s Castle

Set sail on Lake Annecy

France’s third largest lake, Lake Annecy is known as the blue lake, and you can definitely see why when the sun hits its clear water. It’s Europe’s cleanest lake (though I probably wouldn’t advise drinking it) with the water coming from snow melting in the Alps. There are walking and cycling paths along the edge of the lake, as well as sandy beaches in the summer.

One of the best ways to see the lake is to get out on the water. Between February and December, a one-hour boat trip takes you on a circuit around the lake, past pretty lakeside villages and an island castle, backed with snowy mountain peaks (€14.20 for adults and €9.60 for children aged 5–12). From spring to autumn there are also longer two-hour cruises and a shuttle between the lakeside villages, as well as lunch and dinner cruises onboard the MS Libellule.

A boat trip on the lake – one of the best things to do in Annecy

Fill up at the market

There’s something special about French markets, with their huge piles of colourful vegetables and pungent smelling cheeses. And Annecy’s market has one of the best locations, stretching along the bridges and narrow streets of the old town. Markets are held on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 7am–1pm, selling fresh local produce from fish to flowers.

You can check out the local specialities, and if you want to buy the stallholders will often let you have a taste first. Well worth trying are the tasty salami-style sausages which are made with flavours like mushroom, goats’ cheese and hazelnut. And the creamy reblochon cheese, which is used in mountain dishes like tartiflette . If you’re in town on the last Saturday of the month, there’s also a big arts, crafts and flea market which runs from around 8am–5pm.

Annecy market stall

Get sent to prison

Right at the heart of Annecy’s old city is the Palais de l’Île – the town’s most famous and photographed building. It was built back in the 12th century on a triangular island that lies between two forks of the river. It looks like a miniature fairytale castle but it has actually been used as a mint, a courthouse and a prison over the years.

Today the Palais is home to a small museum with exhibits about local history and architecture, but it’s best appreciated from the outside. Take a walk through the old town at night too when you can see it all lit up. Lights in the canals shine upwards and the turrets at the front of the Palais are lit from inside so the whole place glows in the dark.

Annecy’s Palais de l’Île by night

Head into the Aravis mountains

There are enough things to do in Annecy to keep you busy for a weekend. But if you’ve got more time then the town is surrounded by some spectacular mountain scenery that’s easy to access. The Aravis mountain range is around 40 minutes’ drive away and is home to four ski resorts – La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Manigod and Saint Jean de Sixt. Buses connect Annecy with the main ski resorts or you can hire a car for the day and go exploring.

Visit the pretty Savoyard village of La Clusaz or head on up the zig-zagging road to the Col des Aravis mountain pass for stunning views across to Mont Blanc. In winter you can go snowshoeing or take a husky ride, or in summer it’s popular with cyclists, but you need to be fit – the pass has route of the Tour de France several times. There are also a couple of restaurants serving mountain specialities and a tiny chapel dedicated to St Anne, protector of travellers.

Skiers in La Clusaz

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A French Alps road trip: Chamonix, Annecy and Epernay

Updated On 19th February, 2024

‘How on earth are we going to top that?’ I remarked as we left Switzerland completely mind blown and headed next, toward the French Alps. Honestly, we were so content with what we’d seen so far on this trip, anything else on our French Alps road trip was just a bonus from here on out.

Did you catch my last blog post where I did my  first Via Ferrata in Nax, Switzerland?  Those views.

As mentioned in my Swiss Alps post, we actually dipped into France before Geneva (for a night) before returning to France. But, for the sake of keeping the country’s itineraries separate I’ve left the last post on Geneva and am going to start this post with  Chamonix.

The drive through to  Chamonix  was only an hour from Geneva. Yet another example of how easy it is to access some of the most beautiful parts of the world from this Swiss hub.

See  my complete guide to summer in Chamonix here.

We passed through the border where we had to slow down to drive through, but the border itself didn’t require anything from us. Again, the French operate with a toll system, it’s Switzerland that have the car tax sticker you purchase at the border.

Now, I had heard so many incredible things about Chamonix, mainly as a French Alps winter ski destination. However, we were heading there during the summer months.

Airbnb and  booking.com  failed to find us anything reasonably priced in the centre – it’s an expensive destination if you’re trying to keep to a budget!

This is exactly where having a car and being on a road trip comes wonderfully into play. We had a tent and all our camping stuff in the boot ready to camp out!

We pitched up a 3-4 minute-drive outside of the centre at Mer De Glacé, a camp site Lyds had stayed at before a few years ago when she visited the French Alps.

It cost €32 for two adults, a car and a tent. When checking in, we even opted in for the yoga class happening in the trees that evening for €10 each.

There was a real community feel to this campfire. When looking up from any area of the grounds, you were welcomed with crazy beautiful views of the mountains that 360’d you, including the French Alps’ infamous Mount Blanc and Aiguille du Midi.

Top tip: when travelling through the mountains, make sure to bring a reusable water bottle so you can fill up on mountain water. Save the pennies, and reduce single use plastic. Most campsites and towns will have taps and/or water fountains.

Unlike a lot of the Swiss towns we’d fallen in love with, Chamonix had a real buzz to it. It’s evidently an all-round destination which makes it all that much more appealing to live in. Just saying.

Throughout the summer they have so many events and festivals going one. For example, there’s a  yoga festival ,  the Mont Blanc marathon , cycling events and so much more.

I was gutted to only have a day here. I’d have loved to camp out for a week or two and explore all the trails and activities around. Needless to say I would love to come back in the winter too for the cosy mountain chalet vibes that melt me inside.

Top tip: we needed to get on with work during the afternoon we spent in Chamonix. For all you digital nomads out there, we found great WiFi (and Hugo cocktails) at the Mercure Hotel. Parking in the car park next door was 3-4€.

Other activities to consider in Chamonix:

– Paragliding

– Hiking

– Get the train up to Mer de Glace, near Aiguille du Midi, or hike 3.5 hours through the forest with a cafe 3/4 of the way up.

Top tip: if you get the cable car 30 mins up to Aiguille du Midi you have to spend 2 hours there. This stopped us being able to do it because of timings which was a shame. It’s meant to be insane so leave enough time for that!

Next stop, Annecy.

The place that has always had my heart. The place, along side Australia, that I still hope to one day live in.

Annecy ticks pretty much all my happy boxes. Just when I thought Switzerland had taken the gold medal, Annecy pushed it back to Silver.

After all, you could have the best in both worlds by living in Annecy and visiting Switzerland on the weekends. Easy, right? Haha!

See my spring guide to Annecy  here.

After our hotel stay, being pampered like complete princesses at  Hotel D’Angleterre , we were ready to pitch up our tent again. This time, lake side.

We had a complete gypsy moment here haha. We googled campsites in Annecy and decided to drive around checking them out with the intention of just choosing one as we went. Lyds had seen one for €30 online and totally thought it was the one we were pulling into so we handed over our passports and went to proceed with the booking at  Le Lac Bleu  before noticing the invoice quoted €48.

€48!! It was a lot more than expected for a small pitch with no electrics. So, we umm’ed and arr’d, before giving into our bargain hunting nature and getting back in the car. Other places we found were completely full. We thought we were going to have to swallow our pride and head back for the €48 pitch but then we stumbled across  Coeur de Lac  where we pitched by the lake for €27! Score!

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We set up camp, cooked up some lunch and went for a long afternoon dip and kick back by the lake and in the 24° waters. Ridiculous.

We watched paragliders float overhead, groups of friends, couples and families on pedalos, in canoes and heading out on kayaks.

The lake here spans over 27km2. There’s an abundance of hikes and activities around, and come winter you have endless ski resorts at your finger tips.

A summer of climbing, hiking, windsurfing and paragliding rotated with a winter of snow, skiing and apres skiing.

That right there is what I call life.

We spent one night here before checking out Annecy for lunch in the sunshine and deciding to make a head start on our journey back to Calais. Getting a few hours down on the clock would mean less of a rush the following day to get back for our 8.30pm ferry back to the UK.

Top tip: If you get a chance, go to  Dr Good Food  for a delicious, raw salad lunch. They do plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, and unreal smoothies!

We chose to stop in Dijon, somewhere guaranteed to have a bit of atmosphere for the England World Cup match against Croatia.  Also the home of Dijon mustard.

We watched the football in the County Council Gardens and crashed at a random  Airbnb  which was pretty much just bed for the night before waking and continuing the drive.

To split up the remaining 6 hours of driving we stopped in Epernay – the capital of champagne. It was an unexpected yet perfect way to end our French Alps road trip.

We drove through miles of vineyards before reaching the centre, putting a couple of euros on the meter and toasting some local bubbles with a delicious salmon linguine at Bar-Restaurant Le Centre.

Fully tummied and with the biggest smiles on our faces after probably the best 8 days I’ve ever had (big bold statement) we headed back on the last leg of the drive and finished up the 1517 miles that we’d added to the clock since disembarking the ferry in Calais.

It’s hard to believe we had seen so much in eight days yet we didn’t feel overtired or that we’d been particularly rushed.

I would highly recommend this trip to anyone with a desire for mountain adventure and a huge injection of bliss and adrenaline all at once.

What a journey. I hope you’ve enjoyed following along!

Have you been on a French Alps road trip?

What were your favourite spots? I’d love to know!

Love as always + happy adventuring,

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I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

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15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Driving Tips!)

Chock full of storybook-worthy villages, beautiful castles, and incredibly epic and diverse nature–from the Alps to the beaches of the Riviera to the lavender fields of Provence and the cliffs of Etretat and beyond–it’s not hard to understand why taking a France road trip tops so many bucket lists around the world.

Throw in excellent roads, a great travel infrastructure, and enough exciting places to see that you could spend a lifetime traversing it without turning over every stone, there’s no doubt that a road trip through France is an amazing way to see the country.

We’ve rounded up the best France road trip itinerary ideas here, covering all corners of the country–plus included important France driving tips you’ll need to know before setting off!

Table of Contents

Logistical Tips for Driving in France

Other france road trip tips, 15 of the best road trips in france.

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Rent the smallest car you can.

Especially if you’re coming from the USA like us, you’ll likely find French roads–especially in small villages and in the countryside–are smaller than what you’re used to.

Save on gas, rental costs, and stress while driving in France by renting the smallest car you can manage to fit yourselves and your belongings into.

We recommend searching for your (tiny) rental car through Discover Cars , which will allow you to sift through all your options and choose the right car for you based on price, the reputation of the company that is renting it, and the terms of the rental contract.

Book your rental car for your France road trip today!

Plan on renting a manual, or prepare to pay.

Like the rest of Europe, manual cars are the norm in France.

If you only drive automatic, you’ll absolutely be able to find a car to rent for your France road trip… but be prepared to plan ahead (especially if you’re traveling during the busy season when the cars get reserved quickly), and to pay extra fees for the privilege.

Always carry cash… just in case. 

While you can generally pay tolls (and they are pricey–budget accordingly!) with a Visa or Mastercard in France, you never know when you’re going to need cash for gas or small restaurants.

When taking a driving in France, it’s best to always have some Euros with you–and don’t forget to carry small coins for bathroom fees!

Plan your parking in advance.

This especially applies overnight–ie, look for hotels that include parking or have a plan for parking listed–but also during day trips. 

For example, our trip to Cassis would have been much easier if we had researched the parking situation beforehand and paid to reserve a spot in one of the parking garages in town.

For hotels, we use Booking.com and ideally look for places using the “free parking onsite” filter.

Depending on where you are going during your road trip in France, though, free parking may not be possible–in that case, carefully check and see what hotels have reasonably-priced parking nearby.

A hotel that is an extra 20 Euros/night may end up being an excellent deal if there’s inexpensive parking nearby!

Strongly consider purchasing extra insurance.

Driving on unfamiliar roads in a foreign country is always going to be an exercise in risk-taking.

While driving in France is typically perfectly safe, if you’re not used to driving in congested urban environments or driving abroad, we’d recommend that you strongly consider purchasing additional CDW (collision damage) insurance for your vehicle–though going through the rental agency is often the most expensive place you can buy this coverage.

Check first to see if your credit card covers it (and in France specifically–not just in your home country), and if they don’t, some insurance policies do.

Get a quote to insure your France road trip today!

Not all gas stations are self-service.

We’ve come across both self-service and attendant-provided gas stations in France–when you pull up to get gas, take a quick look around to see what the other drivers are doing before jumping out of your car!

An International Driver’s Permit isn’t required. 

Unlike in Italy, an International Driver’s Permit isn’t required to rent a car or drive in France (though you do, of course, need to be licensed to drive–for example, driver’s licenses from our home country of the USA are valid for driving in France as a tourist).

However, if your license is written in something other than English or French, or you just want to make any potential communication easier, you may want to consider getting one anyway.

