Annecy at a glance
Annecy is a small French city at the northern tip of Lake Annecy, surrounded by mountains, less than an hour from Geneva. Its old town, crossed by canals and the river Thiou, with arcaded streets, flower-decked bridges and pastel façades, is one of the most charming in the Alps. The lake, known for the clarity of its water, is lined with beaches, villages and walking and cycling paths.
For Geneva Transfer Booking, Annecy is a frequent destination from Geneva Airport: for a stay in the city, a day trip, a wedding by the lake, a business meeting or a stop on the way to the ski resorts of the Aravis.
A short history
Annecy grew around its castle, the residence of the Counts of Geneva in the Middle Ages, and later of the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours. In the 16th century, after the Reformation took hold in Geneva, the Catholic bishop of Geneva moved his seat to Annecy, and the city became a religious centre, associated with Saint Francis de Sales. Annecy, like the rest of Savoy, became French in 1860. Today it is a lively city, home to an international animation film festival and to many outdoor sports.
When to come
Summer is the high season, with swimming in the lake, boat trips, cycling around the shores and the great Fête du Lac fireworks in early August. June brings the International Animation Film Festival. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking in the old town and around the lake without the crowds. In winter, Annecy is a quiet base close to the ski resorts of La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand and the Semnoz, and its Christmas market lights up the old town.
From Geneva Airport to Annecy: the route
The trip covers about 45 kilometres. Google calculates about forty-five minutes without traffic. The route crosses the border south of Geneva and follows the motorway through the Genevois countryside to Annecy. At rush hour and on summer weekends, traffic at the entrance to the city and along the lake can be heavy.
The border and formalities
Annecy is in France. The car crosses the border between Switzerland and France on the way. Both countries are in the Schengen area: there is usually no passport check, but customs controls are possible. Each passenger must carry a valid passport or identity card.
Arriving in the old town
Much of the old town is pedestrian. Your chauffeur drops you as close as possible to your hotel or meeting point, and helps you with the luggage. Some hotels on the lake shore, such as those in Talloires or Veyrier-du-Lac, are reached directly by road.
What to see in Annecy
- The Palais de l'Isle, a former prison on an island in the Thiou, the symbol of the city.
- The old town, its canals, arcades and markets.
- The Château d'Annecy, which houses a museum overlooking the roofs.
- The Jardins de l'Europe and the Pont des Amours on the lake shore.
- A boat trip on the lake, stopping at Talloires and other villages.
- The Semnoz, a mountain above the city with views of Mont Blanc.
At the table
Annecy's restaurants serve Savoyard cuisine, with Reblochon, made in the nearby Aravis, tartiflette, fondue and lake fish such as féra and perch. The markets of the old town are full of local cheeses, cured meats and fruit. Savoie wines accompany the meals.
Advice by type of traveller
Day visitors. An hourly booking lets you visit the old town, take a boat trip and return to Geneva in the evening.
Wedding guests. The lake shore has many wedding venues; we organise shuttles from the hotels.
Business travellers. Annecy is home to many companies; a chauffeur from Geneva Airport lets you work on the way.
Skiers. Annecy is on the way to La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand; a stop for lunch is easy.
Vehicles
A Mercedes E-Class suits one to three passengers; the S-Class offers the most comfort; the V-Class takes up to six or seven passengers with luggage. For larger groups, the Sprinter is available on request.
Booking
The prices on this page are calculated by our booking engine for a one-way trip from Geneva Airport to Annecy. Book online to see the exact price for your address. Book the return at the same time and the booking engine applies a 10% reduction to the round trip.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the transfer from Geneva Airport to Annecy?
About forty-five minutes for about 45 kilometres without traffic.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, carry a passport or identity card: Annecy is in France.
Can the car drive into the old town?
Much of it is pedestrian. Your chauffeur drops you as close as possible.
Can we visit Annecy in a day from Geneva?
Yes. An hourly booking keeps the car and chauffeur available for the day.
When is the Fête du Lac?
Usually in early August. Book early for that weekend.
