Annecy is completely situated within the coronary heart of the Savoy area – you’ll be able to simply use it as a base to discover plenty of fabulous locations. Listed below are a number of the greatest day journeys you’ll be able to take if you would like to flee for a day.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Annecy, considered one of France’s prettiest cities: its pure surroundings is breathtaking, from the Alps that encompass it, to the canals that circulation by means of it, to the lake alongside its edge.
As for the city itself, the cobblestones and pastel-colored homes will make you wish to whip out your digital camera each different minute. In summer season, the city overflows with flowers whereas in winter, the aroma of melting cheese wafts by means of the traditional arcades.
I get that – it is arduous to depart.
However in case you’d wish to wander additional afield, listed here are 17 fabulous day journeys you’ll be able to take from right here, whether or not you will have a automobile or not.
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The issue with journey to a overseas nation if you do not have a information is commonly transportation – how do you get from right here to there?
Leaving Annecy, even for the day, requires both utilizing public transportation, or driving a automobile. Listed below are choices for each.
Day journeys from Annecy by practice or bus
If you do not have a automobile and do not plan to lease one, you may should depend on public transportation – however irrespective of, there’s lots you’ll be able to see with no automobile.
The next are day journeys (wherever from 40min to 2hrs every method) you’ll be able to take from Annecy by practice or bus. That mentioned, in fact in case you have a automobile, you’ll be able to take these too!
For those who’re taking a day journey from Annecy by bus, the station (Gare Routière) is situated proper subsequent to the practice station, which is within the middle of city. You’ll be able to guide your trains and buses right here.
1. Evian-les-Bains, the water’s supply
Evian, seen from the mountain behind it ©OffbeatFranceÉvian-les-Bains, on the southern shores of Lake Geneva, is a pleasant city with Belle Époque overtones. Within the late Nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, it was a high-society spa city, and a number of other of that interval’s buildings nonetheless stand.
Its mineral waters (it’s the supply of Evian water, in any case) made it well-known and proceed to attract guests, together with its structure, its historic on line casino, and its unbeatable lakeside grandeur.
By practice and bus: ~2hrs (you could have to modify from a practice to a bus, or change trains)
2. Aix-les-Bains, lakeside grandeur
Not solely is town beautiful, however you’ll be able to benefit from the Lac du Bourget only a brief hop from downtown ©OffbeatFranceOne of the charming locations to go to close to Annecy is the city of Aix-les-Bains, a remnant of the Belle Epoque, with buildings that have not been retouched since Queen Victoria swung by.
A day right here often facilities on the lake, smaller than Annecy but in addition far much less crowded.
Have lunch alongside the marina, after which sail on the Lac du Bourget, by means of the stunning Canal de Savière to the tiny village of Chanaz or throughout the lake to Hautecombe Abbey, the resting place of the Counts of Savoy.
For those who nonetheless have time, take a stroll alongside the city’s quiet avenues to imbibe a few of that Nineteenth-century environment.
By practice: 40 minutes
3. Chambéry, capital of Savoy
The Outdated City of Chambéry is not big but it surely does have an Italian really feel to it – do not forget that Savoy, Turin and Piedmont spent six centuries united below the Home of Savoy ©OffbeatFranceChambéry is the historic capital of the Duchy of Savoy, which belonged to the Home of Savoy, a ruling dynasty that later turned the royal household of Italy. This, maybe, accounts for the city’s distinctive Italianate really feel. You’ll be able to relive a few of this historical past whenever you go to the Château des Ducs de Savoie.
The remainder of your go to could be spent exploring the Outdated City and visiting such odd landmarks because the Elephant Fountain,
It is an ideal day journey, with good meals and lots to see.
By practice: below an hour.
4. Lyon, France’s 2nd (or third) metropolis
There’s a lot to see in Lyon – the one method I may convey a part of its vastness is with this shot from Fourvière Hill ©OffbeatFranceLyon is a bit far for the day however should you’re eager on a giant metropolis vibe, it is definitely worth the journey. The town competes with Marseille for the rank of France’s second metropolis after Paris, however second or third, this gorgeous city is unquestionably price a go to.
With its hidden tunnels and fabulous murals, Lyon will maintain you busy, and its popularity as France’s gastronomic capital is nicely deserved.