Your life will be easier if you buy a French SIM card.  

This assumes your phone is unlocked, of course, but seriously: getting a local SIM card before taking off on your road trip in France will make your life so much easier!

Having access to everything from a GPS to restaurant reviews is a huge benefit of traveling in the modern age, and bringing those tools along with you as you explore France by car is a fantastic idea.

You can absolutely purchase a local SIM card once you arrive, but if you want to get everything set up before you go, you can also purchase a France SIM card at home in advance.

Pack toilet paper.

Rest stops along highways in France will generally have toilets, but toilet paper is far from guaranteed–best to bring your own just in case.

I usually carry a pack of these with me in my purse when I travel, and they’ve come in handy more than once when driving in France.

Brush up on your French.

Ubiquitous advice for traveling in France, I know, and not exclusive to a road trip in France, but I promise that at least being able to ask for (and follow) simple driving directions in French–not to mention reading basic road signs–will make your France road trip much better!

The first rule of road trips in France: leave room for spontaneity!

One of the best things about taking a road trip in France is that no matter how carefully you plan, no matter how much research you do, you’re still bound to show up in the country and be blown away by something you had never heard of before.

So, just roll with it… and leave room for new discoveries.

I’m a big planner myself, so I get the urge to organize every. last. detail. 

… But during our own trips exploring France by car, I’m also so glad that we randomly decided to spend extra time in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, that we gave Port Miou a chance when we saw photos of how lovely it was, that we delayed our departure from Annecy because its market was coming to town, and that we ended up cutting Roussillon from our Luberon Valley trip because we simply weren’t ready to say goodbye to Goult.

In other words: sketch an outline of your days and nights, yes, but be open to changes. Those stops may just end up being some of your favorite stops during your France road trip!

Pay attention to market days (and show up early).

Visiting local markets in all of France’s adorable villages is one of my favorite parts of taking a road trip in France: with a car, there’s no need to worry about managing train times or having to skip the tiniest villages.

If at all possible, aim to visit towns on their market days. Depending on the town, this is generally one, two, or three times a week. Many villages have a small daily market, with larger markets on certain days–those are the ones to aim for.

Also: show up early! Early in the morning is the absolute best time to visit markets on your France road trip. You’ll get to experience both the smallest crowds and also have your pick of the best products before they potentially sell out for the day.

Pack a picnic on travel days.

All those markets full of delicious bread, cheese, meat, and produce that you pass each day? Those are your future lunch!

Double up on practical purchases and fun experiences in France by using market days to stock up on picnic materials to use during your days spent driving in France.

Rest stops in France are plentiful along the highways (look for the signs for “aires”), and are generally very clean and well-stocked, with some even including restaurants.

Don’t change locations every day.

Packing your bags, checking in and out of a hotel, loading the car, unloading the car… all of these things may not seem like much, but by the fifth or sixth day in a row, you’ll be incredibly tired of doing it.

These kinds of transitions eat up way more of each day of your France road trip than the estimated driving time between whatever two towns you’re visiting–so do yourself a favor and limit the number of times you swap lodging.

Instead, set up a series of bases for at least a few days each, and use your rental car to take day trips from there.

For example, we used Avignon as a base to visit the Luberon Valley and Alpilles, and Aix-en-Provence as a base to visit Cassis!

Focus primarily on smaller towns & natural attractions.

Don’t get me wrong–we adore France’s cities, but places like Paris, Lyon, and Nice don’t require a car to visit–quite the opposite. A car is a hindrance there!

One of our France driving tips is to focus on the smaller towns, beautiful countryside, dramatic castles, and endless natural highlights (beaches, lakes, mountains–you choose!) that make up this incredibly diverse and beautiful country.

If you hope to include any of France’s major cities as part of your itinerary, we recommend visiting them at the beginning or end of your trip and only renting your car when you’re ready to leave and head to smaller towns.

The slow pace is part of the fun.

Often, the best memories from a trip are the ones where you let go of the long wish list of towns and villages you hope to see, the markets you want to visit, and the tourist sights you can’t miss and just. breathe.

I learn this again virtually every time I go to France: some of my best memories in the country are of the day we did literally nothing but walk around Colmar and admire how beautiful it was, the day we lounged in Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens all afternoon, the days we’ve sat at outdoor cafes for hours because the sunshine and people-watching felt too good to leave behind, and the long, leisurely lunch we ate in Goult .

Each and every one of those memories is something we exchanged for missing out on a piece of sightseeing or photo-taking or research we had planned to do–something that seemed important at the time.

I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.

Write down where you go.

Sure, no one is going to forget visiting Nice or Aix-en-Provence… but that tiny town with the cute fruit stand you passed through that one afternoon? Yeah, that name will fade almost immediately.

You’ll want to remember the names of all the small villages you visited, pretty beaches you swam at, cozy restaurants you ate at, and hiking trails you conquered long after your France road trip is finished, so write them down as you go!

Jeremy loves to star the places we visit on Google maps, and I keep my own record in my One Line a Day journal that I’ve been keeping daily for years (and highly recommend!).

Alsace Wine Route

From Arzo of Arzo Travels

A  fun road trip to take is from Strasbourg to Colmar (or the other way around) which is also known as the Alsace Wine Route .

Especially in the summer months (or early fall), it is a beautiful drive with scenic window views and many beautiful towns, villages, and cities along the way.

The Alsace Wine Route is one of the most famous road trips in France and besides being a beautiful place, it has a lot about…well, you guessed it, wine. 

Start your trip in Strasbourg (which is not officially part of the Alsace wine route), the beautiful main city in the region, and explore what it has to offer, including lots of half-timbered houses and many medieval buildings, and then plan in time for stops like Obernai, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Eguisheim.

These are all beautiful little villages, though Riquewihr is probably the prettiest of all. 

Then it is time to end your tour in Colmar where you can end your road trip and explore one of the cutest towns in the country.

If you are a wine drinker, you can visit the vineyards along the way and try out some of the local wines in the wineries or restaurants. They are supposed to be some of the best wines in the country!

Driving Distance

170km or 105 miles.

Recommended Road Trip Length

3 days is the absolute minimum for this road trip. 4 or 5 days are the better options if you do not want to rush and like to do some wine tasting.

Marseilles to Nice

From Chrysoula of Travel Passionate

After exploring Marseilles , why not head eastwards along the gorgeous coastal road to Nice? The drive is best done at a leisurely pace over a few days so you can savor the delights of Provence and the Cȏte d’Azur. 

The coastal road has many spectacular views and the first is as you leave Marseilles. Les Calanques are dramatic, sheer-sided coastal inlets that have been carved through the limestone and they can be found between Marseilles, Cassis , and La Ciotat. 

A little further on you will be tempted by the seven beautiful sandy beaches of La Croix Valmer.

The first main stop is St Tropez, a favorite with the international jet-set in the sixties. It is still popular for its beaches and nightlife. Those ‘in the know’ explore Port Grimaud- the Crêpes au Chocolat (chocolate pancakes) and cider are worth sampling. 

Cannes is another famous city, loved by the super-rich and known for its international film festival. Antibes lies close to Nice and is a delightful old town with ramparts and once Picasso’s home. 

There will be many other detours inland to make to Domaines (wineries) to sample the area’s superb rosé and villages like Maximin-Le-Sainte- Baume with its famous basilica and Grasse (north of Cannes) is world-famous for its perfume industry. 

St Paul de Vence is loved by painters and writers. When you arrive in Nice, you will be able to park the car and leave it, as there is a large traffic-free zone in the center.

235 km or 146 miles.

Suggested Road Trip Length

It takes around 3 hours to drive between Marseille and Nice but if you really want to enjoy the area explore Marseille, Nice and a few towns between I suggest you spend around 4 to 5 days on this South of France road trip.

The Champagne Route

From Jane and Duncan from To Travel Too

Without a doubt, France’s Champagne Route is one of the most popular driving tours in the country.

When driving the  Champagne Route of France there are several routes to consider, including Massif Saint Thiery Route the northern route starting from Reims, Marne Valley Route from Epernay, and the Cote des Blancs Route from the south of Epernay. There are also others, or you can mix and match to create your own France road trip route!

If you only want to visit some of the major towns you can start from Troyes and head to Epernay, then onto Reims.

There are many small towns and villages around the Champagne region to visit.  The routes will take you past beautiful chateaux, quaint villages, churches, and many champagne houses.

The major champagne houses such as Mercier and Moet Chandon can be found in Epernay and in Reims you can visit Veuve Clicquot, Mumm, Taittinger and many smaller boutique champagnes houses as well.

The best months to visit are between May and October.

The Champagne region is easy to travel to from Paris.  The journey from Paris to Reims is only 45 minutes and from Paris to Epernay 1 hour 10 minutes.

The distance from Troyes to Epernay is 112 km or 70 miles, and Epernay to Reims is 29 km or 16 miles.

You can visit either town on a day trip and visit some of the Champagne Houses within walking distance of the train station.  The ideal time to enjoy all that the Champagne region has to offer is between 5 – 7 days.

The Opal Coast

From Nichola of Globalmouse Travels

Paris to Normandy Road Trip

The following Paris to Normandy road trip is ideal for those looking to escape the city for a few days to a natural and verdant environment.

From Paris, go north to Mont Saint Michel (4-hour drive), where you should stay for at least 1 night. Consider taking the toll-free road which adds 30 minutes to your driving time, but gives you the chance to drive through Normandy’s charming villages and countryside. 

Once you’ve checked into your hotel, walk, bike, or take public transportation to the island that is Mont Saint Michel. When visiting Mont Saint Michel during low tide, go onto the island, grab a spot along the high stone wall and witness the rising of the tide as the sea surrounds the island, isolating it from the mainland.

The next day, drive east to Étretat. Consider spending half a day to a full day here.

While Giverny may have been home to impressionist painters, Étretat was their inspiration. Étretat sits on the Normandy coast and is home to where grayish-white limestone cliffs meet the untamed blue sea. The cliff tops are paved with dirt paths and staircases making them accessible for walking, hiking, and sight-seeing.

On your way back to Paris from Étretat, stop in Honfleur to aimlessly walk through the port and old town. The various architectures are beautiful in their own right: the medieval old town and the port with its tightly packed, vertical, colorful buildings. When you’ve finished exploring Honfleur, it’s an estimated 2.5-hours drive to Paris.

This road trip from Paris through Normandy and back can be comfortably done in 3 days. 

The French Alps from Chamonix

From Whitney of Designs for Travel

One of the most incredible road trips in France is through the Frech Alps.  With the beautiful green mountains (or white in the snowy season), aqua blue lakes, and quaint chalets, the Frech Alps is one of the most picturesque areas in Europe. 

This Frech Alps road trip is a loop that starts and ends in the popular adventure town of Chamonix.  The closest major airport is Geneva, Switzerland.

Start in Chamonix, a beautiful resort town at the base of Mont Blanc.  It’s one of the best places to ski in the winter, but I recommend taking this trip in the summer, where you can take a gondola to the top, and enjoy the panoramic views and do some hiking. 

The next stop on this road trip is 1 hour and 20 minutes west, to the gorgeous alpine town of Annecy .  The pristine lake, river, cobbled old town, pastel cottages, and medieval chateau make Annecy a must-see town in the Alps. 

From here, head east to Le Grand Bornand, another beautiful alpine resort town.  Drive back to Chamonix for a raclette dinner, which is sure to be a favorite meal.

After visiting France, if you have more time, you can drive south to Italy to continue your road trip.

130 miles, 210 kilometers.

This road trip itinerary can easily be done in 3 days and if you have more time, a week is even better!

Gorges du Verdon + Valensole Plateau Road Trip

From Elisa of France Bucket List

This 2-day road trip in Southern France covers the Verdon National Park and some of the best  lavender fields in Provence . This French road trip starts in the city of Aix-en-Provence, and it takes two days. Aix-en-Provence is the quintessential Provencal city with many interesting things to see and do. Ideally, take one day or two to visit Aix-en-Provence before hitting the road.

From Aix-en-Provence, drive to Valensole, a pretty small town world-known for its lavender fields. Enjoy these never-ending seas of ‘blue gold’- it is not only beautiful to see, but it also smells very good!

Back to the road, drive to the Verdon National Park and stop at Esparron de Verdon and Lac Quinson de Verdon, two small lakes with absolutely no crowds. At Lac de Quinson, you can rent a kayak or an electric road and explore the Gorges du Verdon from the water.

Spend the night at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a picturesque hilltop village with the label ‘most beautiful villages in France’.

Day two visits Lac Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. This is the main lake in the area, and the perfect place to relax on the beach and have a picnic with a view. In the afternoon, visit the hilltop village of Aiguines, which is less touristy than Moustiers and with a more local atmosphere.  Have an alfresco dinner in one of the two restaurants on the main square before driving back to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for the last night of this road trip.

