Annecy has a reputation: the “Venice of the Alps”, the purest lake in Europe, a picture-postcard old town. But what surprises travellers who take the time to stay there is that the destination works all year round — not just in summer. Here is a season-by-season guide to enjoying Annecy and Haute-Savoie, whether you come in July or in February.
What you can visit all year round
Whatever the season, some highlights stay open:
- The old town and the canals: the Palais de l’Île, the Pont des Amours, the arcaded streets, the markets (the old Annecy market runs several times a week).
- The lakeside: the Pâquier, the Jardins de l’Europe, a walk along the shore — magical in the sun and under the snow alike.
- Annecy castle and its exhibitions, and the villages around the lake (Talloires-Montmin, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and its castle, Duingt…).
- Savoyard food: restaurants, cheesemongers, local producers — fondue and raclette taste just as good in winter as after a summer hike.
Spring: nature waking up
From April to June, the café terraces reopen, the meadows bloom, the mid-mountain trails clear. It is an ideal season for the first hikes (the lake balconies, the Semnoz, the Roc de Chère), bike rides on the Voie Verte, and discovering the town without the big summer crowds.
Summer: the lake as a playground
From June to September it is high season: swimming at the lake beaches (Marquisats, Impérial, Petit Port in Annecy-le-Vieux, Saint-Jorioz…), paddleboarding, sailing, cruises, the lakeside loop by bike, high-altitude hikes, paragliding from the Col de la Forclaz. The town stays lively late and festivals follow one another. It is also when short-term rentals run at full capacity. To make the most of it, see our dedicated guide: things to do in Annecy in summer.
Autumn: the most beautiful light
September and October are often the favourite months of regulars: golden colours over the forests, low light on the lake, quieter trails, still-mild temperatures. An excellent time for hiking, town walks and foodie weekends — without the summer crowds.
Winter: mountains and atmosphere
In winter, Annecy keeps its charm — ice rink, Christmas markets, the town lit up — and serves as a base camp for the nearby resorts (La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, and the wider Haute-Savoie ski areas). For nature lovers, the Glières plateau and the Semnoz become cross-country skiing and snowshoeing areas. Many travellers pass through Annecy before or after the slopes.
Planning your stay in Annecy
A few pointers: book your accommodation early for summer and school holidays; plan how you will get around (bus, bike, car depending on the activities); check the seasonal opening hours of sites and lifts; and don’t hesitate to ask your host for local tips — that is often where you find the best addresses and the walks that suit your group.
If you own a property in the area, this seasonal versatility is a real asset: a well-managed rental fills up outside summer as well as in the heart of it. That is what a local concierge service such as Yes Conciergerie does — listing, check-in, hotel-grade cleaning, 24/7 management, traveller tips. Discover our full concierge service in Annecy, our Airbnb management, or estimate your property’s potential for free with our rental income estimator.
