What to do in Annecy when it rains
Our best ideas for enjoying Annecy when it rains
Annecy generally reveals its finest features under a brilliant blue sky.
Yet, when clouds settle over the lake and the mountains vanish into the mist, the city loses none of its charm.
On the contrary, it is often the perfect opportunity to slow down and discover places you might not have taken the time to explore when the sun was shining.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate during your stay at the Best Western Plus Carlton, here are a few ideas for making the most of the "Venice of the Alps" without worrying about the rain.
Explore the Château d’Annecy, sheltered from the rain
Overlooking the Old Town for centuries, the Château d’Annecy remains one of the best cultural havens when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Once the residence of the Counts of Geneva and later the Dukes of Savoy, it now houses several exhibitions dedicated to regional history, contemporary art, and Alpine heritage.
Its vaulted rooms, diverse collections, and views over the rooftops of Annecy offer an ideal cultural interlude.
Practical information
📍 Address: Place du Château, 74000 Annecy.
📅 Opening hours: Open year-round, except Tuesdays. From October to May: 10:00 AM–12:30 PM and 2:00 PM–5:30 PM. From June to September: 10:30 AM–6:00 PM (continuous).
🎟️ Admission: from €7 (€8 in summer); reduced rate: €4
Step back in time at the Palais de l’Île
Perched on a small island in the middle of the Thiou River, the Palais de l’Île is one of the most iconic sights in Annecy.
Once a prison and courthouse, this building steeped in history now houses an exhibition space dedicated to local heritage.
It is an ideal place to visit on a rainy day, offering a deeper understanding of the history of the "Venice of the Alps" while allowing you to explore one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.
Practical Information
📍 Address: 3 Rue de l'Île, 74000 Annecy
📅 Opening Hours: Open year-round, except Tuesdays. October to May: 10:00 AM–12:30 PM and 2:00 PM–5:30 PM. June to September: 10:30 AM–6:00 PM (continuous).
🎟️ Admission: from €4 (€5 in summer); reduced rate: €2 (€2.50 in summer)
Dive into the world of animated film
Rainy days are the perfect time to step inside the Animated Film Museum and go behind the scenes of a craft that has made Annecy renowned worldwide.
Annecy is globally famous for its deep connection to animation, thanks to its celebrated International Animated Film Festival, which draws professionals and enthusiasts from across the globe every year.
The exhibition highlights the techniques, artists, and innovations that have shaped this creative realm.
Through preparatory sketches, set designs, historical artifacts, and interactive displays, you can discover how animated films are brought to life from early, artisanal techniques to contemporary productions.
A visit that is as fun as it is enriching sure to delight both adults and children alike.
Practical Information
📍 Address: 19 Rue Guillaume Fichet, 74000 Annecy
📅 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: Standard rate €9 / Reduced rate €5.50 / Free for children under 3
Take a break at the Church of Saint-François de Sales
Tucked away behind the lively facades of the Old Town lies a quieter spot, perfect for a moment of calm: the Church of Saint-François de Sales.
Beyond its understated exterior, you will find an elegant interior steeped in the city’s religious history.
The peaceful atmosphere offers a pleasant contrast to the bustle of the surrounding streets, inviting you to pause for a moment of contemplation in the heart of the historic center.
📍 Address: 1 Place Saint-François de Sales, 74000 Annecy
Stay in the heart of Annecy at the Best Western Plus Carlton
Ideally located just a stone’s throw from the Old Town and only 200 meters from the train station, the Best Western Plus Carlton puts you within minutes of major landmarks, museums, restaurants, and the charming narrow streets of the Old Town.
Settle into the comfort of our 4-star hotel in Annecy and enjoy our newly renovated rooms before heading out to explore the lake, the canals, the museums, and the delightful culinary spots throughout the city center.
Book your stay at the Best Western Plus Carlton in Annecy today.
