Annecy is small. The old town along the canals is the only stay that captures the trip.
Vieille Ville — the only sensible base
Vieille Ville is the medieval old town along the canals — the Palais de l'Île, dense restaurants, the iconic photo. Best for: any Annecy stay.
What to avoid
- Suburban hotels around the lake: The canals are the trip; lake-front is fine for swimming day-trips but not the atmosphere.
- Anywhere outside the walking core marketed as "Annecy": Verify on a map.
When to go
May-September for the lake. December-January for the Christmas markets. Avoid mid-July to mid-August (French summer holidays — packed).
Combined with Lyon
Best 5-7 day French Alps + food: 3 Lyon + 2-3 Annecy. Train Lyon to Annecy is 2h.