By practice from Annecy to Lyon: ~2hrs
5. Geneva, over the border
The association of Geneva’s iconic flower clock modifications 5 instances a yr: as soon as per season aside from spring, when it modifications twiceSwitzerland is simply over the French border and Geneva is residence to main worldwide establishments, together with the United Nations (guide a tour) and the Crimson Cross (go to the museum).
Its compact previous city options the Twelfth-century St. Pierre Cathedral and the Reformation Wall, whereas the Jet d’Eau water spout and the flower clock stay its most iconic landmarks. The most effective factor to do in Geneva? Stroll alongside its superb lake.
By bus from Annecy to Geneva: ~1hr 45min
6. Grenoble, coronary heart of the Résistance
Referred to as the “bubbles” these small gondolas ply the mountain above Grenoble to the Fort de la Bastille, very a lot price visiting ©OffbeatFranceGrenoble is a college metropolis with loads of historical past, identified for its function within the French Resistance, but in addition for its cutting-edge science sector.
Journey the “bubble” gondolas as much as the Bastille fortress and benefit from the view of the Alps which ring town. Stroll across the previous city, or go to a number of of its main museums, together with the Musée de Grenoble and the Resistance Museum.
By practice: 1hr 45min
Day journeys from Annecy should you’re driving
Driving in France could be both a nightmare or an actual pleasure, relying on the place you drive.
The nightmare, not less than for me, is driving in cities. Visitors is commonly heavy, parking is scarce and costly (and infrequently tiny), and metropolis drivers are inclined to ignore the foundations as a result of they’re acquainted with their routes and know simply what they’ll get away with. If I resolve to drive to a metropolis, I often park on the outskirts and take public transportation into city.
The enjoyment of driving could be discovered within the countryside. Our autoroutes are clear and nicely maintained, and our rural roads are sometimes so lovely you do not want a vacation spot – do what I do and simply get on the market and drive.
Simply be sure to’re acquainted with our (typically unusual) guidelines!
DO YOU PLAN ON RENTING A CAR IN FRANCE?
It may be a beautiful expertise, particularly on picturesque nation roads. My full article on renting a automobile in France makes positive you do not overlook something whenever you lease.
France additionally has just a few very unusual driving guidelines. This wonderful on-line driving course (I’ve taken it myself) exhibits you our quirks and the way to drive with confidence when the foundations and indicators do not appear to make sense.
7. Drive round Annecy Lake
The sweetness that’s Lake Annecy. You may as well cycle across the total lake…The most effective day journeys from Annecy is unquestionably a visit across the lake, probably the most lovely drives you may expertise, particularly should you cease alongside the best way to discover a number of the lakeside villages or veer off the highway and up into the mountains. Simply head in the direction of the lake (it is in all places in Annecy) and comply with the shore all the best way round, stopping at villages alongside the best way.
Drive: round half a day, together with stops alongside the best way.
8. Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Sleeping Magnificence citadel
The château, seen from a distance Florian Pépellin CC BY-SA 3.0 by way of Wikimedia CommonsDrive as much as the fairytale Château de Menthon, mentioned to have impressed Walt Disney’s Sleeping Magnificence citadel (thoughts you, loads of castles boast they have been the inspiration!) The view over the lake is breathtaking, and the citadel has been occupied by the Menthon household for 1000 years.
Drive: ~quarter-hour. Here is the map.
9. Talloires, well-known with artists
From Talloires, overlooking Lake Annecy, with town on the opposite shore Serge Laurent, CC BY-SA 3.0 by way of Wikimedia CommonsThis is without doubt one of the loveliest stops on the lake, a picture-postcard village with a backdrop of cliffs and forest.
Cease for a lakeside lunch or go to the Abbaye de Talloires, a Benedictine abbey-turned-hotel the place everybody from Paul Cézanne to Mark Twain stayed (to not point out Napoleon III and his spouse, Empress Eugénie). It additionally occurs to be residence to a wonderful gastronomic restaurant…
Drive: ~20 minutes, relying on visitors. Here is the map.