270 km, 168 miles.  

This road trip lasts two days. Add one or two more days if you want to visit Aix-en-Provence.

Bordeaux + France’s West Coast

From Kat of Wandering Bird

If you’re looking for a mixture of beautiful sandy beaches, cities, and dramatic scenery, head for the west coast of France. 

You can begin your trip almost anywhere along the coast, but let’s start in the major hub of Bordeaux. Here you can hire a car or camper van and set off on your adventure, but take a day or two first to explore this beautiful city.

If you only have one day, focus your time on the Cathedral and the mirror pool (you’ll need to wake up very early to nab photos here without the crowds).

Once you leave the city, you have some choices to make. Do you want wine, sea, or one of the most incredible natural wonders you’ve ever seen?

Bordeaux is surrounded by vineyards and they are all worth visiting. If you’re  touring France in a motorhome , you can even stay overnight at many of the vineyards (no worrying about drinking and driving!)

If you want to be wowed, head to Arcachon and the jaw-dropping Dune du Pilat. This natural wonder is the largest sand dune in Europe, standing at around 106m high and runs for nearly 3km. Walking up it is not for the faint-hearted!

Lastly, if you want to see more of the beautiful Atlantic coastline, head up to Île de Ré. This stunning island has some beautiful beaches and is a great place to witness the incredible sunsets you find on the French coast. 

From Dune du Pilat to Île de Ré (past Bordeaux), this driving trip in France is 276 km or 172 miles.

You can drive from Dune du Pilat to Île de Ré in under 3 hours if traffic is clear.

However, we recommend at least a day in Bordeaux, a day near the dune and Arcachon, and a day on Ile de Re, so allow at least 3/ 4 days for your trip. 

Calais to the Pyrenees Loop

From Jenny of TraveLynn Family

For those located in the UK, Calais is an obvious starting point for a France road trip as it’s a short crossing from Kent, either on the ferry or Eurotunnel. This Calais to the Pyrenees road trip  itinerary does a big loop down to the Pyrenees via the Auvergne and Perpignan, then back up again via Bayonne, Île d’Oléron, and the Loire Valley, returning to Calais.

Between each stop is about 4 to 5 hours of driving, although do note that this is along tolled roads (which can add up, but they are very efficient).

Staying at campsites, this summer itinerary steers away from main tourist sites and explores the French countryside, rather than the cities. It is advisable to take a bike to explore each stop further using the many cycle lanes and marked tracks. And don’t forget to pack your swimsuit , as there are lots of opportunities for a dip to cool off after a day of exploring.

From the peaceful wooded valleys of the Auvergne to the Catalan charm of the Western Mediterranean; the majestic peaks of the Pyrenees to the fashionable beaches of the Basque country; and the idyllic fishing villages of Ile d’Oléron to the chateaux of the Loire Valley steeped in history; each stop is notably distinct from the other, providing a true cross-section of cultures and landscapes across the French countryside.

2005 miles 0r 3225 kilometers (using toll roads).

The French Alps From Grenoble

From Sasha of The Alternative Travel Guide

149  km / 92 miles.

Recommended Trip Length

Gorges du Tarn

Gorges du Tarn  offers one of the most scenic landscapes in Southern France, which makes it the perfect destination for a road trip. This loop road trip will take you along the rivers Tarn and La Jonte in the Causses and Cévennes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The trip starts and ends in Millau, a sleepy Medieval town, famous for the tallest bridge in the world – the Millau Viaduct. After visiting the bridge, head to the hamlet of Peyre, which is literally glued to the rocks – a fine example of the so-called ‘ troglodyte ’ villages. The area abounds in this type of dwellings, where the backside is carved into the rocks and only the façade is at street level.

After Peyre, head upstream the Tarn all the way to Florac. The dramatic gorge, cut by the Tarn, is dotted with a string of cute little villages and hamlets: Les Vignes, La Malène, Hauterives, Saint-Chély-du-Tarn, Sainte-Enimie, Prades, Castelbouc, Ispagnac.

At Les Vignes make a detour (11 km/ 7 miles) to Point Sublime for the most breathtaking views of the gorge. At La Malène, you can take a boat tour on the Tarn with the famous flat-bottom boats of Les Bateliers.

Another village that deserves more attention is Sainte-Enimie. Together with Peyre, it’s included on the official list of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.

From Florac, take D16 across Causse Méjean and visit the incredible cave, Aven Armand. Afterward, take D986 to Meyrueis and continue downstream La Jonte, following D996 and Gorges de la Jonte. The last stop on this road trip, before you return to Millau, are the twin towns of Le Rozier and Peyreleau.

215 km or 135 miles.

Although you can cover the whole distance in one day, I highly recommend that you do this in at least 3 or 4 days. The best time to do the trip is in the summer – between June and September, as in the low season as most places will be closed.

Cannes to Saint-Tropez

From Elena of Passion for Hospitality

The Côte d’Azur, or the French Riviera , is one of the most breathtaking coastlines, lined with picturesque cosmopolitan coastal towns and villages, golden beaches, rich nature scenes, the southeast corner of France has been blessed by natural beauty.

Driving from Cannes to St. Tropez is definitely a good way for those seeking to discover the gems of the French Riviera while enjoying a relaxed hustle-free little trip. 

To get the most out of the road-trip make sure to start early in the morning from Cannes. The first stop is Theoule-sur-Mer, a small medieval town located on the Golfe de La Napoule. Enjoy breathtaking views of the bay La Pointe de l’Aiguille or grab a delicious coffee and croissant before departing for the next destination, the resort town of St. Raphael.

We recommend enjoying lunch by the harbor’s restaurants and later, losing yourself around the narrow streets of the colorful old town. The last stop before reaching St. Tropez, where an overnight stop is recommended, is Saint Maxime, a quiet small village which landscape has inspired and continues to do so for many artists and writers.

Depending on your budget there are many different accommodations options, from simple cozy apartments by the beach, to luxurious resorts. 

Alongside the coastal road, there are many little spots scattered, where drivers could take a quick stop to admire the dazzling views, take a few photographs or stretch their legs. 

85 kilometers / 53 Miles 

It is an hour and a half car trip from one city to the other. With the short and one overnight stop, we recommend 2 days enough for this trip.

Toulouse to Andorra Loop

From Ucman of BrownBoyTravels

The tiny sovereign state of Andorra is a mere 190km from Toulouse and makes a perfect road trip back and forth which can be easily done over a weekend. 

Leaving Toulouse in the early morning, you will head in the southwestern direction to the highway. If you want a more scenic route head to Lacroix-Falgarde. The small rural roads will eventually lead you towards the Pyrenees. The Pyrenees appear shortly and the midi- Pyrenees towns and villages take over.

They are perfect for a coffee break or if you are going slowly, for a lunch break. These quaint little villages and towns offer a great insight into the southern french style of life. The streets are neatly trimmed and the everblooming shadow of Pyrenees mountain range dominates everything ever so lovingly.

The drive here is quite easy and simple but that changes significantly when you reach the mountain range. The roads become narrow and the sharp turns take over. The elevation also increases quite dramatically, make sure to take a break to pop your ears. 

The drive is really beautiful here especially in winter with the snow but also quite dangerous, black snow is a real threat here so drive with caution. 

If you drive fast you can cover this entire distance from Toulouse to Andorra La Vella in 3-4 hours but I’d recommend taking a day and going slow to enjoy the scenery. (Make sure to bring your passport although most of the time there are no border checks).

It is quite easy to drive around in Andorra from the ski slopes of Encamp to the quaint little town of Ordino or if you just want a relaxed weekend the beautiful spas of Andorra la Vella. If you like shopping, Andorra offers duty-free shopping , there something for everyone here.

The road trip to Andorra from Toulouse is a memorable and easy France driving trip.

120 miles or 190 kilometers.

2-3 days is enough to enjoy this France road trip itinerary.

Brittany Road Trip in France

From Victoria of Guide Your Travel

This driving route will be between 800 and 100 kilometres, 500 – 620 miles.

Montpellier to Toulouse Loop

Finally, you should head 100 km to Toulouse. Toulouse is nicknamed “la Ville Rose” – the pink city – because so many of the buildings are made from pinkish bricks. Important sites to visit are Basilique Saint-Sernin, the largest romanesque church in Europe. It also has more relics in the crypt than any other church in France, many of which are from Charlemagne (9th century).

You should also spend time at Place du Capitole and the square in front of it. Some parts of the building date back to the 12th century. It has beautiful frescos and offers tours.

Montpellier – Carcassonne – Toulouse is 245 km or 150 miles.

It would take about 3 hours to drive this France road trip route straight through without stopping. However, to truly enjoy each location, I would give yourself a minimum of 5 days.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

10 thoughts on “15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Driving Tips!)”

hello 🙂 just finished reading your ” escape clause” and i found some great tips so just like to thank you for that first of all. I’m planning on travelling to France by car from west Yorkshire in the UK for a 10 day holiday in total, we would start of by a 5 hour drive to dover then get the ferry crossing to Calais and carry on from there. we will have a 3 year old and a 1 year old too with us so we want to see plenty of beaches and coastal scenery. i wondered if you could maybe point us in the right direction on places to visit/stay ( ideally 2 different locations on family friendly campsites with lodges or tents) and go off on day trips from there if that makes sense 🙂 look forward to hearing back from you guys iain

Hi Iain! Unfortunately, we haven’t had a chance to spend much time in northwestern France (we were supposed to this year, but alas, 2020 had other plans). I can tell you our personal wish list in that general corner of France, though, includes all the major hits: Etretat, Le Havre, Honfleur, Lille, Rouen, and if you get that far south, of course, Mont Saint-Michel. Etretat is ideal for the coastal scenery you mentioned!

Wish we had more detail to offer, but there are some stunning places up that way!

Staggering beauty here Kate. Wow. France surprises me with its range. Definitely a worthy spot for a serious road trip. Fabulous images guys!

thank you for this! we are planning visit in aug/sept 2022 x 21d staring our in paris and heading toward bordeaux, the sw coast, basque, french pyrenees, and andorra. Wasn’t sure how to finish up the loop back to paris but I would love to incorporate provence. I also love your focus on gorges! I just started following you on IG and will look out for more inspiration!

Thanks so much, Leigh! Sounds like an incredible trip.

We’re toying with a trip to Basque Country and/or Bordeaux ourselves this spring–it never stops being difficult to narrow down our options!

Hope you guys have a wonderful time!

Very good coverage of driving tours in France. One suggestion for drivers I don’t recall was mentioned. After you pick up your car rental stop somewhere and invest in materials to clean your windshield. We have driven thousands of miles on many car trips and estimate that most of the time gas stations don’t have squeegees, sponges, paper towels, or even water available. Well worth the small cost. France is a large agricultural country and bugs abound.

Thanks so much. Very useful

Happy to help!

Hello Kate. I am planning my trip to France. It is our first trip to France. We will fly from New York to Paris and we want to explore France as much as we can within 9 days. We want to rent car and use train if we need. My plan is to start from Paris and go to other nice places including small towns/villages and end up in south and fly back to US from other south city. We need your advice please. Thank you in advance.

With 9 days, the first thing I’d do is narrow down what general region of France you want to visit, as you can access a wide variety of beautiful small towns in that time!

Normandy and Provence are both popular regions for first-time visitors to France, though it sounds like you’re most likely wanting Provence. For Normandy, you might drive right from Paris, and for Provence, you’d likely want to take a train to Aix-en-Provence and then pick up a car. This itinerary covers Provence: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/south-of-france-itinerary/

If you want to stick very close to Paris, consider the Loire Valley.

Other options could include the Bordeaux area (we love St. Emilion: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/saint-emilion-france/ ) or Burgundy ( https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-dijon-france/ ).

You obviously can’t cover all of that, but narrowing down where you want to go will be the first step. France has lifetimes worth of villages to explore. 🙂

If you’re wanting to fly home from the south of France, you’ll want to look at flights from Bordeaux (in the west) or Nice, Marseille, Lyon, or Toulouse (in the east).

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Annecy travel blog — the fullest annecy travel guide for first-timers.

Annecy is located in the Rhône-Alpes region and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. With pieces of classical architecture inspired by Italy, coblestone streets with bright colors of flowers, plants and trees, and beautiful views of Lake Annecy, this city attracts visitors from all over the world, therefore, this place is also known as a miniature Venice. If you are looking for a romantic place to travel to in France, Annecy is the perfect choice.

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So, is Annecy worth visiting, how to visit Annecy, what to do in Annecy and how to plan a budget trip to Annecy for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Annecy travel blog (Annecy blog) with the fullest Annecy travel guide (guide to Annecy, Annecy tourist guide, Annecy city guide, Annecy guide) from how to get to Annecy, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Annecy to help you maximize your trip as follows!

