A city between lake and mountains
Annecy today is the centre of a very touristic agglomeration of more than 207 562 inhabitants. The city of Annecy has approximately 130,257 inhabitants, known as Annéciens and Annéciennes. On 1 January 2017, the communes of Annecy, Annecy-le-vieux, Cran-Gevrier, Seynod, Meythet and Pringy merged to create the new commune of Annecy.
This is the largest merger of communes in France. It is located in the department of Haute-Savoie in the south-east of France in the Rhône-Alpes region and is bordered by numerous communes, including delegated communes: Annecy Le Vieux, Cran-Gevrier, Pringy, Saint Jorioz, Meythet, Seynod.
The city of Anne cy ranks 29ᵉ nationally in the ranking of French cities and 43rd among French urban areas (between Lorient and Poitiers).
Would you like to know more and discover the history of the city of Annecy from 3100 BC to today? Discover it by following this link: history of the city of Annecy
Where to shop in Annecy?
The city centre, a pedestrian area in the shape of a cross, is ideal for shopping in Annecy in the numerous boutiques.
Shops, boutiques and hotels
There are many shops and boutiques in our town. From small craftsmen to luxury shops in Annecy, you will find everything you need. As for hotels, there is a wide choice to suit your tastes and budget.
The markets
Discover the markets of the Old Town and the local products almost every day of the week. The markets are the ideal place to find locally produced cheeses and charcuterie. You’ll get a taste of the city’s atmosphere and flavours.
- Tuesday market in Les Romains and in the old town
- Thursday market in Novel
- Friday market in the old town of Annecy
- Saturday markets in Annecy
- Sunday markets in Annecy
- Local specialities on the markets
- Places and times of the food markets
- Art markets and second-hand goods
To find out more, visit the following page: Annecy’s markets
Cultural facilities
If you would like to discover culture in Annecy, whether you go to the cinema, the museum, the library, a nightclub or a concert, this page is here to help you find out what facilities exist.
Find out more: cultural facilities in Annecy
School facilities
The Annecy agglomeration has public and private school facilities that follow the progress of pupils from nursery school to higher education. You will also find schools, colleges and high schools in Annecy. In terms of moving images, the highly reputed École des Gobelins offers training in the Annecy area.
For more information: school education in Annecy
Sports facilities
In Annecy, if you like sport, you will be delighted with the presence of numerous sports facilities that operate all year round. You can also take advantage of the associations’ structures to join a sports club.
Swimming pools in Annecy
Among the town’s sports facilities are Annecy’s three swimming pools.
- Jean Régis swimming pool at Les Fins in Annecy
- Piscine des Marquisats in Annecy
- Ile Bleue swimming pool in Seynod
To find out more about Annecy’s swimming pools, follow this link: Annecy’s swimming pools.
The Annecy ice rink
A large ice rink in Annecy allows you to learn or improve your figure skating and ice hockey skills.
For more information: the Jean Régis ice rink in Annecy
The Annecy stadium
You will find the Annecy stadium in the northern districts of the city.More info: Annecy stadium
Find accommodation in Annecy
Your holidays are approaching and you are tempted to come and spend a few days in Annecy. You won’t be disappointed. To do this, you need to think about choosing and booking your accommodation. We offer you a wide choice according to your tastes and budget.
- Hotels in Annecy
- Camping in Annecy
- Camper van parks near Annecy
- Holiday rentals in Annecy
- Holiday villages and tourist residences
- Rooms and guest houses in Annecy
- Youth hostels in Annecy
- Unusual accommodation around Annecy
Natural heritage
Lake Annecy
The lake is about 14 kilometres long and is one of the purest in the world. In addition to swimming, thanks to the many beaches, there are many sports available: diving, water skiing, boating and windsurfing.
More info: Lake Annecy
Semnoz Mountain
The Semnoz mountain extends over 16 km between Annecy, the Col de Leschaux, Alby-sur-Chéran and Saint-Jorioz. From the top of the Semnoz there is an exceptional view of the mountains of the Mont Blanc range, the Écrins massif and the Lac du Bourget at Aix les Bains.
More info: montagne du Semnoz
River Le Fier
The Fier is the largest river in Annecy. It rises in the Aravis mountain range and flows into the Rhône at Seyssel in the Ain. Swimming is possible, but not supervised. This river is also appreciated by fishermen.
More info: River Le Fier
River Le Thiou
The Thiou is a tributary of the Fier. Taking its source in the lake, it crosses the Old Town of Annecy, then the west of the city to reach Cran-Gevrier. The Thiou is the smallest river in France.
More information: river Le Thiou
Structures for the protection of the environment
FRAPNA Haute-Savoie
FRAPNA is an association for the protection and awareness of the natural heritage. It offers thematic outings to schools, day-care centres and people with disabilities in the department: river, biological corridors, gardens. Every summer, you can also find activities for groups and the general public on the Semnoz mountain pasture.
More information: www.frapna-haute-savoie.org
SEA – Société d’économie alpestre de la Haute-Savoie
The SEA works to keep alpine techniques and culture alive and evolving around the fundamental themes of pastoralism, water and the forest. The SEA organises numerous events and awareness-raising activities: congresses on water, the forest, flavours, personalised and convivial visits to mountain pastures, conferences, discovery workshops or educational trails.
More information: www.echoalp.com
Services & Administrations
Maps and plans of the city
Because it is not always easy to find your way around Annecy, nor to be sure not to miss anything to visit, find our page dedicated to tourist maps.
Parking and parking facilities
Annecy attracts a lot of people all year round, especially in the summer and at weekends. It is often difficult to find a parking space, here are our tips:
- Where to park in Annecy?
- Public paying car parks in Annecy city centre
- Free car parks in Annecy
- Park and ride facilities
- Motorbike and scooter parking in Annecy
To find out more, consult the following page: car parks in Annecy
Town Hall – Hôtel de Ville
The Annecy town hall is located between the Pâquier and the Marquisats police station: Place de l’hôtel de Ville, 74000 Annecy, Tel: 04 50 33 88 88. However, since the fire on 14 November 2019, the town hall has been closed for at least four years. You will find the new location of the municipal services on the official website of the city of Annecy.
Where to do your administrative procedures?
Even on holiday, you may need to carry out an administrative procedure: redo your identity card, a car registration document, contact the SPA if you have lost your dog.
More information: administrative procedures in Annecy
Tourist office
The Annecy tourist office is located in the Bonlieu centre (opposite the Pâquier): 1, rue Jean Jaurès, 74000 Annecy – Tel: 04.50.45.00.33.
Where to throw away your rubbish?
This question is asked by both residents and holidaymakers. What sorting should be done, for which type of bin? Where and when are the waste disposal centres?
More information: where to dispose of your waste in Annecy?
Connecting to the optical fibre in Annecy
Annecy has very high speed internet access. What areas are covered by the optical fibre? How to connect?
