Discover Annecy: The Little Venice of the Alps, Episode 556

This episode features our frequent and very popular guest Elyse Rivin. If you enjoy her episodes, please consider supporting her on Patreon . Thinking about visiting Annecy? Wondering what makes this small Alpine town so special? In episode 556 of the

Join Us in France

Travel Podcast,

Annie Sargent

and guest

Elyse Rivin

dive into everything you need to know to

discover Annecy

— its history, food, outdoor activities, and what to do around the lake. If you're planning a trip to the

French Alps , this episode is for you. Read on for the highlights, then go listen for all the insider tips. What Makes Annecy Special?

Annecy is often called the “ Little Venice of the Alps ” because of its canals, stone bridges, and pastel-colored buildings. It's located in

Haute-Savoie , near the Swiss border, just a short drive from

Geneva . But it’s not just pretty. It’s a real town with deep history and a postcard-perfect setting on

Lac d’Annecy , one of the cleanest lakes in Europe. Whether you're into

biking around the lake ,

paragliding , or just sipping coffee by the water, Annecy delivers. History and Old Town Charm

In the episode, Elyse explains how Annecy became a strategic and religious hub in the Middle Ages. The

Counts of Geneva

moved their seat to Annecy, and later the

House of Savoy

turned it into an important religious center. You can feel that history in the architecture. The

Palais de l’Isle , sitting right in the middle of a canal, looks like a fairytale castle — it was once a prison. The

Château d’Annecy , perched on the hill, offers panoramic views and a peek into local art and history. If you're searching for " things to do in Annecy " or " Annecy old town walking tour ," this is the place to start. Best Outdoor Things to Do in Annecy

The lake is the star of the show. You can swim, sail, paddleboard, or take a boat cruise. There’s even a beach area called

Plage des Marquisats

that’s free and family-friendly. The

bike path around Lake Annecy

is legendary. It’s a smooth, scenic 42 km loop that takes you through charming villages like

Talloires ,

Menthon-Saint-Bernard , and

Duingt . You can rent a regular or

electric bike

right in town. Looking for a thrill? Try

paragliding over Lake Annecy . It's one of the top spots in Europe for it, and the views are unforgettable. Local Food You Need to Try

Savoyard food is hearty, cheesy, and delicious. Annie and Elyse talk about must-try dishes like: Raclette

(melted cheese over potatoes and charcuterie) Fondue Savoyarde

(classic alpine cheese fondue) If you're visiting in summer, check out the

local markets

for fresh fruits, cheeses, and picnic supplies. Don’t skip dessert —

gâteau de Savoie

is a local sponge cake that goes great with coffee. Festivals and When to Go

If you're planning your trip around events, the

Fête du Lac

in August is Annecy’s biggest festival, with fireworks over the lake. In October,

Retour des Alpages

celebrates traditional mountain culture — think cows, crafts, and cheese. Spring and early fall offer

perfect weather , fewer crowds, and stunning light over the lake. Try to avoid peak summer if you don’t like crowds. Listen to Discover Annecy in Depth

This blog post only scratches the surface. In the full episode, Annie and Elyse share personal stories, practical advice, and off-the-beaten-path ideas to

discover Annecy

in your own style. They talk about the

Annecy International Animation Festival , the peaceful

Jardins de l'Europe , and even a French TV crime series,

Cassandre , that’s filmed in town. Use this post as a starting point, but don’t stop here. To really

discover Annecy , tune into the episode and take notes. Whether you want culture, nature, or just a relaxing few days by the lake, Annecy has something for everyone. #FranceTravel, #DiscoverAnnecy, #AnnecyFrance, #FrenchAlps, #LakeAnnecy, #VisitFrance, #JoinUsInFrance, #TravelPodcast, #SlowTravelFrance, #HiddenGemsFrance, #FrenchCulture, #FrenchFoodLovers, #ExploreFrance, #FrenchCountryside, #ProvenceToAlps, #FranceByBike, #CharmingVillagesFrance, #BestOfFrance, #AnnecyOldTown, #FranceVacationIdeas

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