Luxury Villas in Lake Annecy

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Annecy Villa Holiday

Cradled by glistening blue waters and laced with the canals of the River Thiou, Annecy has truly earned its name as the Venice of the Alps. Draped in alpine charm, this lakeside gem shifts effortlessly with the seasons – radiant in the summer sun, magic under a dusting of snow – and all just an hour from Geneva.

Whether you’re most you in the great outdoors or chasing the thrill of an alpine adventure, Annecy delivers in every direction. Glide across the lake, wander cobbled streets framed by pastel façades, or simply pause by the water where peace flows as naturally as the rivers that shape the city.

Must do

Annecy’s highlights are as varied as its seasons. Climb up to the Musée-Château d’Annecy for sweeping views and a glimpse into the city’s past, or visit the Palais de l’Île, the postcard-perfect landmark set on the river. Culture lovers can time their trip with the International Animation Film Festival, while nature seekers should head just outside town to the dramatic Gorges du Fier for a walk along its towering boardwalks.

Annecy Travel Guide

Why stay with us?

Our handpicked homes capture the charm of Annecy with all the very best of luxurious living. Curated by our destination experts, each villa is equipped with thoughtful amenities to make your stay seamless and restorative. A true home from home, where you can return after a day on the water or in the mountains to relax and savour every moment.

For those extra special stays, our concierge team is on hand to help with any finishing touches. From booking boat trips across Lake Annecy to securing tables at the finest restaurants, they’re ready with insider recommendations to make your Annecy escape unforgettable.

Why visit Annecy?

Framed by turquoise waters and towering green peaks, Lake Annecy is the meeting point of the Mediterranean and the Alps. On warm evenings, the Jardins de l’Europe come alive with picnics, games, and sunbathers stretching out beneath the trees, while the lake hums with activity. Paddleboards, pedalos, kayaks, and boats can all be hired by the hour, and for those chasing a thrill, waterskiing and sailing lessons promise an extra shot of adrenaline.

Annecy is made for families as much as adventurers. The city’s walkable streets mean outdoor fun and cultural gems are always within reach – whether you’re climbing castle steps, cruising the lake, or exploring cobbled alleyways in the Old Town.

What Oliver Loves

Annecy’s greatest draw is its versatility. In summer, Lake Annecy shimmers with activity as swimmers drift in crystal waters, paddleboarders trace the shoreline, and hikers and paragliders head for the surrounding peaks. Come winter, the Old Town transforms into a buzzing festive hub. In markets, stalls serve Alpine specialties as the scent of Haute-Savoie delicacies fill the air. Skiers are well placed too, with La Clusaz just 40 minutes away and Morzine under an hour – making Annecy as much a getaway to the mountains as a destination in its own right.

Annecy by bike

Few places embrace cycling quite like Annecy. From Lycra-clad climbers tackling Alpine ascents to families cruising the lakeside, the city has routes for every rider. The Voie Verte Loop is the crown jewel – a 43km car-free trail around the lake, mostly flat and effortlessly scenic. Riding it in one go takes around three hours, so make breaking for an ice cream (or two) along the way part of the experience.

Top tip

No wheels? No problem. Bike rental shops are dotted across the city, offering everything from e-bikes to road bikes, so you can take Annecy at your own pace.

Food and drink

Local Haute-Savoie delicacies showcase the best of mountain flavours – from rich cured meats and fragrant alpine cheeses to buttery pastries and, of course, world-class wine. Annecy’s dining scene celebrates this heritage, with bustling markets, rustic mountain inns, and refined lakeside restaurants serving up dishes that honour tradition while embracing modern flair.

Don’t miss:

Tartiflette – regional royalty, this hearty dish brings together potatoes, onions, lardons, and a generous helping of creamy Reblochon cheese. Utterly moreish.
Fondue Savoyarde – a convivial classic, made with a blend of local cheeses and white wine, perfect for sharing after a day outdoors.
Diots de Savoie – smoky mountain sausages often served with polenta or slow-cooked in white wine.
Pastries and sweets – from buttery croissants to gâteau de Savoie, a light sponge cake that has been a regional favourite for centuries.

And then there’s the wine. The surrounding slopes of Savoie produce crisp whites such as Jacquère and Roussette, perfect companions to cheese-based dishes, alongside lighter reds like Mondeuse. Sip them in a cosy bistro, pair them with a lakeside meal, or pick up a bottle from a local market to savour back at your luxury villa.

Top Tips

Chambéry Airport offers seasonal flights, but its high Alpine setting means winter weather can sometimes cause delays – keep this in mind if you’re flying in the colder months.
Thinking about a road trip? Driving to Annecy is wonderfully scenic, and having a car once you arrive makes it easier to explore neighbouring villages and mountains. Local buses run, but services can be limited and timetables a little unpredictable.

Annecy travel: Getting there and around

Annecy sits in the Haute-Savoie region of eastern France, nestled between the Alps and Lake Annecy, and is well connected by road, rail, and air. Just 40 minutes from Geneva and under two hours from Lyon, it’s easy to reach whether you’re flying, driving, or taking the train.

By air

The closest airport is Geneva International Airport (about 45km away), with frequent flights from across Europe and beyond. From there, Annecy is around 45 minutes by car or shuttle transfer. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is another good option, just under two hours away.

By train

Annecy has its own SNCF station with regular services from Geneva, Lyon, and Paris (the TGV from Paris takes just under four hours). Trains are comfortable and reliable, making this a convenient option if you’d rather not hire a car.

By car

Driving gives you the most freedom to explore the surrounding Alps and lakeside villages. Major motorways connect Annecy to Lyon, Geneva, and Paris. Parking in the city can be busy in summer, but there are plenty of underground and surface car parks. Out by the lake or in the villages, parking is generally straightforward.

By Bike

Annecy is famously cycle friendly. The Voie Verte is a car-free loop circling the lake, and bike rentals are available all over town, from e-bikes to road bikes. It’s one of the best ways to soak up the scenery at your own pace.

On foot

The city centre and Old Town are compact and walkable, with cobbled streets, canal-side paths, and lakeside promenades that invite slow exploration. For day trips, marked hiking trails lead from town into the mountains, giving you plenty of reason to lace up your boots.

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