Annecy is known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’, a picture-postcard town in the Rhone Alps, on the shores of Lake Annecy. It is 22 miles south of Geneva, a strategic location for travelling routes from Italy, Switzerland, or elsewhere in France. A campervan hire is the best way of fully enjoying this stunning European destination.
Get the best deal on Annecy RV Rental
Hiring a motorhome to drive through Europe can be a complex task - not with Motorhome Republic! Our website is comprehensive and easy to use. It will work just as well on your PC and tablet, and if you are already on the move, you can download our mobile app. Simply enter your travel details into the search engine: your city of pick-up, travel dates and driver’s age, and all the available campers will be displayedfor easy comparison. Choose the best brand and price for you. Extra special deals are highlighted. If you are thinking of a one-way hire, that is also easy to organise online and can save you money.
Further afield: Road Trips from Annecy
The nearest international airport to Annecy is Geneva. There is now a direct toll highway linking the two cities, with a travelling time of just over 30 minutes. A great journey would be to continue to Lyon, a UNESCO world heritage city.
Where to stay in Annecy
There is lots of choice for campgrounds in the area. Campsite La Nubliere is a three-star facility, with direct access to the lake. Camping La Ravoire is swish-looking, rated four-star. It is 17km from Annecy, but just 1km from the lakefront. It also has its own swimming pool.
Culinary Delights: Food and Drink in Annecy
There are some distinct foodie experiences unique to the Annecy region. The Lake provides seafood, with fish varieties Fera, Arctic Char and Crayfish. Le Reblochon is a regional cheese which you will find in ‘La Tartiflette’, a cheese and potato bake.
You can’t get more of a lakeside dining experience than Auberge du Lac, with its own private jetty and terrace over the lake. They are open from breakfast, to dinner time. Park the motorhome stove and treat yourself, just once!
The Old Town has plenty of family bistro and sidewalk dining cafes to choose from. Something different is Le 20 Sur Vines, a wine-bar where you can serve yourself a glass from a choice of over 40 bottles, accompanied by tapas.
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Attractions of Annecy, what to see and do
Annecy is all about the great outdoors. The lake is certified as one of the purest in the world, due to concerted conservation efforts over 40 years. In summer the water temperature reaches 24 degrees. Swimming, paddle-boating, water-skiing are all on offer. Diving is a popular choice, with underwater archaeological sites to be explored. Annecy is alsoa cyclist’s paradise, with 28 miles of cycle way around the lake – don’t forget to pack your wheels in your campervan rental. Base Nature Adventures offers aerial walkways and ziplines in the forest above the lake, for incredible views and an adrenalin rush.
Once you are back on the ground, there are beautiful castles and historic churches – an abundance of French history to soak up. Annecy has its own castle, Chateau D’Annecy, which was the home of the Counts of Geneva. Today it is a museum with art exhibitions and a detailed history of the area. Pala is de I’ll is one of the most photographed buildings in France. This was a courthouse and prison and visitors can have a temporary stop in a former cell, while learning about its architecture and heritage.
Chill out in the ‘Vieille Ville’, or old town, where the narrow pedestrian-only streets run along crystal-clear canals. The town runs down to the grassy Champ de Mars, a popular spot for picnics near the Pont des Amours, lover’s bridge.
The biggest event on the calendar is Fete du Lac d’Annecy, Europe’s largest fireworks display, with the lake as a stunning backdrop.
Staying Safe in Annecy
Recent law changes in France make it mandatory to carry a high visibility vest in the body of your vehicle, plus a traffic warning triangle and spare bulbs. Have a chat to your rental company so that you know where these are kept in your van.