I also just found out about Annecy not too long ago through vlogs about French tourism, and I was fascinated and determined to go there because Annecy’s scenery was so beautiful and impressive, I immediately added it in my plan without a moment’s hesitation.

Overview of Annecy (#annecy travel blog)

The town of Annecy is a department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, lying on the lake of the same name, is a mountain town in the Southeastern of France, more than 35 km south of Geneva, 300 km southeast of Paris. Annecy is nestled at the northern end of Lake Annecy, which is the intersection of Italy, Switzerland and France with an area of 66.94 km2 and a population of more than 483,000 people. The town of Annecy was built by the Romans in 50 BC, then a part of Geneve, and then owned, built and managed by the French to this day.

The tourist part of the town is divided into two spaces with relatively contrasting styles. The old town, located at the foot of Annecy castle, where the Thiou river empties into the lake, with small medieval-built streets running along the water feels like a miniature Venice. Because of that, Annecy is also known as “The Venice of the Alps – La Venise des Alpes”. But if there is a twin brother, perhaps the brotherhood with Annecy is not Venice. Annecy has an airy look like Lucerne, it converges the most typical details for a typical Swiss city: The long quiet old streets, the clear blue lake surface, with the snowy mountains in the distance. At the end of the background, the sky gradually appeared after the fog melted in the sun.

In addition to the capital Paris, the poetic city of Nice or the wine city of Bordeaux has been famous for a long time, the towns in the Southeast of France such as the town of Annecy are also places worth saving on the tourist map and should take time to visit once in your life, so you won’t regret it.

An invaluable treasure that the former leaders of Annecy have left for posterity is the garden on the peninsula les Jardins de l’Europe (Gardens of Europe) and the park le Paquier, a green space of more than 7 hectares close to the lake, where the love bridge “Pon des Amours” and the berths on the Vassé canal in four seasons are both the most photogenic and romantic spots in France.

Annecy is a city that can be briefly visited for just a few hours. But if you have a little more time, enjoy the city’s most precious thing, a wonderfully clear, fresh air and atmosphere. Maybe from Annecy as a starting point for picnic trips to discover the wonderful nature around. Just out of the center, away from the crowd, travelers will feel a completely different Annecy trip. Nature around Annecy all four seasons Spring-Summer-Autumn-Winter.

From Annecy only about 20 minutes by car, along the provincial road D41 has reached the top of Semnoz, skiing in winter, in summer, having a picnic to explore the North of the Alps. If you like swimming in the lake, there are two bathing spots, Marquisats and Albigny, open for free. The water is not warm, but in the summer when the water temperature is more than 20°C, I can take a bath and it is especially clean. Recently moved to Lyon, where it is just over an hour by car from Annecy, Annecy will definitely be our familiar destination on weekends when we need to change the wind.

What season of the year should you go to Annecy? (#annecy blog)

One of the best things about Annecy Town is the climate. The average temperature in April is about 15 degrees Celsius while the temperature from June to August is about 24-26 degrees Celsius, which is extremely cool and pleasant.

I thought that just go to Annecy, every season is beautiful. Like me, I chose autumn, the weather will be a bit cold, romantic autumn leaves. But I can see some videos, I highly recommend you to go in the summer, about June to August. At this time it is a bit hot but the sun is very beautiful although it may be crowded with tourists but you will be enjoy bathing and experience water sports activities on the lake, because Lake Annecy is really beautiful and clear water. The time I went at the end of September was autumn and it was cold along with cloudy and rainy so I couldn’t go to the lake to bathe, I kept regretting.

For movie lovers, you must definitely attend the Annecy International Animated Film Festival which takes place within a week in June here. This will definitely be an interesting experience that you will never forget.

If you come in time for the Carnaval festival, you will be very lucky to experience the multicultural and very vibrant colors in this small town of Annecy. Usually spring and summer are the seasons of the festivals, each year there will be different themes for everyone to participate in without fear of being bored.

Summer in France is the season of cultural festivals! Each tourist destination organizes an event in the summer, so that tourists, in addition to relaxing, always have an opportunity to celebrate. In Annecy, an event is held called “Lake Festival – La fete du lac”, a fireworks display combined with water music shot up from the surface of Lake Annecy. The event is held every year on the first Saturday of August. Every year, nearly 200,000 visitors flock to visit Annecy on this day, if you are afraid of crowds, you should avoid them, and if you want to see the excitement, you should book train tickets early, as well as register to buy tickets early to have a good seat. Depending on whether the seats are good or bad, the ticket price for the event ranges from €3 to €38. Website and link to buy tickets .

How to get to Annoy? (#annecy travel guide)

The nearest international airport to Annecy is Geneva airport (IATA code: GVA), located more than 40 km from Annecy, it takes about 40 minutes by car. Right at the airport, there is a regional bus of Transdev Haute Savoie ( www.transdevhautesavoie.com ), the route number T72 to go directly to Annecy. The low-cost carrier easyJet uses the airport as its main hub for the Swiss market. It is also easyJet’s second largest hub in Europe after London-Gatwick. One-way bus fare is around €10.5/person. You can also use this bus to go from Annecy to the center of Geneva.

In addition, it is also possible to use Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport (IATA code: LYS), about 120km from Annecy. Both by car and by bus, it takes an hour and a half to get from the airport to Annecy. Ouibus (ouibus.com) currently operates a bus route from Lyon airport to Annecy. The blablacar bus company ( www.blablacar.fr/bus ) currently operates a bus route from Lyon airport to Annecy. The average bus ticket price for early purchase is about €12. About 6 bus trips are operated every day, every two hours there is a connection between the airport and Annecy.

By car (#annecy travel blog)

Annecy has a fairly central location, close to the Swiss border, only about 30km from the border gate on the outskirts of Geneva. The city is also located at the gateway of the road from the plains leading up to the most famous French ski resorts in the Alps. Annecy travel can be easily combined with many other destinations around the French Rhône-Alpes region. Or on the way from France to Switzerland or Italy and vice versa. Here are some spots about an hour’s drive from Annecy:

• Lyon: it takes 1 and a half hours
• Grenoble: 1 hour driving
• Yvoire village: 50 minutes away
• Chamonix – Mont Blanc: it takes more than an hour
• Geneva: it takes about 40 minutes

Parking in Annecy

I usually park at rue des Marquisats. On this street that runs around the lake, there are five free parking lots that on summer days it’s not easy to find one. From there, just go along the lake, past the beach and then the marina to get to the city center.

Free parking on rue des Marquisats:

• Parking Stade Nautique (200 lots) 29 rue des Marquisats, 74000 Annecy ( GPS: 45.8968539, 6.1319106 ).
• Parking Base Nautique (77 lots) 31 rue des Marquisats, 74000 Annecy ( GPS: 45.8954509, 6.1332255 ).
• Parking Tillier (33 lots) 7 Chemin de Tillier, 74000 Annecy ( GPS: 45.8947519, 6.1332295 ).
• Parking Marquisats (217 seats) 54 rue des Marquisats, 74000 Annecy ( GPS: 45.8929049, 6.1361285 ).
• Parking Colmyr (140 lots) 1 Chemin de Colmyr, 74000 Annecy ( GPS: 45.8911667, 6.136978 ).

There are high-speed trains that run directly from Paris to Annecy. It takes nearly 4 hours to get from the capital to Annecy because the last part, the train runs at normal speed. However, this is still the most convenient and comfortable (though not the cheapest) way to get from Paris to Annecy. Annecy station as written above is about 500 meters from the center of the old town, from here you can walk to most of the main attractions. You can refer to the travel time by train from Annecy to some other destinations in the region. Usually taking the train is more expensive and slower than taking the bus:

• Paris: it takes 3 hours and 40 minutes
• Lyon : it takes 2 hours
• Grenoble : it takes 1 hour 40 minutes
• Geneva: it takes about an hour and a half

Getting Annecy from Paris

From Paris, you can depart from the central train station and it takes 4 hours to reach Annecy town.

I booked Trenitalia’s train tickets on Thetrainline.com with a loss of about 30EUR/person round trip. Compared to inOui, Trenitalia is much happier because there is a table for reading, eating, comfortable legroom, luggage is stored on the seat, and inOui has to leave luggage at the top or bottom of the car, I was warned to watch the luggage by itself because it is easy to get stolen, so taking inOui is also quite stressful.

Annecy is located about 300 km southeast of Paris, I started at Gare de Lyon, Paris took the train straight to Lyon Part Dieu, Lyon took 2 hours, from there I took the flixbus to go for more than 1 hour to arrive in Annecy. I went in late autumn, so it was raining, it was quite inconvenient to move, because the luggage was bulky, it was raining and traveling. It is best to go in the summer.

On the way, the weather turned me quite dizzy, it was raining and ran for a while, then the sun was shining, then the dark clouds came again and then continued to rain… when I arrived at Gare d’Annecy, it was sunny and rain. Even when I was about to leave Annecy, when I went to the station to get a ticket, it rained heavily, but about 20 minutes later when I got on the bus to leave town, it was sunny again like it had never rained!!

How to buy cheap train tickets in France?

• French Railways sells tickets according to the First Come, First Served strategy. Those who buy tickets early will get cheap tickets, and when there are fewer tickets, the price will increase. For long-haul routes, tickets are on sale 3 months before departure time and buying at that time is the cheapest. Cheap tickets called Prem’s cost about 1/3 of the full price. This type of ticket is still exchangeable like a normal ticket. Exchange one month in advance for free, exchange at least three days before departure costs €5, exchange on the same day as the departure date costs €15. But if you have a last-minute emergency and you don’t want to pay the fee, you can resell tickets on trocdestrains.com or www.leguichet.fr . Train booking websites in France are www.oui.sncf and www.thetrainline.com .
• Young people can buy an “Avantage jeune” card for €49 valid for one year (for those not yet 28th birthday). This card helps you buy train tickets cheaper than the listed price, usually 30% if you buy a full ticket.
• In France, when the train is at least 30 minutes late, you start to get a partial refund of the fare. The delay from 30 minutes to 2 hours is compensated 25% of the fare, from two hours to three hours 50%, and over three hours 75%. Each train ticket has a (numéro de dossier) 6 letter number. Use this number to go to www.sncf.com/fr/compensation-g30 to claim your benefits if your train is delayed.

If you go from Geneva, you can take the train many times a day, then from the train station, just walk 500 meters to the old town, located right on Lake Annecy. Or take the bus straight to  Annecy town for 10.5 euros/person. Note, on weekends, the bus here runs very few routes and does not operate on Sundays.

By bus (#annecy travel blog)

The city’s main bus station is now located right next to the train station. Most major bus companies (Flixbus, Ouibus, Eurolines) have routes connecting major cities with Annecy. You can refer to the travel time by bus from Annecy to some other destinations. As for Geneve, in addition to the long-distance bus routes of the above companies, there is also a regional bus of Transdev Haute Savoie ( www.transdevhautesavoie.com ), the daily T72 route connecting Geneva with Annecy to serve a large number of people. Annecy people go to Switzerland to work with much higher wages than in France.

• Lyon: it takes 1 hour 50 minutes
• Grenoble: 1 hour and 50 minutes away
• Chamonix – Mont Blanc : takes 1 and a half hours
• Geneva: it takes about 50 minutes

What to do and where to go in Annecy? (#annecy tourist guide)

If you come to Annecy by train or bus, just walk about 500 meters from the station to get to the old town. Continue along the small medieval streets filled with restaurants, eateries and souvenir shops that are a bit sprawling and always busy, reminiscent of an Italian city in miniature.

Weaving against the flow of people will come out to the lake. Along the river, a few streets with houses painted in warm tones of yellow, orange, and red, make Annecy like a little Venice in the heart of the Alps. To the very end, where the Thiou River empties into the lake, there is a small island on which stands the symbol of Annecy, the Palais de I’lsle, the most poetic prison I have ever seen, with the appearance of a stone ship is sailing into the great lake.

If people know Colmar town as a small town with quaint and colorful architectural houses, Annecy town leaves a deep impression in the hearts of visitors by the charming landscape.

Arriving in Annecy Town, you will surely be amazed at the pastel-colored houses connected by French style brick paved streets along the banks of the green canal. On the walls or balconies hangings full of brilliant crape myrtle flowers, soft and colorful petals always hold visitors back.

People call Annecy the “Venice of France” but this Venice not only has canals flowing to a large lake, lovely bridges like in a fairy tale, but also beautiful small white gravel trails leading up the mountain. The two sides of the road are picturesque walls full of flowers, soft pink petals, beautiful and gentle, brilliant in the summer sun and white in the winter, making anyone passing by is captivated.

Even though I arrived it was still murky and dark, but I still couldn’t stop my excitement, because everywhere I looked, I could see rolling mountains and these poetic old streets. People say that Annecy is the Venice of the Alps, but I see it as a small French town but “missed” to be located in Switzerland.

