Car Hire Annecy - Mini guide to Annecy

Located 35kms south of Geneva, at the foot of the French Alps, is the resort town of Annecy. The region’s capital makes a great location for exploring the Haute-Savoie, and has some glorious views of the area’s mountains and lakes. It’s also a busy urban centre that becomes especially crowded in the summer months.

Not far from the centre is Château de Montrottier, a 13th century citadel with a great view of Mont Blanc. During summer evenings a delightful carillion concert is performed on the church bells and can be best enjoyed sipping champagne on the grassy hillside and gazing at the breathtaking alpine views. Inside there is a small museum home to tapestries, pottery and armour.

On Place du Chateau 74000 is the Musée Château d'Annecy. The museum contains regional artifacts that include alpine furniture, religious art, oil paintings, and modern works.

Annecy has very lively town centre with everything from bars, cafes, street dances, fairs, and even carnivals. Alternatively, you could spend a night at the Théâtre d'Annecy, 1 Rue Jean-Jaurès. Casino de l'Impérial, 32 Av. d'Albigny, might interest those seeking more excitement.

The Auberge de l'Eridan is famous throughout France for owner Marc Veyrat-Durebex's unique cuisine; this paragon of restaurants occupies a Savoyard château at the edge of a lake in the village of Veyrier-du-Lac, about 1.5kms from Annecy.

One of the chief summer attractions of this popular holiday town is the lake, and bathing and boating are popular. There are numerous picnic spots, campsites and walking trails to seek out.

Because of the city’s location, is it possible to venture further out into the countryside, and you’ll be met by a host of wonderful views. Head out on your own, or arrange a tour from the town. One popular day trip is to catch the train through the Alps to Chamonix.

There’s a small airport nearby in the hamlet of Meythet; it receives flights from Paris on Air Lib. If you’re coming by car, Annecy is close to a few highways. From Paris, take A6 southeast to Beaune, connect with A6/N6 south to Mâcon-Nord. Then follow A40 southeast to Seyssel, connecting with N508 going southeast to Annecy. There is an efficient train service and a bus service from Geneva, Grenoble, Lyon, and Paris.