Stay
Annecy, Talloires, or anywhere around Lake Annecy, just stay somewhere pretty and near a bus stop or bikes. You only really need one day in Old Town, so don’t stress about being walking-distance to the canals.
Transportation
Annecy is super easy to reach, you can take a 45-minute bus or car ride from Geneva (buses are ~€5–€10), or hop on the train from Paris (~3.5 hours, ~€50). Both are smooth and scenic.
Day 1 – Explore Old Town & Bike the Lakeside
Stay: Annecy / Talloires / Surrounding lakeside villages
Morning
- 🚴♀️ Rent e-bikes (book through your hotel if possible, but book early!)
- Ride along the lake through Talloires & Saint-Bernard-de-Menthon
- Postcard views, little harbors, mountain peaks everywhere.
Lunch
- 🥖 Grab a sandwich at La Fermette (trust me, order the “rocket” sandwich)
- Picnic by the lake 🌿
Afternoon
- Stroll Old Town Annecy
- Canals, pastel houses, cafés, gelato stops
- Relax at the lake or spa
Dinner
- Local French bistro in town
Day 2 – Mountains & Hikes
Morning
🥾 Hike options (pick based on energy level):
Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard + church viewpoint
Cascade d’Angon (not stroller-friendly but beautiful)
Any well-marked lake trail, you can’t go wrong
Lunch
- Local boulangerie or lakeside café
Afternoon
- Spa / lake swim / relax time
- Shopping back in Old Town Annecy
Dinner
Day 3 – Lake Day & Talloires Dinner
Morning
- ⛵ Get on the water: rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard
(My only regret: not doing TWO lake days.)
Lunch
- Light bite, bring sandwiches on the boat, or picnic on the lake
Afternoon
- Explore Talloires, it’s tiny, chic, and so romantic
Dinner
- Book dinner in Talloires for sunset, there is another Michelin restaurant (The Restaurant of Jean Sulpice)
- I ate at Restaurant La Savoyarde, it was delicious and won’t break the bank
Tips
- Book e-bikes early (hotel bikes go fast)
- Lake route = better views | Mountain route = safer bike lane
Bring a swimsuit everywhere, the lake will tempt you
Smart Splurges & Saves
💎 Splurge: beautiful hotel, boat day, spa
🥖 Save: sandwiches, bakeries, public buses between towns
Annecy has Michelin stars galore, go for it if you’re a foodie.
If not? Picnic!
Read the full Annecy guide for extra tips, restaurant notes, and what I'd do differently. 👇