Annecy is beautiful, really beautiful, beautiful even in the cold, murky autumn weather, I went forever and ever, and I spent hours walking around this small city without complaining. The first time I walked around the old town in Europe, my face couldn’t hide the excitement and sometimes flashed in my head the thought “oh this is in the movie”.

Castle of Annecy (Chateau d’Annecy)

Address: Pl. du Château, 74000 Annecy, France Hours: 10 AM–12 PM, 2–5 PM/Tuesday: Closed

It’s okay that when going up and down the same path, I usually choose any path without default. This is also the part of the old town that is less touristy. Visitors on the tour often just get down to take a selfie in front of the Palais de I’lsle or the Pont des Amours bridge before having to board the car to go to the next point. My favorite is going up the slope of the Cote Saint Meurice, turning from the main street to the alley, from the alley there are countless alleys to explore, then suddenly see the stairs leading straight up to the castle, from there zoom into the eyes of the people. Annecy’s old roof with mossy red tiled roofs intertwined like a fishbone. In the opposite direction, going down from the castle, when merging with the flow of people on Sainte Claire street, it is very common to see a market meeting. For those who have the soul to eat and drink, going around often cannot resist the agricultural products of the mountainous Savoie region that are brought here commercially.

The center of the town of Annecy has a magnificent old castle that dates back to the 12th century and was once the residence of the earls of Geneva. It is not very splendid but very interesting because the furniture of the ancients is still intact, from the goose feather mattress to the kitchen utensils all evoke fantasies about the lives of the princesses and princesses in the old days.

Continued reading…

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Best Things to Do in Annecy, France

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Visit Annecy, the Pearl of the French Alps

The eastern regions of France remain vastly underrated, with Paris and the Riviera often getting top billing. But the gems around the French Alps and the Swiss border should be your next must-visit destination, with charming and authentic locations abound.

Annecy is one of the most beautiful cities in France and is the perfect addition to a weekend getaway or a road trip to the Alps . Its lakeside location oozes romance and character, and its medieval architecture has been left unspoiled.

Annecy is a well-connected city, and you can reach it from most major locations in France as well as from Geneva in Switzerland. Actually, day tours to Annecy from Geneva are very popular amongst travelers.

So what to do in Annecy? What are the main things to see in Annecy? Here is everything you need to know about this fabulous city and a look at the best things to do in Annecy, France.

Are you planning to visit Annecy last minute?

Below, are some of the best Annecy tours, hotels, and more!

Book your train tickets to Annecy

Top Experiences and Tours in Annecy

• 1-hour Segway Discovery Tour of Annecy
• 2-hour Annecy Walking Tour
• Stand-up Paddle on Lake Annecy

Top Annecy Accommodation

Hotel des Alpes (top suggestion), Les Filateries Chambres d’Hotes (mid-range), Black Bass Hotel (mid-range).

Don’t leave for Annecy without travel insurance!

SafetyWing , our trusted travel insurance policy for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days), covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and since April 2021, unplanned quarantine is covered, too. 

What to Do in Annecy, France

Most of the sights and Annecy things to do are concentrated in the Old Town and around Lake Annecy.

TIP: these French road trips cover Annecy and many other beautiful places in Eastern France!

• Road trip from Lyon to Annecy (the long way round)
• Road trip in the French Alps

1. Take a Walking Tour to Learn the City’s History

Annecy is a fascinating city; the best way to learn about its intrigue and history is through a walking tour of the Old Town. Many buildings date back to the 12th century, and they are best appreciated on foot.

The Old Town is one of the main places to visit in Annecy. Walk along the cobbled streets, appreciating the quaint pastel-colored houses and Venice-like canals as an expert guide fills you in on the city’s past. See sights like the Palais de l’Isle, catch a glimpse of the lake, cross the bridge of lovers, or customize your itinerary with a private walking tour .

Walking tours last around 2 hours, and you will still have plenty of time to admire the Annecy attractions you see along the way or spend your afternoon relaxing at a dainty café on one of the city’s old streets.

2. Relax by the Lake

The city sits on the northern edge of Lake Annecy , and this tranquil body of water is a special treat in the summer months. Lake Annecy’s crystal blue water and pristine coastline create an inviting haven for rest seekers.

Stroll along the many pathways and trails that surround the lake, sunbathe on the lakeside beaches, or take a ride on a small boat to see Annecy from a new perspective. The lake has perfect swimming conditions, with temperatures between 22°C and 24°C in the summer.

For more freedom, you can rent a boat in Annecy (different types available) to spend an afternoon or a day on the lake.

The lake is one of the main Annecy tourist attractions. The activities on the lake are numerous, with the discovery of the hidden beaches of Annecy, idleness, swimming, diving, stand-up paddle , and other water sports.

3. Relax at Les Jardins de l’Europe & Le Paquier

By the lake, don’t miss the Jardins de l’Europe , a lovely green setting perfect for a picnic or a siesta in the shade during the warmest days.

A path will take you to the famous Pont des Amours before ending with Le Paquier , the 7-hectare esplanade with a superb panorama. Between 1852 and 1863, Le Pâquier (a Savoyard word that means “pasture”) was cleansed and filled up, and the quays were built up, giving the place its current appearance. A meeting place for locals and visitors, Le Paquier is one of the top things to do in Annecy and calls for relaxation and moments of sharing during a picnic.

4. Visit the Palais de l’Isle

Le Palais de l’Isle is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic places to visit in Annecy, thanks to its unique location and unusual architecture. This boat-shaped castle is built on a rocky islet in the middle of the Thiou River. It has served as a castle, prison, courthouse, and mint, but today it is an interesting art and history museum.

This remarkable 12th-century building should be appreciated from inside and out, and no visit to Annecy would be complete without a stop at the Palais de l’Isle.

5. Admire Annecy and its Lake from the Sky

The best way to admire Lake Annecy is to fly over it! From the skies, the lake will reveal itself in the most beautiful way, surrounded by the superb mountains of the Alps, including Mont Veyrier, Parmelan, or Tournette.

Lake Annecy is one of the most popular paragliding spots in France. La Forclaz and Planfait are the two classic take-off sites for paragliding baptisms.

Paragliding is one of the top things to do near Annecy. Supervised by qualified instructors, fly gently above the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Alps.

Discover the thrill of paragliding over Lake Annecy during a tandem flight

6. Take a Segway Tour

Segway tours are a step up from walking and bike tours. These quirky contraptions make your journey just as much fun as the locations you visit, and a Segway tour in Annecy is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Glide along the waterfront promenade and admire the lush lakeside gardens. Wizz through the old town and reach way further than you can on a normal walking tour (while having twice as much fun!).

These tours are also limited to small groups of around 8 people, so it is a good way to escape the pressures of large tour groups.

7. Tour Lake Annecy by Bike

A bicycle tour is a must-do in Annecy, another excellent way to keep active and see all the places to visit near Annecy at the same time. The bike paths around Lake Annecy are beautifully paved and flat, and even beginner riders can easily manage the ride.

If you are more adventurous, you can also take on the mountains around the lake with a mountain bike tour around Annecy . E-bikes allow you to conquer the alpine terrain with ease and enjoy unbeatable views that you might not otherwise have reached. Enjoy a picnic while up in the mountains and learn all about the storybook fauna and flora of these hills.

8. Taste Annecy’s specialties

One of the best things to do in Annecy, France, is to savor the local specialties. The local gastronomy is undoubtedly one of the main reasons to visit Annecy: from cheese to dry sausages and terrines, without forgetting the Savoyard fondue and tartiflette, food in the French Alps is a feast for your taste buds!

The best way to enjoy Annecy’s local food is to book a table in one of the restaurants in the city. Some of them even offer to taste fish caught that morning in Lake Annecy!

When the weather is good, the tables outside by the canals book out fast, so we recommend booking your table in the morning, when the restaurant opens, or the day before.

9. Visit the Museum at Château d’Annecy

Château d’Annecy is an imposing fortress that dominates the city’s skyline. It was home to the counts of Geneva, and its earliest structures date back to the 13th century. The castle showcases a unique blend of architecture as its purpose changed from a defense structure in its early years to a grand Renaissance residence in the 16th century.

In the 1950s, the château was transformed into a museum with various revolving exhibitions dedicated to everything from regional heritage to underwater archeology and contemporary art, and it is one of the main things to see in Annecy.

And there you have it, what to do in Annecy, France, for any kind of traveler. Which Annecy things to do tempt you most for your coming trip?

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France Travel Blog

Is Annecy Worth Visiting?

For those in search of a great weekend or a few days’ trip destination in France, Annecy is the perfect place and one definitely worth visiting. Located in Haute-Savoie and perching at the tip of the terrific Lake Annecy, the city looks over snow-capped mountains; a remarkable sight. Whether summer or winter, finding things to enjoy in a few days isn’t much of a ticklish task in Annecy.

Here Are A Few Things Worth Seeing in Annecy

The spectacular views of lake annecy .

A postcard image probably comes to mind when you think of Annecy; the lake’s clear water reflecting the mountains that encircle it. It is truly the most captivating attraction in the town. You can start your adventure with a short walk on the lake’s shore, and you will see how translucent the water is and the charm it boasts of.

You can commence proceedings also with a walk from Paquier, the massive lawn boarding the lake, and continue towards the Jardins de l’Europe (Gardens of Europe). With this itinerary, visitors are expected to go through one of the major attractions in town- the Pont des Amours (Lovers’ bridge). Like its Parisian counterpart, it has ‘love locks’ tied to it.

The Jardins de l’Europe is incredibly chic for the lake view as well as the massive and imposing multi-centennial trees that are there. On Paquier’s left side, visitors can reach the Imperial Palace gardens- Annecy’s most luxurious hotel. It is situated at the border of Annecy le Vieux, the Annecy’s adjacent town that, despite its name, is a different place from the old town of Annecy. Fancy the chance of going on the lakeshores to discover a beach and the starting point for a lot of nautical activities to indulge in the lake.

>>Also Read: Is Lake Annecy Expensive?

Take an Exciting Segway Stroll on the Lakeshore

A brilliant way to discover the place is to pick a Segway stroll, a cool activity to do on Lake Annecy shore. You might have attempted it before; it is a beautiful place to start as the lake’s surrounding area is a pedestrian-only side. Tour operators offer trips from half-an-hour to hours. It is an exciting activity to do with the family.

Interesting Watersports

For the tourists who are big on aquatics, Lake Annecy has a variety of options like paddleboarding. Interestingly, you can be lucky to meet the ex-captain and coach of the French wakeboarding team, catamaran and scuba diving, and yacht rentals with the Annecy Sailing Regatta Society.

Relax at the Beaches  

When visiting Annecy in the summer, there are lots of grassy or sandy beaches marked along the beautiful Lake Annecy. Immerse yourself in the clear water and swim- a fantastic way to relax and absorb the picturesque views that the city has on offer.

>>Also Read: Is Lake Annecy Clean?

Buy Items at Annecy Farmer’s Market

The town has many markets opened throughout the week, selling different market wares and fresh food. From the Old Town Market on the Rue Sainte-Claire (Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday) to Au Rendez-Vous du Terroir (Tuesday to Saturday), there is always a place to be especially if you will be self-catering while in Annecy.

Ride on a Bike Around Lake Annecy 

Those who like to stay fit and those who prefer to be sporty even on holiday will enjoy a bike ride around Lake Annecy. There is close to 42 km of bike path that is a superb way of discovering the areas. They will need to stop on a few occasions to adorn the magnificent view. This is also another way to discover some places without crowds, especially in summer.

Discover Annecy From the Sky With Paragliding 

For the audacious visitors, a paragliding session above the lake will be a breathtaking activity. The view is phenomenal, little wonder why the town is the most popular paragliding site in the continent and one of the world’s most inviting.

Many tour companies offer this service from as low as 95 euros for about 20 minutes of action. Visitors can also choose if they want a stupendous thrill acrobatic flight or something more laidback.

The paragliding session offer starts from Forclaz pass or the petit town of Talloires. Remember that this should be booked in advance.

Do Nautical Activities on Lake Annecy 

If you are not big on the activities I have mentioned so far, you should try out the many nautical options when you are at Lake Annecy. From water-skiing and wakeboarding to the pedal boat, everyone is certain to find a nautical activity that suits them.

To enjoy the calmest places of the lake or just swim a little further from the shore, you can find on the lakeshore different types of pedal boats and many other types that are available for rent. If you find this a tad expensive to accomplish, there are free activities to partake in like swimming or getting a tan in one of the great lake’s beaches.

>>Also Read:  Most Beautiful Lakes in France

Explore Annecy’s Old Town and Its Canals 

Apart from the lake, Annecy is also known for its impeccable old town and the major canal passing through it. That is why the city is also referred to as la Venise des Alpes (the Venice of the Alps). With its arches and cobbled streets, this is, without doubt, one of the attractions of the city.

