A dreamy trip to Annecy in the French Alps (Plus the best place to stay in Annecy!)
If you're looking for a perfect blend of mountains + lake, spa relaxation + outdoor activities, hiking + views, plus mouthwatering cuisine, then Annecy, the most quaint town in the French Alps, is a must-visit for your family (with or without kids!). Just (25 mi) south of Geneva, Switzerland, Annecy is known as the pearl of the alps - and for good reason - it is a true treasure!
Where we Stayed: Rivage Hotel & Spa - the perfect location on Lake Annecy!
For this trip, we chose to stay not in the medieval village of Annecy, but right outside of it on the shores of the lake at the 4-star Rivage Hotel & Spa. (I booked directly through the resort’s site - be sure to choose “English” as your language - but you can also book the Rivage Hotel & Spa using Booking.com if that is easier for you!)
We loved this resort and it was a great choice for our stay in Annecy- it felt luxurious but not too fancy - there were kids but if you are a couple traveling without children - you could also find peace and quiet easily.
Plus, it had AMAZING views!
Our room had a gorgeous balcony that overlooked the main entrance and further, the lake, promenade and french alps!
There is a large on-site spa and if you stay at the hotel, you can use the hot tub, pool, sauna, cold plunge and and steam room as much as you like for free!
The indoor pool at the Rivage Hotel & Spa Annecy
Breakfast at the Rivage Hotel & Spa Annecy
There is an AMAZING breakfast buffet included with your stay - and this buffet was extensive! You could easily make it your breakfast AND lunch for the day.
Our room had a balcony, and I believe almost all rooms do have a balcony as well overlooking the beautiful lake.
The hotel's proximity on Lake Annecy (Lac d'Annecy) meant we could easily enjoy lakeside activities right at our doorstep. In the summer, Plage d'Albigny Beach is super popular, and you can rent boats and kayaks and other water sports equipment to enjoy the lake.
There is also a huge bike path that runs along the entire lake - perfect for renting bicycles or going for a run!
You can definitely walk from the hotel to the old town - its about a 20-30 minute stroll (depending on how fast you walk!) - and the path to get there is stroller friendly! (though once you get to the town, I’d ditch the stroller and use a baby carrier on all the cobblestone streets!).
Hiking Adventure to Cascade d'Angon (Angon Waterfall)
One of the highlights of our trip was the hike to the magnificent Angon waterfall (Cascade d'Angon). This 60-meter high waterfall was so fun to hike to - but there are many ways to get to it, with some trails not being difficult to hike at all, making it perfect for families with kids!
Cascade d’Angon (Angon Waterfall)
You can see that you get to hike BEHIND the watefall - which is so fun and thrilling for kids!
We started our journey from the village of Vérel ( you will need a car to get here!), and found the path to be well-marked. Kids will be thrilled by the cliffside walk, which offered breathtaking views of Lake Annecy. NOTE - this hike is NOT stroller friendly - it is a true hike with rocky sections and exposed branches.
Once you get to the waterfall itself - it is the most amazing thing. You get to walk BEHIND the waterfall - making you feel like you are IN it! The cool mist provides a refreshing break but be cautious - the rocks can be VERY slippery.
Also note that some sections are very steep - there is a steel cable you can hold on to if needed to help you with grip and balance!
Where to Eat in Annecy when hiking the Cascade d’Angon? Chalet La Pricaz and Le Balcon du Lac!
After the awesome hike, we looked on the map and found two amazing outdoor restaurants nearby that looked really popular (LOVE to use Google Maps to find these places!). Chalet La Pricaz and Le Balcon du Lac
Chalet La Pricaz has both indoor and outdoor seating, with a large, ample terrace that is open well into November, weather-permitting! Chalet La Pricaz is a bit more traditional, with a wooden chalet and red checkered tablecloths.
is a bit more modern, with a steel balcony, modern music playing, and more of a “hip” feel to it - but still serves some traditional alpine dishes as well as modern takes on french classics!
These two spots are located right next to each other high up in the hills above the lake - in fact, we loved the views and area SO MUCH - we came back after doing Le Balcon du Lac the first day and did Chalet La Pricaz the second afternoon! You will find they get VERY crowded on the weekends- so come early or be prepared to wait!
(If you do have to wait, fear not - there is a very cute little tourist shop you can pop into and browse while you wait for a table, plus you can watch all the paragliders floating over the lake!)
Tourists and locals alike come here on beautiful, sunny days pre and post hike to enjoy raclette, fondue, and other great food while watching paragliders float from the mountains above down toward the lake. There are many hiking trails that depart from this area, plus ample parking up and down the road leading to the restaurants - just be prepared that the road is STEEP.
You can watch the paragliders from any of these restaurant spots but if you want to do it yourself the best place to go is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Also known for the best skiing! It is only a little over an hour away and one of the most beautiful places. We recommend you book paragliding through Get your Guide. They have all the best options for activities and things to do when traveling.
Sitting outside with the French Alps as our backdrop, we treid the rich, creamy fondue - a true Savoyard specialty (but tourists are the only ones eating it in any season that is NOT winter!). We had wine and relaxed and felt the sunshine on our faces - It was TRULY magical!
What to Know About Visiting Old-Town Annecy with Kids
Annecy, often called the "Venice of the Alps" (because it is a medieval town built over a series of canals) - is such a great destination for families with SO many activities.
Old Town Annecy
You can see the original medieval city walls (the archway there with the clock on it was part of that original wall!)
The town itself is so quaint and a feast for the eyes - so much to see and take in as you wander the cobblestone streets and stare at the ancient buildings and alleyways.
You will walk everywhere - so if you have young kids, come prepared with a baby carrier as strollers would be tough with all the cobblestoned, bumpy streets, narrow passageways and bridges.
We spent a lot of time exploring the charming old town with its colorful houses and picturesque canals, plus perusing the shops for trinkets and souveniours. Kids will love feeding the swans at the Pont des Amours and visiting the fascinating Château d'Annecy.
The town of Annecy is the perfect place to spend a sunny day strolling around, walking along the canal-lined streets, with flower boxes everywhere!
You can also rent bikes and cycle around the crystal-clear Lake Annecy, stopping at various beaches for picnics and swims. The lake's turquoise waters are simply gorgeous, and the bike paths are flat, easy, and safe for kids of all ages to navigate.
Best Tips for Families Visiting Annecy in the French Alps
Book your stay at Rivage Hotel & Spa in advance, especially during peak seasons.
For the Angon waterfall hike, wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
Try to visit Annecy's markets to sample local produce and handicrafts.
Consider renting e-bikes for an easier ride around the lake if you have younger children.
The main town is very flat, but just outside of the town can get very hilly! Be prepared
Annecy truly offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and amazing food for families and couples alike!
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