10. Col de la Forclaz, for some pleasure
That is the summer season view of Lake Annecy from the restaurant ©OffbeatFranceThis occurs to be considered one of my favorites! I do not paraglide however I do love watching folks run to the sting of the mountain and leap off. Guide your leap right here.
And when that will get a bit boring, if I have not introduced a picnic with me, I stroll down the hill to the terrace of the Balcon de la Forclaz restaurant, for lunch or simply dessert – and an unbeatable panoramic view throughout Lake Annecy.
Drive: half-hour. Here is the map.
11. Le Semnoz, on Annecy’s doorstep
A winter view of the Semnoz ©semnoz.frTake a drive up into the Bauges mountains for cooler air and sweeping alpine views. On the summit, get pleasure from a straightforward hike in summer season or ski in winter, or just sip espresso with snow-capped mountains within the distance.
Drive: ~quarter-hour. Here is the map.
12. Duingt, tiny and excellent
Duingt is a lesser-known jewel with a medieval château rising from a non-public peninsula — you’ll be able to’t go to it, however the stroll alongside the water and thru the previous village is definitely worth the detour. The views are breathtaking, and you’ll see Talloires proper throughout the lake.
This is without doubt one of the lake’s smallest villages, and is a pleasant place for a meal or to spend the evening, should you’re taking your time across the lake.
Drive: 20 minutes. Here is the map.
13. Gorges du Fier, gorgeous nature
This can be a welcome stroll on a scorching day – and it is not as scary because it appears! Picture by Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0 by way of Wikimedia CommonsThis slim gorge presents a dramatic walkway suspended above swirling waters — a surprisingly straightforward stroll and completely photogenic.
Drive: 20 minutes. Here is the map.
14. Le Grand Bornand, an Alpine paradise
View of Le Grand Bornand by Anthospace by way of CC BY-SA 3.0Le Grand-Bornand is ideal in order for you a day within the mountains, in summer season or winter. In summer season, you’ll be able to hike and cycle among the many paths or the well-preserved wood chalets, and catch one of many Wednesday morning village markets.
This conventional Alpine village within the Aravis mountains is called a farming space and produces Reblochon, the native cheese we eat so typically in winter.
Drive: ~45min. Here is the map.
15. Chamonix, celeb hangout
Chamonix, the proper alpine cityDay journeys from Annecy to Chamonix are among the many hottest – you’ll be able to search for and see the Mont-Blanc from practically in all places.
From summer season climbing to winter snowboarding, this world-class resort presents mountains for everybody.
Past the mountains, this (typically celebrity-studded) city is crammed with allure. Cobbled streets lined with interval façades open onto vigorous squares alongside the fast-flowing Arve River, and quite a lot of cafés, boutiques and eating places give it a cosmopolitan vibe.
For those who’re making a day of it and wish to see one of many world’s most extraordinary vistas, take a gondola trip up the Aiguille du Midi for a full panorama of the Alps – the truth is, you possibly can maintain going all the best way to Italy.
Driving: ~1hr15. Here is the map.
16. Les Jardins Secrets and techniques, there’s nothing like them
The title interprets to “Secret Gardens”, and that is precisely what these are. Hidden away behind a wall, this lush patch of explosive shade is an island of freshness in the summertime solar, a kaleidoscope of gardens and inside areas that’s arduous to elucidate however straightforward to expertise – no marvel it is on the record of France’s Exceptional Gardens (record in French). They’ve even added just a few rooms for in a single day company… Simply attempt to get there early, earlier than the crowds.
Drive: 30 min. Here is the map.
17. Yvoire, valuable and flowered
The right little village of Yvoire is a stunning place for lunch (dinner after the crowds is even higher) and simply occurs to be on the record of the most lovely villages of France. For those who love flowers hanging out of home windows, you’ll be able to’t go improper right here. Subsequent to Yvoire, lower than 10 minutes’ stroll, is the village of Nernier, not as touristy as Yvoire and which may give you an concept of what Yvoire was like earlier than it was “found”.
Drive: ~1hr15. Here is the map.
Earlier than you go…
A day journey from Annecy (or two or three) ought to maintain you busy, however what in case you have extra time? You’ll be able to do this five-day Lake Geneva and the Alps highway journey itinerary which takes in a number of of those locations in depth, with loads of time for stops.
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