In addition, the old town is where you can take the popular picture with the Palais de l’Isle (Isle Palace) or “l’écluse Fleurie (the flower tide gate on the Thiou canal), situated between two canals. You can take a walk in the little alleys and follow the canal along the Louis-Lachenal promenade. With lots of areas in the shade, it is an incredible small walk to do in the summertime.

Here too, is where you can find most of the town’s restaurants and the petit souvenirs shop where you can purchase local items and the nice placemat that has the lake’s picture. There are also some regular French shops with fantastic Haute-Savoie cold cuts and cheese. About the excellent local cuisine, if you are lucky enough to be in town on a Tuesday, Friday, or Sunday morning, you should try and visit the old town market.

Dining in Annecy 

Walking in Annecy’s old town streets is great, but doing so while having the best ice cream around is even worth it. Le Glacier des Alpes is a good ice cream spot you should try. Some have even rated it as the best in the country. They provide over 45 flavors to the delight of visitors. The town is also a great place to have a wonderful tartiflette, diots de Savoie (sausages), croziflette, cheese fondue, or fishes from the lake perch.

Chateau d’Annecy (Annecy Castle-museum)

You should see the Castle museum in Annecy. It is situated atop the small hill, and you can easily meander there from the old town. Adults can enter at a low price with which they can visit the Castle Museum and the temporary exhibitions. It takes close to an hour to visit, but the view from the castle is the major interest here for many visitors.

Annecy International Animated Film Festival

Every year, this world-acclaimed film festival is hosted in June. Big wigs in the industry showcase their movies, spanning from local animations to 3D animated graphics and few original works. The interesting thing about the festival is that a movie projection is organized on the Paquier lawn every evening to the pleasure of onlookers.

The Annecy Lake Festival

The Annecy Lake Festival is another must-see for tourists and locals. This superb fireworks show takes place every year on the first Saturday of August and is the biggest in the continent. From Lake Annecy, fireworks are shot, and the stands are constructed everywhere around Paquier, so it is enjoyable. There are close to 46000 paid seats, but you can see it from there. I recommend that you hunt for a cracking viewing spot early, as the show brings over 100,000 visitors annually.

Is Annecy Worth Visiting? – Summary

Truly, Annecy is a small town worth visiting; it is for travelers who are given to a refined sensuous enjoyment. With its pleasant shores, cyclists and walkers can get in the holiday mood so easily. And there are even popular resorts in the city that have a reputation for blending leisure activities, relaxation, and water sports well. Annecy is all about the action!

>>Also Read:  Best Places to Relax in France

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

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France Road Trip – 13 Amazing Itineraries

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Your Complete French Road Trip Planner

Ahhh, France. A country so eclectic and beguiling, it is the most visited nation on the planet . A French road trip is the best way to explore the wonderful diversity and beautiful landscapes of this country.

A road trip in France showcases the dramatic landscapes, historic cities, abundant UNESCO sites and some of the most picture-perfect villages in Europe, like no other way to travel does.

As you road trip through France, you’ll find yourself stopping regularly for Insta-worthy images, and along the way you’ll find fantastic adventures to try like chateaux hunting, hiking in some of Europe’s highest peaks, kayaking and wild swimming in crystal clear rivers, and sampling the wonderful gastronomy across the country.

In this France travel guide you’ll find a round-up of all the best road trips in France by region, with France travel tips and information to help you plan and prepare. Come with us as we share our unmissable French road trip itineraries.

Getting to France

Flying in and opting for car rental in France is a great choice, especially as France has so many easily accessible international airports, the perfect starting point for many of our road trip itineraries.

You can fly in to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, Bordeaux and many other French cities to start your trip. We recommend booking your flights through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Driving to France from UK

If you’re planning to drive to from the UK to France , then you’ll find everything you need to know, including the best, fastest and cheapest routes, as well as driving tips, in our driving to France from UK guide .

Are you planning to rent a car in France? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a road trip.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Italy . We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites, and sleep on a high mountain pass, next to a beautiful lake, or in a wildflower meadow.

Best Time to Take a French Road Trip

December to february.

The winter months can be very cold throughout France, even in the south of the country and rain is quite common at this time of year.  But, the roads and cities will be quiet and less crowded, although not all attractions will be open.

March to May

Spring is a wonderful time to visit France, with temperatures warming up across the country. Markets increase in size, restaurants start preparing different dishes and the countryside is glorious. You’ll still find the roads and cities less crowded, and most attractions will be open.

June to August

June and July are busier months to roadtrip France , with perfect temperatures for camping and outdoor activities. June is probably the best month, as schools have yet to break up across Europe and the family rush to the coasts has not yet started.

August brings the French annual holiday when many businesses close for the duration. If you’re planning on road tripping in tourist areas, then this won’t affect you too much, and you’ll have perfect holiday weather.

September to November

Autumn is a fantastic time for French road trips , especially in the south of France. The coast will be quieter but if you’re lucky, you’ll enjoy an Indian summer amongst the grape harvest and changing fall colors of the countryside.

Is this your first time visiting France? Get all the information you need in our France Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Road Trip France Planner by Region

France is such a diverse country, it can be hard to decide where to take a road trip, especially if you want to see the less traveled in France for a more authentic experience.

Whether you like coasts, mountains or rolling countryside, historic cities, elegant palaces, or wild landscapes, you’ll find your perfect road trip here, and there’s no dount that you’ll be ticking plenty off your France bucket list !

A road trip to France is an easy win for most Europeans and Brits, who are on the same continent, or just a hop across the English Channel.

For everyone else, Paris makes a great place to start any France road trip itinerary. Book with Skyscanner and fly in, pick up a rental car, or even a campervan, and you can be anywhere in the country within a day – that’s the beauty of a  voyage en voitre , or road trip in French!

France Road Trip Map by Region

Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes

A huge region, the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes stretches from the volcanoes and plateau of the Massif Central in the west to the highest point of the French Alps in eastern France, offering some of the best roads in France, with spectacular scenery, rugged landscapes, and historic cities.

Divided by the mighty Rhone river, and with the center of the region being the vibrant foodie city of Lyon, there is great diversity here and four distinct climates. The further south you head, the more you will notice the flora, fauna, and climate taking on a Mediterranean feel.

A UNESCO Road Trip

Lyon – clermont-ferrand – le-puy-en-valey – saint-etienne.

• Distance 370km
• Duration 7 days
• Drive Time 5 hours

Start in the fabulous city of Lyon, the capital of the Rhone region. The historic heart, Vieux-Lyon, stretches across the base of Fourviere Hill and its grand basilica.

There are lots of things to do in Lyon , eating is one of the best! As you stroll the medieval streets and iconic traboules (or hidden passageways), stop in Lyon’s traditional restaurants, known as bouchons , and get up close to Renaissance facades and buildings that boast over a thousand years of history.

Next on your Auvergne road trip is one of France’s oldest cities, Clermont-Ferrand, known for its string of volcanoes called the Chaine des Puys. The dormant volcano Puy de Dome is one of the highest and has been a tectonic hotspot on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2018.

In the city itself, don’t miss the jewel of Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica and the highly distinctive black lava stone Gothic Cathedral.

In Le-Puy-en-Valey, visit the imposing cathedral, the silhouette of which stands proud on the slopes of Mount Anis. The building, celebrated for housing the enigmatic Black Madonna, and one of the most beautiful cloisters in Europe, is a key monument of Romanesque art.

Finally, around Saint-Etienne, a UNESCO Design City, the site at Firminy hosts Le Corbusier’s largest European work. Visit the four buildings featured on the architectural walk, including the famous Maison de la Culture, where you can trace the legacy left by modern architecture.

Not far from Lyon, pay a visit to the Tourette Convent, the last great building by Le Corbusier in France, which will be a fitting end to your UNESCO road trip.

Road trip here if you like…

• Mountains – if outdoor activities are your thing, start  hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc  from Chamonix at the foot of the country’s easternmost mountains, explore the medium-high extinct volcanoes of the Massif Central, or take a road trip on the Route des Grandes Alpes .
• Gastronomic delights – There’s  so much to do in Lyon , not only one of the most beautiful cities in France, it is the food city of this gastronomic country. Regional dishes are influenced by the mountains and tend to be hearty and wholesome. 
• Water sports – with Lake Geneva, Lake Annecy, and Lac de Bourget in the region, summer sailing, wind-surfing, paddle boarding, and kayaking are on the doorstep.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting France . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Bourgogne-Franche-Comte

This beautiful region of France is famous for its rich history and viniculture. Sometimes abbreviated to BFC, this area is around a five to six hour drive from Calais on the A26, and just a few hours from Paris, making it a great option if you’re short on time. 

Part of this area is the old historic region of Burgundy, once the heartland of France and known for its wines, such as Beaujolais and Chablis.

BFC is sparsely populated and sees relatively little tourist footfall, making this cross-country road trip a joy for anyone looking to get off the beaten path. The route takes you through a mix of low agricultural lands to the fabulous mountains and lakes of the Jura.

RELATED POST: Off The Beaten Path France – 8 Unique Places

The Jura Route des Lacs

Dijon – marigny – thoirette.

• Distance 350km
• Duration 3-5 days
• Drive Time 3 hours

Start in the beautiful historic city of Dijon, surrounded by the Cote d’Or vineyards where over 3,000 winemakers produce their world-famous wines in the heart of ancient Burgundy.

The UNESCO old center of Dijon is packed with half-timbered medieval houses and elegant Renaissance buildings. Make sure to try the wines from the region, and Dijon’s other claim to fame, Dijon mustard.

Head south to off-the-beaten-track Marigny for the deep navy and turquoise lakes of the Jura Massif, where you can explore museums, regional crafts, and local gastronomy, as well as remote places, natural sites, and plenty of waterfalls.

You might want to get in the water too, there are twenty lakes to choose from!

• Great gastronomy  – the home of the unique Vin Jaune, Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, Comte cheese, and Dijon mustard is a powerhouse of French cooking, particularly where the use of wine is required!
• Atmospheric historic cities – Beaune and Dijon are just two gorgeous cities in this region, packed with history, Gothic and medieval architecture with a typical French ambiance.
• Breathtaking castles – there are well over thirty well-preserved chateaux in the northern half of this region, you’ll see them literally on every bend in the road!

The rugged peninsula of western France, Bretagne, is an ideal place for a one or two week northern France road trip itinerary.

With Rennes, the capital of the region, being just an hour’s drive from St Malo, it is literally a hop over the channel and the perfect place for a road trip from the UK to France .

With a wild and dramatic coastline and an undiscovered feel beyond the well-known tourist spots, this western France road trip offers a shared Celtic culture, ancient mysticism, and every type of beach imaginable!

Brittany Coast to Coast

Saint-malo – brest – quimper – vannes – rennes.

• Distance 540km
• Duration 10 days
• Drive Time 6 hour

The peninsula of Brittany lends itself to a jaunt around its coast, enjoying the superb seafood and friendly nature of the locals.

Start in historic St Malo before taking in the endless sightseeing opportunities of the peninsula’s varied 1600km long coastline. 

There’s a beach here for your taste, from secluded coves and surfing hotspots to long white stretches, dramatic cliffs, and rocky outcrops.

Around Perros-Guirec is the Cote de Granit Rose with its pink beaches, one of the most interesting coastlines in France, and across to the west is the Finistere coast with its huge beaches and quaint fishing villages.

If you want to dip into every cove, explore every interesting finger of land that protrudes into the sea, and visit all the charming towns and villages en route, then allow at least two weeks for this magical road trip.

• Beautiful gardens – also known as the Garden Coast, Brittany has some of the best gardens in France. From English-style cottage gardens to exotics, there’s something here for every green-fingered visitor.
• Delicious cider – Brittany is the cider country of France. With more than 600 apple varieties grown in the region, there’s a cider to suit everyone’s tastes.
• Customs and tradition – the pan-Celtic tradition is very evident here; the Breton language is spoken with pride and widespread cultural festivals celebrate Celtic music and dance.

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Centre-Val de Loire

Centre-Val de Loire is a landlocked region, located to the southwest of the French capital Paris. As the name suggests this region is all about the magnificent river Loire. Just four to five hours from Calais to the capital of Orleans, and three from Paris, this region is a popular holiday region and makes an ideal destination for a road trip.

This is a real France bucket list trip. Fine historical cities and towns, many of which stand on the banks of the Loire, offer superb Renaissance religious buildings and architecture and of course, the fabulous and extravagant chateaux the region is best known for.

Chateaux of the Loire

Orleans – blois – tours – angers – nantes.

The enchanting chateaux and picturesque towns of the Loire Valley make this historic region the perfect place to take a 10 day road trip in France.

