Postcard from Annecy

When I first came to Annecy in April of this year, it was a coup de coeur - I fell in love right away. It was still cold and wintery in Paris, but in Annecy, the sun was shining, the flowers were blooming, and the Pâquier, the giant grass area by the lake, was covered with people picnicking in the sun. 

Le Pâquier, Annecy

Annecy is often referred to as the Venice of France because of its beautiful canals. 

It is fairly small - the center of town is filled with shops, and you can cover it easily by foot. Across the big canal is the Vieille Ville with winding cobblestone streets and bridges over the canal. This area is mainly filled with restaurants and bars. 

My favorite part of Annecy is along the lake. 

In the summer, you can rent a boat and paddle out on the clear water. 

If the weather is nice, you can spend all day by the lake, and even go swimming at the beach. 

Later, it's fun to do a picnic-style apéro on the Pâquier while the sun sets. Then go into the vieille ville for dinner and drinks. Afterwards, wander the streets in a tipsy and happy haze (the best kind of haze) and admire the charm and beauty of the town.

Yup - I'll take Annecy over Venice any day.

Practical information:

Where is Annecy? 

In the Rhône-Alpes region, not far from Geneva. It's just under two hours by train or bus from Lyon, and three and a half to four hours from Paris by TGV. A train ticket from Paris to Annecy can be as little as 30 euro with a discount card. 

When should I go to Annecy?

When the weather is nice. It will be more crowded during school vacation times, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't go then.

What should I do in Annecy?

Um, didn't I just tell you that?