Annecy-le-Vieux is a delegated commune of the new commune of Annecy in the agglomeration of Annecy in Haute-Savoie in the region Auvergne Rhône Alpes. It is known throughout the world thanks to the Paccard bell foundry and is located to the east ofAnnecy on more than 1700 hectares.
Geography
Annecy-le-Vieux benefits from 33 hectares of green spaces on a hilly site which extends between 420 and 1100 metres in altitude. 50% of the area is urbanised, 50% is wooded or agricultural. Annecy-le-Vieux has a population of over 20,000 inhabitants, known as Ancileviens, and has become a very residential suburb of the Annecy conurbation, less than 3 km from the town centre.
Some people call it “the 16th arrondissement of Annecy”. The Parc des Glaisins is home to many major companies such as Sopra Steria and Mécalac.
Natural areas
Mont Veyrier
Mountain with many passes to the east of the town. Many marked paths for walks. You can also climb Mont Veyrier for a nice easy to intermediate level hike. When you reach the top, you will discover the arrival of the old cable car.
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy is one of the purest lakes in the world and one of the largest in France. A major asset for tourism in Annecy-le-Vieux! You can practice many sports and also go swimming while enjoying the beautiful beaches. Cycling enthusiasts can take the Voie Verte to cycle around the lake.
The Fier
This river crosses Annecy-le-Vieux for more than 12 km. It is possible to swim in the Fier in July and August (June and September for the more courageous) and to go canoeing. Fishermen can also go and try to catch some nice trout.
Communal forest
300 hectares to the east of the town where walks and hikes are very pleasant. The forest also grows on the slopes of Mont Veyrier and Mont Baron. At the right time of year, you can also go mushroom picking.
The reed bed
This natural area located after the beach of Albigny is a wetland of recognized interest. It is the start of the biological cycle that allows different species of fauna and flora to reproduce and feed. The following fish species can be found: perch, tench, roach. They allow carnivorous fish to feed: pike and trout. Lake birds such as green-necked ducks, swans and coots nest in this habitat. These fragile areas were endangered in the 1960s, and protection campaigns with the installation of stakes have saved them.
The promenade of the pontoons
The town of Annecy-le-Vieux has built a promenade on the lake with wooden pontoons which starts after the port of Albigny to Chavoires, located in the commune of Veyrier-du-Lac. Wheelchairs and public toilets are available along the way.
Top rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected five hotels in Annecy-le-Vieux that offer excellent value for money and have very good customer reviews:
Rivage Hotel & Spa Annecy
This beautiful 4-star establishment is located just opposite the Albigny beach. It has the largest spa in Annecy-le-Vieux and an herbal tea room. The fitness centre features a sauna, hammam and whirlpool. Breakfast is served on the terrace facing the lake.From 171 € per night.
Impérial Palace
Located on the Albigny peninsula, this hotel dates from the beginning of the 20th century. It offers all the luxury of a palace with a spa and gourmet restaurant. The rooms have a unique view of Lake Annecy. A unique address in the little Venice of the Alps.From 138 € per night.
Centre Jean XXIII
A simple but very clean accommodation with a quality restaurant. For a few days in Annecy, this is an opportunity to benefit from a price that offers excellent value for money, especially for families and groups, with a beautiful view of the mountains and the lake.From 55 € per night.
Hotel des Marquisats
Located only 200 m from the beach of the Marquisats, this hotel offers a panoramic view of the bay of Annecy. The city centre is a 20-minute walk away and free parking is available. Facilities include a hammam and jacuzzi andstart at €88 per night.
Hébé Hotel
This new hotel, which opened in May 2021, is located in the centre of Annecy, a 10-minute walk from the lake. You can discover the Saint-Maurice church and the Saint-Pierre cathedral as well as the Old Town. The contemporary decoration is appreciated in the guests’ reviews.From 172 € per night.
Heritage
The town of Annecy-le-Vieux has a rich history from the Gallo-Roman period to the present day. Its remarkable location on the sunny slopes of Lake Annecy makes it very attractive. In the Middle Ages, large agricultural estates were established. Later, human activity developed and large residential areas were built.
