Discover the history of the area
Visit the town of Annecy, known as the 'Venice of the Alps', its canals, the old town and historical churches. The most famous buildings are the Palais de l’Isle and the Basilique de la Visitation above Old Annecy with a free exhibition of bells (from mid-May onwards).
The area was also associated with the French Resistance, the British agent Odette operated locally and the story of the Plateau de Glières, where resistance fighters were based and there was a big battle is told in the Resistance Museum.
The village of Talliores on the Eastern side of the lake was built around an 11th century abbey. The most well known castles in the area were built by the Dukes of Savoy including Annecy, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Montrottier.
Great for cycling
There's a flat cycle path circumnavigating Lake Annecy and this scenic ride follows the outline of the lake with fantastic views across glistening water towards pretty villages, castles and mountain peaks. The path also goes along to Albertville on an old rail track.
Love nature
Visit the Bout de lac Nature reserve and follow the trail running through woodland, meadows and marshes, and there's even an old tower giving an elevated view. The paths in the hills around Talloires offer great intermediate hiking and a chance to discover Alpine nature at it's best. Visit the Cascade d’Angon waterfall (30mins walk above Talloires Village) and the Roc de Chère Nature Reserve
Sightseeing
It is worth going to Annecy and catching the market on Fridays. Talloires also has a local market on Thursdays (19 June to 26 Sept).
