Skip to content

Annecy & Lake Annecy

Annecy old town and lake cruise

A guided walk through the old town of Annecy, known as the Venice of the Alps, followed by a private boat cruise on Lake Annecy, the clearest lake in the French Alps, on request.

Open the event brief
Annecy old town and lake cruise
Duration
Half day, about 4 hours
Group size
10–80 pax
Destinations
Annecy & Lake Annecy
Indicative budget
From €140 per person

Annecy sits at the northern end of its lake, with a medieval old town traversed by canals and framed by the Thiou river and the castle. The town has earned the nickname the Venice of the Alps, and its quays, arcades and flower-lined bridges make an elegant setting for a group walk. Lake Annecy is one of the cleanest lakes in Europe and a favourite for sailing, swimming and views of the surrounding peaks.

The programme starts with a guided walk through the old town and its canals, with stops at the Palais de l'Isle and the historic arcades. A private boat cruise then takes the group out onto the lake, with the mountains of the Bauges and the Aravis range in view. The cruise can be arranged as a seated lunch, an aperitif or a sunset departure, depending on the season.

Annecy works well as a base for a wider Alpine programme, including Megève and Chamonix, which are within reach by private coach.

Objectives

  • Discover one of the most picturesque towns in the French Alps
  • Combine heritage walking with a relaxing lake excursion
  • Offer a refined, scenic setting for a team or client programme

How it works

  1. 1The group meets the guide at the old town's main square, with an introduction to the lake and the town.
  2. 2The walk covers the canals, the arcades and the historic centre, with stops at key viewpoints.
  3. 3Guests board a private boat at the lakeside for a cruise of about an hour and a half.
  4. 4An aperitif or lunch is served on board, with local Savoy wines and regional products.
  5. 5Return to the old town or transfer to a hotel or the next venue.

Good to know

  • Boat schedules depend on the season and the operator; in winter, cruises may be limited or replaced by a walk.
  • Old town streets are narrow and partly pedestrianised; coaches must be parked outside the centre.
  • Lake weather can change quickly, and an indoor alternative is planned for rain.
  • Wine service is for adults only; non-alcoholic options are available on request.

Indicative budget

Indicative: from about €140 per person for a guided walk and private lake cruise for a group of 20 to 40, excluding lunch and transfers from Lyon or Geneva. Quote on request.

Frequently asked questions

How do we reach Annecy?

Annecy is served by train from Paris and Lyon, and is about one hour from Geneva Airport by road. We arrange private coach transfers from Lyon Saint-Exupéry or Geneva for groups.

Is the lake cruise available all year?

Cruises run mostly in spring, summer and autumn. In winter, the programme can be adapted to a walk and a lakeside lunch, subject to the operator's schedule.

Can the programme be combined with a dinner?

Yes. A dinner in a lakeside restaurant or a private room in the old town can close the day. We confirm availability and menus once the group size is known.

Event brief

France MICE, precisely orchestrated since 1996.

A few details are enough for a first proposal. A dedicated project manager replies within 48 business hours.

Event brief

France MICE, precisely orchestrated since 1996.

A few details are enough for a first proposal. A dedicated project manager replies within 48 business hours.

Selected items

My request (0)

Your request is empty

Browse hotels, convention centres, activities and restaurants, then add what interests you. We will quote exactly what you selected.