The Abbey’s contemporary art space
Located at 15 chemin de l’Abbaye, it offers temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Admission is free. Previously, it was a large farm that was transformed into the Paccard foundry. It produced bells during the 19th century. The contemporary art space of the Abbey offered to the public from 21 May to 22 August 2021 a very beautiful exhibition of works by Shepard Fairey, known as “Obey”, an American artist from the street art scene. He has made a name for himself as a silkscreen artist, muralist and illustrator. He uses visual codes borrowed from political propaganda to advocate world peace. He made a famous poster during Barack Obama’s campaign called “Hope”.
The Romanesque bell tower
This bell tower is located opposite the town hall and was built at the beginning of the 12th century. On the base of the bell tower is a limestone block dating from the Gallo-Roman period with a Latin inscription. In the church, painted decorations dating from the 15th century have been discovered, dedicated to a group of apostles: Saint Bartholomew, Saint Paul and Saint James the Greater.
The Chapel of Our Lady of Pity
This pretty rural chapel is located on the Provins road. It was built in the 17th century and became an important place of devotion. Small in size, it was rebuilt in 1877, its bell tower is octagonal in shape and its portal is topped by a rose window.
The town hall
The Town Hall of the delegated commune of Annecy-le-Vieux is located at Plage Gabriel Fauré 74 940 Annecy-le-Vieux. It is open from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 12pm and from 1.30pm to 5.30pm and on Saturday morning from 9am to 12pm. Tel: 04 50 23 86 00.
The university campus of Annecy-le-Vieux
Located on the heights of the town, the university campus is home to the Savoie Mont-Blanc University, the IUT and an engineering school. You can consult our Higher Education file in Annecy to find details of these courses.
The libraries and MJC
Annecy-le-Vieux has two libraries and a Youth and Culture Centre:
- The Pommaries library: 13 Avenue des Pommaries.
- The Tilleuls library: 12 Allée des Tilleuls.
- The MJC des Carrés : Avenue des Carrés : Official website.
Sports facilities and clubs
If you want to practice or learn a sport, Annecy-le-Vieux is the ideal town for it. There are many clubs, fields and gymnasiums and you can practice a lot of sports: rugby, sailing, football, tennis, rowing or baseball.
More information on the sports facilities and clubs in Annecy le Vieux.
L’Ancileviennerie: a beautiful popular festival
This is the great autumn festival, previously known as the Albigny fair. Very popular, it has been organised by the Annecy-le-Vieux festival committee for 40 years. The event takes place on one of the last weekends in October. Crafts and the rural world are honoured with nearly 170 stands.
The programme for these two days is based on numerous activities:
- Concerts of traditional music with lunch and dances in the evening. A big meal will be held on Saturday evening and Sunday lunchtime with all the actors and the public.
- Musical strolls with a folkloric repertoire reminiscent of Savoyard traditions.
- Farm animals will be honoured with a parade of cows, chickens, geese, sheep, goats, pigs and horses. Sheep shearing and gardening lessons for children and cowbell ringing are also on the programme.
- Demonstrations of agricultural activities and food preparation: bread baking, wheat threshing, tasting of regional cheeses: tome, raclette and reblochon.
Practical info: In the Albigny district on Saturday from 7 pm, and on Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Meals are not free.
The festival attracts more than 20,000 spectators, it is advisable to park in the car park of the church of St. Bernadette and on the park Charles Bosson.
The market of Annecy-le-Vieux
The traditional Pommaries market is held on this street on Wednesdays from 7am to 1pm. It is essentially a food market offering local products and specialities from Haute-Savoie.
Car parks near the lake
The following free car parks are available to access the lakefront in Annecy-le-Vieux:
- Along the Albigny beach (there are spaces for campervans).
- The stadium car park, next to the tennis courts.
- Along the road to Veyrier-du-Lac (some spaces are in the blue zone).
- The underground car park near the post office in Annecy-le-Vieux.
