As Venice grapples with overtourism and a new tourism tax, travellers seeking a more serene canal experience need look no further than Annecy in southern France. This hidden gem offers the charm of Venice's waterways but without the overwhelming crowds, and at a more affordable price.
Annecy is built on a network of canals and boasts a stunning backdrop of the French Alps. Visitors can wander through its historic old town and along the crystal-clear lake without jostling through tourist throngs. The city also features charming weekly markets where local artisans showcase traditional crafts and delicacies.
The region is known for its fresh lake fish, such as fera and Arctic char, as well as herbs from the Aravis Mountains, exquisite cheeses like Reblochon and Tome des Bauges, and valley-grown fruits and vegetables, alongside local wines.
TripAdvisor reviewers have praised Annecy's beauty. One noted, “All around it’s charming and delightful,” while another described Lake Annecy's “sparkling clear waters” as “a joy to behold.” The lake is used for boating, swimming, and water sports, and the surrounding mountains and old town provide a magnificent setting.
Getting to Annecy is straightforward: flights from the UK to Geneva operate daily with easyJet, British Airways, and Swiss Airlines. From Geneva, it's an hour by car or under an hour by train. Alternatively, a direct train from London St Pancras takes around eight hours.
