10 Top Things to Do In Annecy and Chamonix
Annecy and Chamonix are two of the most beautiful bases in the French Alps. One sits by a turquoise lake, the other at the foot of Mont Blanc. Both offer outdoor adventures and spectacular views that make a trip memorable.
Here are ideas that go beyond a casual stroll through the old towns.
UPDATE: added 2 additional items based on reader feedback
1. Bike Around Lake Annecy
Cycling the full 42 km loop around the lake is one of the classic Alpine experiences. The path is mostly flat, with a dedicated voie verte along the western shore and a few climbs on the eastern side.
Strong riders tackle it on a regular bike, but many visitors prefer e-bikes. Going counterclockwise gets the climbs out of the way earlier.
Rental shops are easy to find in Annecy, and you can stop at lakeside villages like Talloires or Menthon-Saint-Bernard for a meal or a swim.
2. Hike the Semnoz Plateau
The Semnoz is a ridge above Annecy offering panoramic views of the lake, Mont Blanc, and the Bauges. Trails vary from short loops to half-day hikes.
You can also reach the summit by bus in summer so it’s an accessible option if you don’t have a car. In good weather, paragliders take off from the top, adding a touch of spectacle to the landscape.
3. Explore Talloires and Eat by the Water
Talloires is a peaceful village on the eastern shore of the lake. The setting is steep, with the mountains dropping right into the water. Many visitors stop at Auberge du Père Bise, a historic lakeside restaurant, for lunch with a view.
Even without a meal, the harbor and waterfront make a beautiful stop while cycling or boating around the lake.
4. Visit the Col de la Forclaz
On the south side of the lake, the Col de la Forclaz is famous for its sweeping views over Lake Annecy and as a launch point for paragliders. You can reach it by car or, in summer, by bus to nearby Doussard.
The road itself is scenic, and the viewpoint is one of the most photographed spots in the area.
5. Side Trip to Lac du Bourget and Le Revard
If you have a rental car, Lac du Bourget lies about an hour from Annecy. It is larger and less crowded than Lake Annecy.
Driving up to Le Revard offers a balcony-like view over the entire lake and the town of Aix-les-Bains.
Another option is the climb to Le Grand Colombier, a Tour de France stage finish with views stretching across the Alps and the Jura.
6. Wander Annecy’s Old Town
The old canals, pastel houses, and arcaded streets of Annecy are no secret, but they are still worth time. Early mornings are quieter, while Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays bring lively markets.
The Palais de l’Isle, shaped like a stone ship in the middle of a canal, is a good photo stop. For a quieter perspective, walk the tree-lined Paquier promenade on the lakeshore.
7. Ride the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car
At 3,842 meters above sea level, the Aiguille du Midi is as close as you can get to Mont Blanc without climbing it. A 20-minute cable car from Chamonix takes you straight into the high Alps, where glass skywalks, tunnels through the rock, and sweeping views of France, Italy, and Switzerland await. One of the most breathtaking rides in Europe
The “Step into the Void” glass box is optional, but the views from the open-air platforms are unforgettable. Tickets often sell out in high season, so booking in advance or arriving early in the day is essential.
8. Take the Brévent Cable Cars
Across the valley from Mont Blanc, the Brévent lift system gives one of the best overall views of the massif. It involves two cable cars: first to Planpraz, then up to Brévent at 2,525 meters.
Hiking trails start from both levels, including scenic ridge walks. On clear afternoons, this is one of the best places for a broad panorama of the Chamonix valley.
9. Ride the Montenvers Train to Mer de Glace
The rack railway from central Chamonix to Montenvers has been running since 1908. The ride alone offers beautiful views, but the highlight is the Mer de Glace glacier.
You can descend by gondola to the ice cave carved into the glacier, though the stair climb is long due to the glacier’s retreat.
There is also a marked trail back down to Chamonix for those who prefer to walk.
10. Hike to Lac Blanc
Reached via the Flégère gondola and then a marked trail, the hike to Lac Blanc is one of the most celebrated in the Alps. The lake reflects the Mont Blanc massif when conditions are calm, creating postcard views.
The path is about two hours each way from the lift station and can be rocky in sections, but it rewards with some of the finest alpine scenery near Chamonix.
11. Visit Megève and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Both towns lie within a short drive or train ride of Chamonix. Megève is a polished resort with cobbled streets and traditional chalets, popular with French holidaymakers.
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is quieter, known for its thermal spa that feels especially good after days of hiking. From Saint-Gervais, the Mont Blanc Express train ride into Chamonix valley is itself an attraction.
12. Relax with Local Food and Drinks
Annecy and Chamonix are both tied to Savoyard cuisine. After hiking or biking, fondue and raclette are common choices, but there are lighter options too.
Bakeries like Richard in Chamonix serve quiches and breads that make easy trail snacks. For something casual, Cool Cats in Chamonix is praised for its gourmet hot dogs, a break from heavy Alpine cheese dishes.
Final Tips
Annecy and Chamonix are connected by buses and trains, but having a car for a day lets you reach viewpoints and villages more easily.
With both lake and high-mountain landscapes so close together, you can swim, hike, and see glaciers all within a few days. The contrast is what makes combining the two areas such a satisfying trip.