Follow this Loire Valley road trip between famous cities and marvel at the natural wonders, opulent architecture, charming towns, and breathtaking castles of one of France’s best-loved regions.

You’ll visit the many chateaux on the route, including the famous Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Villandry, and explore the Loire’s historic towns, learning about French history, architecture and culture and you go.

Discover Joan of Arc’s legacy in Orleans and take a ride on a giant machine elephant in Nantes as you take in the beautiful Loire landscape.

• Delicious white wines – Touraine, Vouvray, Pouilly-Fume, Sancerre, and Valencay are just some of the well-known whites produced in this region. Take a vineyard tour and make sure to enjoy a wine tasting afterward!
• Historic cities – from gracious Orleans to Gothic Blois and Tours with its beautiful old town, the cities of this region are must-sees.
• Bird watching – La Brenne Natural Park is the hidden gem of Centre-Val de Loire. To the south of the region, this huge park containing over a thousand lakes is a wetland paradise for birders. 

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip.

Grand Est borders Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, and a small part of Switzerland so it’s not surprising that this region has multicultural influences.

Grand Est is one of the most accessible regions if you’re taking a France road trip from Calais, a four hour drive will take you to the heart of the rolling Aube, and in six hours you can be in  Strasbourg , the capital of the region and home to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. 

Previously known as Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine, the region is home to typical French countryside with an eclectic mix of vineyards, the low-lying Vosges mountains, and some of the prettiest small towns in France, found along the Alsace wine route.

In some less-visited and remote wooded parts of the Vosges, lynx, boar, and wolves can still be found in the wild, making the rich nature and biodiversity of the area of particular interest.

RELATED POST: Europe Road Trip – 16 Incredible Routes

Route Touristique du Champagne

Reims – trigny – epernay – cumieres – essoyes.

• Distance 285km
• Drive Time 5 hour

The whole of the Champagne Route stretches for around 700km across the departments of Marne, Aube, and Aisne, with eight marked trails to authentic villages, ancient monasteries, imposing châteaux and churches, and of course, vineyards!

This bit of the route takes you from Reims and its world-renowned champagne houses to the massif of Saint-Thierry where you can enjoy beautiful views from Trigny, a flower-filled village with medieval ramparts.

Visit the Verzenay lighthouse, which watches over a rolling swathe of vineyards and now houses the Musée de la Vigne, where you can learn about the history of champagne before driving on to Epernay, and its famous champagne houses of Moet & Chandon, Perrier Jouet and Pol Roger.

From Cumieres, embark on the Champagne Vallee boat to discover the vineyards along the water in the Marne valley. 

Further south on the Côte des Blancs road, admire the panoramic view of the vineyards from Mont Aimé and enjoy the charms of the pretty village of Oger. 

In Aube around Bar-sur-Seine, with its half-timbered houses, make a stop at Essoyes where Impressionist artist Auguste Renoir lived for a few years, and visit one of the 28 champagne cellars in the area.

• Champagne – of course! This champagne road trip is perfect for lovers of bubbles!
• Medieval   cathedrals – Grand Est is home to some of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe, many are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• War history – the Verdun & Argonne battlefields and war graves cemeteries of WWI can be found in the region, along with the WWII Maginot Line forts. The Surrender Room in Reims is where German forces capitulated to Eisenhower in May 1945, bringing an end to the long war.
• Accessible hiking  – easier on the heart and lungs, the hiking routes of the Vosges are a pleasure. With stunning rolling scenery and trails to take you through historic villages and make the most of the views, hiking in the Vosges is a real highlight. 

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to France.

Hauts-de-France

This is is the most northerly region of France and home to the port city of Calais, meaning it’s on the doorstep of the UK and a perfect French road trip destination for those wishing to nip across the Channel for a weekend from the UK, or for anyone looking for a few beach days on a longer trip in Paris. 

Not a major tourist region, the area is known for the battlefields of World War I, most notably the Somme, a four month battle in which over a million people lost their lives, and many people come here for the memorials and war sites.

But there is more to see in this part of France, including the incredible beaches, elegant resort towns, and pretty fishing villages dotted along the unspoiled and beautiful Cote d’Opale, or Opal Coast.  

Explore the Opal Coast

Calais – boulogne-sur-mer – le touquet – etaples – montreuil – abbeville.

• Distance 144km
• Duration 3 days
• Drive Time 2 hour

From Calais, head south and visit Cap Blanc-Nez (cape white nose), opposite the white cliffs of Dover, and Cap Griz-Nez, (cape grey nose), the closest point in France to England. Both headlands offer fine views across the channel and coast and some great walking opportunities.

Boulogne is the largest fishing port in France and is home to all things sea! Visit the excellent Nausicca Aquarium, full of fascinating displays, interactive exhibits, and sea life, before visiting the historic old town and port, where you can join an organized tour. 

Le Touquet is the jewel of the coast, known as Paris-Plage because this is traditionally where Parisians came for their long August break. Nowadays, it’s a lively resort known for its fantastic beach, water sports, and nightlife, including clubs and casinos.

Don’t miss the lighthouse, La Phare de la Canche, which rewards you with breathtaking views if you’re happy to climb the 274 steps to get to the viewing platform at the top!

Stop at the peaceful nature park of Baie de Canche, situated east of Étaples-Sur-Mer, a protected area of 45 hectares teeming with wildlife, before heading to Abbeville.

The capital of maritime Picardy and your final stop, Abbeville is a beautiful city and boasts rich historical monuments including the flamboyant Gothic style Saint-Vulfran collegiate church, with its magnificent carved facade.

• Mining history – much of the infrastructure in the northern parts of the region has been shaped by mining, a now redundant industry in this part of France. Visit the UNESCO listed Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin for a fascinating insight into the industry and a miner’s life in the pits.
• Beautiful belfries –  tall and often ornate clock towers attached to civic buildings, belfries are common in the region and were built to symbolize the power of the local alderman and councillors. The Belfries of Belgium and France is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles of architecture.
• Battlefield tours  – the battles of Flanders, the Somme, Vimy, and Ypres were all fought on the soil of the Hauts-de France by French, British, Canadian, Australian, and African troops. The memorials and cemeteries marking these battles make for moving visits.

France Road Trip Essentials

Lonely Planet France

France driving essentials

France SIM card

UPF 50 travel sun hat

France beaux villages guide

universal adaptor + USB

Ile-de-France

Ile-de-France is the small region surrounding the beautiful city of Paris. Surrounded by cities and forests that prospered from the patronage of the Kings of France, the area is rich in royal history, elegant palaces, and medieval towns. 

A four hour drive from Calais and on the doorstep for those flying in, it is perhaps not the first destination road trippers think of, but it is the ideal opportunity to combine a five day trip to Paris with a road trip to see the best bits of this compact region.

A Road Trip Around Paris

Chantilly – provins – fontainebleau – versailles – saint-denis.

• Distance 275km
• Duration 5 days
• Drive Time 4 hour

Start in Chantilly, a town obsessed with horses, and join the Parisians at the elegant Chantilly racetrack, home of the French Derby (or Prix du Jockey Club).  

Head along the pretty country roads to Fontainebleau forest for a spot of activity. Once the hunting grounds of French kings, and home to a beautiful palace, the area is dotted with massive boulders that attract anyone wanting to try bouldering. 

If hiking is more your thing, there are more than 500km of marked trails in the forest, with the 25 Bosses Trail being the most well-known. This challenging day hike will reward you with incredible views of the surrounding area. 

If you prefer to see it from the air, then hitch a ride on a hot air balloon, a popular way to see the forest.

From here, drive to the UNESCO site of historic Provins, a fortified city full of medieval half-timbered houses and cobbled streets inside the well-preserved ramparts. Built to accommodate an annual fair linking northern Europe with the Mediterranean, most of the buildings here are still in their original form.

Versailles is a once-in-a-lifetime visit and you must book online in advance as it can take five hours to queue in the summer if you don’t have a ticket. This shining, golden Baroque palace was once home to the Kings of France and spreads over 800 acres.

The inside is full of gold leaf, pink marble, and other finishes so opulent it almost hurts the eye. The formal gardens are beautifully symmetrical and soothing, with thousands of trees and water features – the perfect place for a picnic.

From Versailles, head north-east to the beautiful Basilica of Saint-Denis, one of the most important religious buildings in Ile-de-France. The first Gothic cathedral was built at the exact spot where Saint-Denis, the patron saint of Paris and France was buried.

• Iconic cities – although driving in and around Paris is to be avoided at all costs, you can stay outside Paris and get the train in, just follow this perfect  Paris one day trip itinerary  to see top sights like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame in one of the most cultured cities in Europe .
• Theme parks –  meet all your favorite characters at Disneyland Paris , just three and a half hours from Calais and an hour from Paris.
• Modern architecture – there are four Le Corbusier villas in Ile-de-France. Villa Savoye is in Poissy and Villa La Roche, Villa Jeanneret, and Immeuble Molitor are wonderful hidden gems in Paris.

Normandy borders the English Channel and is easily accessible from all the channel ports, the furthest being St Malo around a three to four hour drive. Le Havre is in the region itself and a perfect arrival port popular with UK road trippers, as well as being close to pretty Honfleur.

The whole region was a significant medieval empire and controlled much of England and Wales, leaving a rich history for visitors to explore on a Normandy road trip.

The three huge attractions of Rouen cathedral, the Bayeux Tapestry, and Mont Saint-Michel are the must-sees of the region. Along with the pretty fishing port of Honfleur and the D-Day beaches, this region has much to recommend and is one of the best road trip destinations in France.

The World War II Sites of Normandy

Benouville – ouistreham – arromanches – colleville-sur-mer – bayeaux.

• Distance 180km
• Drive Time 3 hour

You could visit the key places on this tour in a day, but to the sites justice and spend time at the memorials, you need three to five days.  

Start at Benouville, just north of Caen, for Pegasus Bridge and its museum, the site of a daring landing by gliders of the British 6th Airborne Division in shortly before the sea invasion.

From here, it’s a short hop to Ouistreham to visit Le Grand Bunker, part of the German Atlantic Wall defenses, and the German Battery to the north. 

Heading west, you’ll find the landing beaches of Sword (British and French), Juno (Canadian), Gold (British), and Omaha and Utah (American). Each has a number of visitor sites to be explored.

At Arromanches, watch an educational film at the 360-degree cinema on top of the cliff before you descend into the town itself and visit the Landing Museum built near the site of the Mulberry Harbours, which were constructed to aid the Allies in getting supplies ashore. 

As you continue west, don’t miss the German Gun Battery at Longues, before arriving at the atmospheric American Cemetery at Colville, where you can hear the Last Post daily at 5pm.

From Utah beach, skirt back to Bayeaux, home of the British and Commonwealth Cemetery and Battle of Normandy Museum (and of course, that famous tapestry).

RELATED POST: Normandy Road Trip: Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary

• Medieval heritage – Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake, is chock full of medieval architecture and history. The Bayeux Tapestry, telling the story of the Norman invasion of England in 1066 is on glorious display in the town of the same name.
• Gorgeous gardens – if you are a gardener or painter, then there is no better garden in the whole of France than Giverny, Claude Monet’s country home and garden. Gloriously and unashamedly colorful, this beautiful place has provided inspiration to generations of gardeners and painters alike.
• Impressionist art – known as the birthplace of impressionism after Monet took inspiration in Le Havre and painted ‘ Impression, soleil levant ‘ (‘Impression, sunrise’) in 1872. Normandy houses two major collections and has no fewer than fifteen museums dedicated to impressionist art and history.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

One of our personal favorites for a France road trip holiday, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest region of France. From the ports of Caen or Cherbourg, the capital Bordeaux is a good seven to eight hour drive, making the region an ideal destination for a two or three weeks holiday. 

This region in the southwest of France is incredibly varied, from the mountains of the Pyrenees and the gently meandering Dordogne valley, to the almost continuous beach of the long Landes coastline. There’s also great French wine heritage here, along with classic gastronomy which uses the abundance of high-quality ingredients grown and produced in the region.

Pine forests, vineyards, elegant resorts and rustic villages shape this space, along with great regional food and wine which give life and color to a seriously enjoyable region of France.

RELATED POST: A Seven Day Pyrenees Hiking Tour

The Best of the Dordogne

Bordeaux – bergerac – la roque-gageac – sarlat-la-caneda – rocamadour – perigueux.

• Distance 380km
• Duration 5-7 days

Staring in the magnificent city of Bordeaux , known as the wine capital of the world, follow the Dordogne to beautiful Bergerac, a historic city, whose narrow streets are lined with fine houses and filled with blooms and quirky art installations.

Of course, you’ll also find a statue of Bergerac’s most famous son, Cyrano de Bergerac. A French soldier remembered chiefly for fighting many duels often over the size of his nose! 

