Annecy Day Trips from Chamonix
Annecy Day Trips & Stopovers from Chamonix
If you’re staying in the Chamonix Valley, a day trip to Annecy is one of the best ways to experience a completely different side of the Alps. Just over an hour away, Annecy offers crystal-clear lake views, canals and a charming Old Town — making it the perfect addition to a Chamonix holiday.
Combining time in Chamonix with a visit to Annecy offers the best of both worlds — dramatic alpine scenery one day, lakeside relaxation the next. Mountain Drop-offs provides convenient day trip transfers from Chamonix to Annecy, making it easy to explore without the hassle of driving or parking.
If you’re planning your journey to the valley, see our Geneva to Chamonix transfer page for full transfer options.
Annecy – a great place to visit all year round
Visiting Annecy in Winter
Annecy keeps its charm throughout the winter months. After a day skiing in Chamonix, you can swap the slopes for lakeside tranquillity, cosy cafés and lively brasseries.
Winter is a great time to explore Annecy’s historic landmarks, including the Basilique de la Visitation, Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the Château d’Annecy museum. The Old Town’s arcades are perfect for browsing boutique shops, while the lakeside offers peaceful walks with stunning views.
Our top tip: Visit in December to experience Annecy’s famous Christmas market, one of the most atmospheric in the Alps.
Visiting Annecy in Summer
Annecy really comes into its own in summer. With warm weather, clear blue water and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination for a day trip from Chamonix.
Here’s a simple itinerary for a summer day trip to Annecy:
- Start your day with a coffee and croissant in the Old Town
- Head to the lake to swim, relax on the beaches or hire a pedalo
- Enjoy the Paquier lawns or try activities like wakeboarding or water skiing
- Hire a bike and explore part of the 42km cycle route around the lake
- Have lunch in the Old Town, with everything from traditional brasseries to casual dining
- Take a boat trip on Lake Annecy for a different perspective of the shoreline
- Finish the day with an aperitif and evening meal by the canals or lakefront
Getting to Annecy from Chamonix
Annecy is easily accessible from the Chamonix Valley, making it ideal for a day trip or stopover. The journey takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact pick-up location.
Mountain Drop-offs offers direct, door-to-door transfers from Chamonix to Annecy, allowing you to travel comfortably and make the most of your time by the lake. Whether you’re planning a relaxed sightseeing day or a summer activity break, we’ll get you there and back with ease.
If you are travelling via Geneva Airport, you can also combine your journey with a stop in Annecy — see our Geneva to Annecy transfer page for more details.
Book your Annecy day trip
Adding Annecy to your Chamonix holiday is simple. With flexible transfer options, you can plan a full day trip or include Annecy as a stopover on your journey.
Book your Annecy day trip from Chamonix with Mountain Drop-offs and enjoy a simple, door-to-door transfer between the mountains and the lake.
Photo credits: MartinaGrua@UnSplash / LacAnnecy TO FB / RaissaLara@UnSplash
