Self-catering holiday homes: Annecy - Lake Annecy area

Make a holiday rental apartment or accommodation in Annecy, France your home away from home

The town of Annecy, France sits on the northern shores of Lake Annecy, a spectacular lake at the foot of the Alps in the Haute-Savoie department of south-eastern France. The old medieval town of Annecy is a delightful place to be, where you can sit in a pavement café beside one of the many canals and feast your eyes on the view of mountains, Lake Annecy and alpine pastures. Self catering Annecy accommodation provides the ideal base for the exploration of not only Haute-Savoie, but Switzerland and northern Italy, the borders of which lie within half an hours drive from any Annecy property.

Things to do on holiday in Annecy, France

Although Annecy is a quaint medieval mountain town, there is plenty to see. The dramatic 12th Century Palais de L’Isle is the most famous sight, which sits on an island in one of the main canals through the town, originally build as the town prison. The 16th Century Chapel of the Holy Source is also well worth a visit from any Annecy apartment or villa.

However, most people take self catering Annecy accommodation for the range of sport and leisure activities available. Due to the varied landscape, from mountains to wide lakes, there is no end of possibilities for entertainment. On the still waters of Lake Annecy, kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing and fishing thrive, as visitors and locals alike take an Annecy apartment to take advantage of the glorious conditions and spectacular views whilst enjoying the sport. Both instruction and equipment hire can be found both in the town and at various points around the shores of Lake Annecy itself.

Travel slightly further from your Annecy accommodation or if you stay in an Annecy gite or villa outside the town, the Alpine Mountain range a magnificent destination for walking, mountain biking, canyoning, mountaineering, paragliding and horse riding. Taking a self catering Annecy villa or apartment allows you that extra freedom, comfort and flexibility you need if you are going to head into the mountains for any of these activities, and having a large, open and private home to return to after a hard day of walking, riding or paragliding in Annecy is priceless. If you are heading to Annecy for paragliding or hangliding, try the Col de la Forclaz, around 20km from an apartment in Annecy town centre.

The alpine meadows which surround Annecy are dotted with golf courses too. Anyone interested in playing a round from their Annecy property will be spoilt for choice as there are a range of large, open courses to choose from, all within a very reasonable distance of an apartment in Annecy.

During the summer months, the town has an almost carnival atmosphere. The paved streets become awash with people and stalls, and throughout the summer there are a number for festivals and events. The Lake Annecy Festival in the first weekend of August in undoubtedly the largest, but the six day Animation Festival in June and the Noctibules Festival running over four nights in June are great times to rent an Annecy apartment too.

Places to holiday in Annecy, France

Geneva is only a very short drive from Annecy accommodation. The Swiss capital is a delightful city, split in two by the Rhone River. The majority of attractions are within walking distance of each other, and there are a huge number of museums, historical sights, shopping streets and large parks to enjoy.

Weather in Annecy, France

Seasonal variations in climate are noticeable in Annecy. During the summer, temperatures average around 27?C, when the town is at its most colourful, with hanging baskets and flowers along the canals all in bloom. In the winter, temperatures average around 2?C, when the local ski resorts are all in full swing. However, those taking Annecy accommodation to walk, cycle or ride will find the temperatures of spring and autumn very pleasant.

Flights to Annecy, France

Geneva International Airport (GVA) in Switzerland is the closest airport to any of the accommodation in Annecy available. Located just 30 minutes away, Geneva receives cheap flights from across the UK, provided by EasyJet, BMIbaby and Flybe, among other airlines. Annecy itself does have a small airport, the Annecy-Meythe (NCY), but this only receives flights from Paris.

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