From here, head for the medieval village of La Roque-Gageac, the gateway to the Valley of the Five Chateaux, home to five impressive castles, including Chateau Beynac and Chateau Castelnaud. You’ll also find the stunning Gardens of Marqueyssac hanging on the cliffs above the village.

Head east for the gorgeous town of Sarlat, deep in the wooded hills of the Dordogne. With cobbled streets and Gothic mansions galore, Sarlat makes a great base to explore locally and enjoy some of the fantastic gastronomy of the region.  

Cross into Occitanie for Rocamadour, home to the cheese of the same name, and the Gouffre de Padirac, two of the must-see attractions in the area which can be visited in a day if you’re pushed for time.

Allow a full day to explore the final stop of  Perigueux, making sure to visit the Saint-Front Cathedral, the quays, and the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum.

• Mountains  – the eastern Pyrenees are to the south of the region and beyond the towns and cities provide amazing cycling and hiking opportunities, including this seven day Pyrenees hiking tour . 
• Beaches – there are hundreds of miles of soft golden beaches along the coast. Stretching from the glamorous resort of Biarritz in the south to La Rochelle in the north, only interrupted by the river Garonne and the Arcachon Basin. If you like sand, head for the largest sand dune in Europe, Dune du Pilat, with an incredible view of the blue, turquoise and green crystal clear waters of the Arcachon basin. 
• Surfing –  people come here to surf the huge Atlantic rollers coming in from the Bay of Biscay and there is an annual world surf competition held in Lacanau-Ocean. If you can’t stand up, get a body board, or just spend hours deciding whether to float over the next wave or power under it.   

Occitanie (previously known as Languedoc) makes up almost one-half of the south of France and is a region of huge contrast. A solid ten to eleven hour drive from Caen, Occitanie makes a good destination if you have a couple of weeks to travel or, as part of a longer trip.

We think it’s worth the drive time for the atmosphere, history, and beauty you will find in this region. 

From the sun-drenched Herault of the deep south and the Mediterranean coast to the wild and raw beauty of the Cevennes and the majesty of the Pyrenees, the landscape and climate differ greatly.

This is a busy part of France, home to Carcassonne, Lourdes, and the Pont du Gard. These three top the busiest tourist destinations in Europe list and are best visited outside of July and August.

RELATED POST: The Best Wild Swimming in France

Beaches & Mountains of the Languedoc

Montpellier – sete – agde – beziers – carcassonne – gorge d’heric – pezenas – saint-guilhem-le-désert.

Start in the growing city of Monpellier and head south along the coast to the pretty fishing port and the seaside resort of Sete, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Etang de Thau salt lake on the other.

The main canal running through the Sete city center is lined with bars and restaurants offering fish and seafood delicacies. Make sure to try a tielle, a local specialty comprising of octopus cooked in olive oil, tomato, and red wine and baked in pastry.

The salt lake Etang de Thau is sandwiched between vineyards and natural scrubland and is the ideal place to learn more about what the area is famous for – shellfish, and in particular oysters. There are a number of oyster farms open for visits where you can learn about the farming process.  

Agde, just along the coast, is famous for its black volcanic sand beaches which are unique to the region. La Grande Conque is one such beach, a small bay carved into the coast and a great place to while away the day sunbathing and swimming.

Your next stop is the beautiful town of Beziers, home to the Fonserannes Locks, the famous staircase of nine locks on the Canal du Midi, which allow boats to be raised 21.5m over a distance of 300m. You can hire a bike here and cycle along the canal towpath, for a peaceful afternoon ride.

Head west and inland for the iconic city of Carcassonne. The beautifully renovated citadel, La Cite, is a must-see in this area of France. Vast and imposing, it towers above the Aude and ‘new’ Carcassonne and feels a little Dinsneyesque inside, with lots of touristy (and expensive) bars and restaurants.

From here, if you have more time, you can head into the Pyrenees if you want to hike, kayak, and see the religious castles the area is famous for. 

Otherwise, the magnificent Gorge d’Heric is next up, with hiking and wild swimming opportunities in abundance. This dramatic gorge, in the heart of the Haut Languedoc nature reserve, is home to the river Heric as it rushes down from the Massif de Caroux.

You can walk up the Gorge for around 5km, or hike and rock climb the Caroux if you want something a bit more challenging. All the way up the gorge are massive boulders and private natural swimming pools, filled with clear turquoise waters and wonderful for a cooling dip on a hot summer’s day.

From here, pretty Pezenas calls, with its Friday wine festivals through summer, local craft shops, and weekly farmers market. A perfect place to stop for a few days and catch your breath, before taking in the Pont du Diable, perfect for a spot of cliff-jumping and paddle boarding.

A few miles away from the Devil’s Bridge is Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, nestled in the heart of the Herault Gorges and a major stop for pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain. The centerpiece of the village is the Gellone Abbey, a 1200-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked in the corner of the main square.

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• Wild swimming – the gorges of the region have some of the best  wild swimming  and canyoning in France. Tucked into the Montagne Noire or the midi-Pyrenees, the water is crystal clear and refreshing.
• Outdoor adventures – head for the Gard and Lozere departments where you’ll find nature at its finest. Winding rivers like the Tarn are superb for kayaking and often have small river beaches and swimming holes, with perfectly placed rocky ledges to jump from. The Cevennes National Park offers great hiking in a wild and natural environment.
• Religious history – The Aude and Ariege have a strong Cathar history and you can see remnants everywhere. Follow the Route of the Cathars through fortified hilltops, castles, villages, and towns for a fascinating insight into a religion that shaped this part of France for centuries.

Pays de la Loire

The Pays de la Loire is a region of north-western France that adjoins the region of Centre-Val de Loire. Both regions share many characteristics including the Loire Valley and large numbers of famous chateaux.

One difference is the long Atlantic coastline of the Pays de la Loire known as the Vendee, a very popular UK tourist destination due to its proximity to the eastern channel ports, and enjoyed for its gentle waves, sandy beaches, and quintessential sea-side resorts.  

An easy three to four hours from Caen to Nantes places you in the heart of this region, with the Loire Valley to the east and the beaches of the Vendee to the west.  

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The Coast of the Vendee

Nantes – saint-gilles-croix-de-vie – les sables-d’olonne – la tranche-sur-mer – la rochelle.

Starting in increasingly popular Nantes, home to the Les Machines de L’ile, this west coast road trip is more about the relaxed coastal resorts than cities.

Make for Saint Gilles-Croix-de Vie, stopping at Sallertaine on the route, to explore the peaceful canals of the Marais Breton in an open canoe.

Once in Saint-Gilles, enjoy the chic and lively ambiance, as well as superb sardines, caught locally and on your plate within a few hours.

On the Côte de Lumière or Coast of Light, the coastal resorts here enjoy 2400 hours of sun every year, making this a perfect place to relax on a sun lounger for a few days.

Continue south to Les Sables-d’Olonne, the point of departure for the Vendee Globe round-the-world sailing race. A popular seaside resort, it has a superb sandy beach and a pretty seafront promenade plus a casino and golf course to keep you busy.

Next up is La Tranche-sur-Mer, known as ‘little California’ because of its exceptional sunshine hours and 13km of sandy beaches.

With an authentic vibe and lively family atmosphere, this is a great stop for teenagers, with lots of water sports on offer, as well as free concerts and street entertainment in the evenings in summer.

Your final stop is the historic sea town of La Rochelle, a laid-back resort town with a well-deserved reputation for great seafood, and the best old port on the French Atlantic.

Spend a day meandering around the charming town before exploring the maritime museum and aquarium.

• Bucket and spade holidays – perfect for family holidays, the Vendee is lined with some of the best French holiday parks offering fantastic facilities. Kids love the beaches for perfect sand-castle building and gentle waves.
• Theme parks – the Puy du Fou historic theme park has  over 1,5 million visitors a year and is one of the most popular attractions in the whole of France, and perfect for a day out if you are traveling with kids.
• Beautiful chateaux – one of the main attractions of the region, the chateaux of the Loire Valley are world famous.

Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur

A favorite of many, this region, often abbreviated to PACA, covers a large and diverse area. From the sparkling Mediterranean Sea to the French Alps, and from the river Rhone to the Italian border, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur is the furthest of France’s regions from the UK.

It takes a whopping eight hours of driving from Paris and twelve to thirteen hours from Calais, making the journey a road trip to the south of France in its own right.

For the glamorous and fashionable resorts of the French Riviera, the lavender fields and whitewashed towns of Provence, and the off-the-beaten-path wilderness of the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue, those driving hours are so worth it.

The sun-baked landscapes, beautiful hilltop towns and villages, abundant local produce, and delicious wines just add to the attraction. 

The Route Napoleon

Grenoble – laffrey – la mure – corps – col bayard – gap – sisteron – digne – castellane – saint-vallier-de-thiey – grasse – antibes.

• Distance 314km
• Drive Time 8 hour

The most picturesque south of France road trip, the historic Route Napoleon begins in the Auvergne-Rhone- Alpes region.

The road trip starts (or ends, as the route starts at the coast, but can be road tripped either way) in Grenoble, the route follows the footsteps of the famous General on his return from exile in Elba, as he headed north for Waterloo.

Inaugurated in 1932, you will see statues of the Imperial French Eagle marking the way, along what is now (mainly) the N85.

The road is really spectacular, with switchbacks, sweeping bends, and challenging mountain stretches making it one of the best road trips in France.

Peaking at 1246m at Col Bayard before passing into Provence and the towns of historic Sisteron, beautiful Digne, and fragrant Grasse, you’ll also pass the stunning Gorge du Verdon and the beautiful lavender fields of the Valensole plateau.

From Castellane to Grasse, the views to the coast from the road are spectacular, across lush green slopes dotted with magnificent villas, to the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean, just one of the reasons to start in Grenoble and head south. 

This route smells heavenly too – the scent of hot pine sap and the essential oils of regional herbs being warmed by the sun is the fragrance of southern France.

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• Glitz and glamour – St Tropez is one of the most famous Cote d’Azur holiday resorts. People on Riviera road trips flock to the vieux port where the rich and famous berth their mega-yachts, and enjoy the honeyed stone buildings and pretty squares of a slightly more relaxed and authentic St Tropez. If you want more, head to Monaco, Nice or Cannes, or one of the ridiculously opulent villas which open their doors to the public. 
• Iconic Lavender – field upon field and row upon row of beautiful and fragrant lavender carpets  Provence  in June and July. Go early in the day for the best photo opportunities.
• Local produce – experience a marchés hebdomadaires ( farmers market). Most towns have a weekly market where you will find fresh bread, wonderful fruit and vegetables, pungent cheeses, meaty saucisson sausage, fat olives, and pretty much any other fresh food stuff you might want to buy. 

France Country Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in France.

• Search for affordable flights to France with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in France with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in France with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in France with Rentalcars.com
• Best for ferries from UK to France Direct Ferries
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in France

Road trips in France are usually pleasurable, thanks to their extensive and well-maintained autoroute network, and generally good local roads. French drivers can be impatient and are dreadful tailgaters and really, really dislike being overtaken, but, c’est la vie, this is France!

Whether your road tripping France in a campervan , car, or motorbike, follow these tips for driving safely and legally;

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from France.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an International Driving Permit for driving in Europe . You can check whether you need an IDP here .
• You must carry at least one reflective jacket within the passenger compartment of your vehicle and must put it on before you get out in an emergency or breakdown situation. You must also carry a warning triangle.
• You may require a Crit’Air sticker which is placed in the windscreen of your vehicle to provide a visible way to identify the level of emissions produced. If you’re renting a vehicle, the Crit’Air sticker should already be on display in the windscreen. Find out more and purchase Crit’Air stickers from the official certificat-air.gouv.fr website.
• On 1 November 2021 the Loi Montage II or ‘mountain law II’ came into force in 48 French mountainous departments within the Alpes, Massif Central, Jura, Pyrénées, and Vosges regions. Anyone traveling in a car or motorhome or through one of these areas between 1 November and 31 March will be obliged to fit four approved winter tires or carry at least two snow chains or socks in the vehicle.
• French motorways are privately managed and you’re not allowed to request your own assistance company to attend to you if you break down. If you do break down use the orange emergency telephones that are situated every 2km along French motorways to call the police or the official breakdown service operating in that area or dial the emergency services on 112. You will be towed to a safe designated area where you can make onward arrangements for your own breakdown insurer to assist you if you have it. Otherwise, the towing company will be able to provide support or signpost you. 
• You do not need to carry a breathalyzer, the law requiring that you do has been repealed.
• You may want to consider carrying an  electronic toll pass  for the duration of your French road trip itinerary. These devices deduct the toll fees from a credit card automatically, meaning you don’t have to stop at a booth or barrier.

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