Have you ever dreamed of a place where sparkling turquoise waters meet charming medieval streets, where the air is filled with the scent of fresh pastries and cool summer breezes?
I found just such a place in Annecy, France on an August trip. From breathtaking lakeside views to Michelin-starred dining and Europe's most spectacular summer fireworks display, Annecy is a destination that will capture your heart.
Join me as I share my unforgettable trip which my husband and I undertook to celebrate a milestone birthday. Discover why you need to add Annecy to your summer travel wishlist, especially if you have a special occasion to celebrate like we did!
Arrival and Lakeside Views
My trip started with a flight into Lyon, followed by a scenic drive to Annecy with a 2 night stopover in Beaune. I picked up a Hertz rental car at the Lyon airport, which cost approximately 600 € for a 5 day rental and included a free additional driver—a great perk for longer drives!
We stayed at the Rivage Hôtel & Spa Annecy (395 € per night for double Prestige room with a balcony). The views of Lake Annecy were absolutely breathtaking, with the sun sparkling on the crystal clear water and the sound of birds chirping in the trees along the shore.
The hotel was about a 30-minute walk along the lake to the town center, which was perfect for taking in the scenery and getting some exercise.
Exploring Annecy
Annecy is such a charming town to explore on foot. The half-timbered buildings and colorful flower-lined canals that snake through the town from the lake are super picturesque.
I especially loved getting lost in the narrow cobbled streets and photographing the historic French doors, which were often framed by vibrant flower boxes overflowing with color.
On one of my morning walks, I stopped at Boulangerie Patisserie Pan & Gato for a flaky pastry stick. I enjoyed my treat by the crystal clear waters of the lake.
On another morning, we picked up a couple of elegant cakes from the same patisserie and enjoyed them at a park bench overlooking the lake near the hotel.
Make time for a walk around the grounds of Impérial Palace, where the architecture is striking, and you might even spot some mergansers diving for fish in the lake.
For a bit of exercise and a great view, I highly recommend a hike up to Musée-Château d'Annecy. The restored Medieval castle is a fascinating backdrop for various exhibits, and the views from the top are simply unforgettable.
A Michelin Star Birthday Lunch
To celebrate my big milestone birthday, I booked a special Michelin-starred lunch at Vincent Favre-Félix. The experience began with champagne in the sculpture garden and a trio of delicate snacks.
We were seated by a window and served crusty bread with rosemary olive oil and seasoned butter. The 10-course AUDACE tasting menu, which cost 175 € per person not including wine pairings. Of course, we did opt for the wine pairing for an additional charge. Our expansive lunch was interactive and fun!
We even got to smoke our own fish before it was served. It was such a special treat, and they made me feel extra special with a fruit-forward dessert made with apricots and a happy birthday message on the plate. This is definitely a splurge-worthy experience fitting for a special occasion! You only live once after all.
The Fête du Lac Fireworks
The highlight of the trip was definitely the Fête du Lac, which is the largest summer fireworks display in Europe. The show was themed around musicals and featured a mesmerizing 70-minute display of fireworks and drones over Lake Annecy.
The show was accompanied by a soundtrack of some of the best musicals from Broadway, the West End, and beyond. We secured seats in the Tribune Rouge grandstands, which cost 37 € per person for a great view. We downloaded the soundtrack onto our phones but didn't need it in the end since we could hear just fine from the speaker close to our seats.
The show was absolutely magical, with lights reflecting off the water and creating a truly unforgettable experience. Note that no large umbrellas, selfie poles or big bags are allowed at the fireworks event, but snacks and plastic bottles are okay. Tickets for the fireworks can range from 6.5 € to 50 € depending on the seating category.
Dining and Evening Fun
For a casual dinner option in Annecy, the Bora Bora restaurant near our hotel was a solid choice, especially on the day of arrival when we were tired from the drive.
For a fun night, Rivage Hôtel sometimes has live music at the lobby bar. There are some lakeside bars like TIKI au bord de l'eau that also offer a lake view for sunset.
Final Thoughts
My 3 night stay in Annecy was nothing short of amazing, a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and celebration! From exploring the charming town to enjoying fine dining and witnessing the spectacular fireworks, Annecy truly has something for everyone.
If you're planning a summer trip to Europe, I highly recommend adding Annecy to your list.
Where to Next?
- What's It Like to Go from Geneva to Lausanne to Montreux in a Weekend?
- 34 of the Best Things to do in Lyon for a Weekend or a Week
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