Annecy's historical centre is steeped in history and teeming with life. Visitors enjoy strolling along the narrow streets that meander through the city and discovering its architectural masterpieces. Take your senses on a journey with the traditional markets, which are held every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday morning from 8 am to 12 pm. A sprawling antiques market is even organised on the last Saturday of every month.
Do not miss out on the opportunity of visiting the Palais de l'Isle, the Musée du Château and the Basilica of the Visitation. Foodies will find the old section of the city to be a treasure trove of excellent restaurants, and we would be only too happy to advise you accordingly.
Another of the city's headline events is held in August: the Lake Festival. This 90-minute pyrotechnic show is one of the largest fireworks displays in Europe. Accompanied by a soundtrack, the show has been held on the first weekend of every August since 1978. The festival's origins can be traced back to when the Duchy of Savoy was incorporated into France, which gave rise to the Savoie and Haute-Savoie departments.
Another key major event is the "Descente des Alpages" transhumance festival in October. The local farmers and cowherds descend on the city to present their animals, their different occupations and their culinary specialities, complete with folk dancing groups.
Other unmissable events include:
- The Annecy International Animated Film Festival: during this week-long festival, various feature films and short films are screened in Annecy. The event allows professionals and budding artists alike to share their work.
Next edition from 15 to 19 June 2020
More information:www.annecy.org
- Andilly Mediaeval Festival: journey back through the centuries as far as the Middle Ages with this larger-than-life event. Watch over 20 hours of various shows, including jousting, trick riding, birds of prey, combats, storytelling, magic, music, and much more…
With 500 performers and approximately 1,000 extras, visitors are guaranteed a completely immersive experience.
Next edition on 30-31 May and 01st of June and 06-07 June 2020.
More information: www.grandparc-andilly.com
- Father Christmas's Hamlet: meeting Father Christmas is now a reality! His hamlet can be found in the Mont Sion pass in Haute-Savoie. Children and adults alike can enjoy all the enchantment of Christmas with the magnificent illuminations, faithful reindeer, Mother Christmas, Santa's elves, and more besides.
Open all year round.
More information: www.grandparc-andilly.com
- Christmas chalets: every year throughout the month of December, a Christmas market is held in various parts of the city to remind visitors of the magic of Christmas, with a wide range of local produce and craft products.
- Wine fair: to allow visitors to discover the local wines and produce, the "Lions Club Annecy Lac" organises a wine fair every year. Wine-growers from across France come to the fair to present their best selection of regional wines and produce.
www.salondesvins.org
- Annecy Venetian Carnival: several hundreds of masked figures stroll through the streets of the old part of the city and the Champs de Mars. The parade is followed by a presentation on an amplified podium in the European Gardens.<br />
From the 06th to 08th of March 2020 from 10 am to 6 pm.
Salomon Foundation
Paccard
Annecy tourist information centre
Château d'Annecy
Château de Montrottier
Château de Menthon
Château de Thorens
