WHAT TO DO IN ANNECY DURING YOUR STAY AT THE APPARTEMENT D’EXCEPTION ANNECY CENTRE HISTORIQUE?
Between lake and mountains, Annecy reveals a different side of itself with every season. Festivals, cultural events, Savoyard traditions and major sporting events bring the city to life throughout the year.
By staying at the Appartement d’Exception Annecy Centre Historique, you will enjoy a privileged location in the heart of the old town, ideal for exploring the canals, the shores of Lake Annecy and many of the city’s events on foot.
From autumn 2026 to September 2027, discover the events not to be missed during your stay in Annecy.
AUTUMN 2026: SAVOYARD TRADITIONS AND MOUNTAIN CULTURE
High Five Festival — October 2–4, 2026
Autumn begins with a celebration of the mountains at the High Five Festival.
For three days, Annecy celebrates mountain sports through film premieres, meet-ups, competitions, concerts and a variety of activities.
A much-loved event as winter approaches, bringing together skiing, snow sports and outdoor enthusiasts in a friendly atmosphere.
Le Retour des Alpages — October 10, 2026
It is one of Annecy’s most iconic events.
Every autumn, the old town comes alive with Savoyard traditions during Le Retour des Alpages. Craftspeople, local producers, folk groups, musicians and demonstrations of traditional crafts fill the streets of the historic centre.
The highlight of the day is the procession of herds through the heart of the city. In 2026, festivities will take place from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the main animal parade scheduled for 2:30 pm.
From the Appartement d’Exception, it is just a few steps to the heart of this quintessential Annecy celebration.
WINTER 2026–2027: ANNECY UNDER THE LIGHTS
Noël des Alpes — From Late November
As winter settles in, Annecy takes on a whole new atmosphere.
Illuminations, festive chalets, entertainment and family-friendly events bring the city to life throughout the holiday season.
For winter 2026–2027, the historic buildings are scheduled to be illuminated from November 26, 2026 to January 3, 2027, subject to possible changes to the programme.
The Conservatoire, the Tour de l’Horloge and the Notre-Dame-de-Liesse church are among the landmarks that form part of the city’s festive night-time scenery.
From the apartment, take the opportunity to stroll through the illuminated streets of the historic centre before heading towards the banks of the Thiou and the Jardins de l’Europe.
A CULTURAL SEASON IN THE HEART OF ANNECY
Winter is also a wonderful time to discover Annecy’s cultural scene. Bonlieu Scène Nationale, Théâtre des Collines, Arcadium and Le Brise Glace offer a varied programme of concerts, theatre, dance and performances throughout the season.
From January 11 to 24, 2027, Théâtre des Collines will notably host Résonances, a special programme combining performances, talks, conferences and discussions.
FEBRUARY 2027: THE VENETIAN CARNIVAL
Annecy Venetian Carnival — February 19, 20 and 21, 2027
For three days, Annecy lives up to its nickname, the “Venice of the Alps”, more than ever.
Hundreds of figures dressed in elaborate costumes and masks inspired by Venetian tradition silently wander among the canals, the colourful façades of the old town, the Jardins de l’Europe and the Pâquier.
The next edition will take place on February 19, 20 and 21, 2027. Access to the costumed parades is free.
From the Appartement d’Exception Annecy Centre Historique, you are ideally located to encounter these remarkable figures as you stroll through the narrow streets.
SPRING 2027: SPORT, CULTURE AND THE RETURN OF SUNNY DAYS
Lake Annecy Marathon — April 2027
Every spring, the shores of Lake Annecy become a playground for runners during the Lake Annecy Marathon.
Held since 1980, the event offers several race formats, from 5 km to the full 42.195 km marathon, as well as 10 km and half-marathon races. The routes offer a particularly spectacular setting between lake and mountains.
The 2027 edition is scheduled for April 2027. The detailed programme will be available from the event organiser.
Even if you are not taking part, the event is well worth experiencing from the Pâquier for its lively and festive sporting atmosphere.
Springtime Performances — April 10–30, 2027
From April 10 to 30, Théâtre des Collines welcomes the Infini Dehors company for several weeks dedicated to object theatre, paper theatre and music.
Performances, workshops and special encounters will bring this springtime event to life.
JUNE 2027: ANNECY, WORLD CAPITAL OF ANIMATION
Annecy International Animation Film Festival — June 13–19, 2027
It is one of the biggest events of the year in Annecy.
From June 13 to 19, 2027, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival brings together filmmakers, artists, industry professionals and enthusiasts from around the world. For an entire week, the city comes alive with animation, with screenings, talks, events and open-air screenings transforming Annecy into a true international capital of animated film.
It is a particularly vibrant time to discover the city, as the excitement of the festival meets the first long evenings of summer.
SUMMER 2027: ANNECY IN THE OPEN AIR
Annecy Paysages — 2027 Biennale
In 2027, Annecy Paysages returns with a new biennale.
Along a route stretching from the city centre to the shores of the lake, the Thiou and the Impérial district, landscape artworks and artistic installations invite visitors to see Annecy from a new perspective. The route can be explored freely, with no set itinerary. Dates and the detailed programme for the 2027 edition will be announced at a later date.
A wonderful way to combine a stroll through the city with architecture, nature and contemporary art.
Lake Annecy Festival — August 7, 2027
On August 7, 2027, the Bay of Albigny will host one of the most spectacular events of the summer: the Fête du Lac.
Originating from the grand celebration held in 1860 in honour of the visit of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, the event has since become a spectacular show combining fireworks, music, lights and water effects against the natural backdrop of the lake and mountains. This iconic Annecy event traditionally features around 70 minutes of entertainment.
For this particularly popular event, we recommend planning your stay and making reservations well in advance.
SEPTEMBER 2027: EXTENDING SUMMER BY THE LAKE
In Annecy, September often retains the atmosphere of summer while offering a more peaceful pace. The city usually hosts a variety of cultural and sporting events during this time of year.
As some of the programmes for September 2027 have not yet been officially announced, further details will be released gradually by the organisers. It is also an ideal time to enjoy the lake, cycle along the greenway or explore the trails overlooking Annecy.
ALL YEAR ROUND: DISCOVER ANNECY DIFFERENTLY
Beyond its major events, Annecy offers countless experiences to enjoy throughout the seasons.
From the Appartement d’Exception Annecy Centre Historique, set off on foot to discover the Palais de l’Île, the Musée-Château, the canals and hidden passageways of the old town. Then make your way to the Jardins de l’Europe and the Pâquier for a stroll overlooking the lake.
When conditions allow, continue your exploration on the water with a cruise or boat trip, cycle along the greenway to discover the villages around the lake, or head up into the surrounding hills and mountains to explore the scenic trails overlooking Annecy.
During the warmer months, swimming, paddleboarding, cycling and hiking are wonderful ways to make the most of the landscape. When the weather turns cooler, museums, exhibitions, performances and the many inviting addresses of the historic centre offer a different way to experience Annecy.
STAY IN THE HEART OF ANNECY
Choosing the Appartement d’Exception Annecy Centre Historique means experiencing Annecy from its very heart.
Wake up just steps from the charming streets of the old town. The lake and the Jardins de l’Europe are within easy walking distance, as are numerous restaurants, shops, markets and cultural venues.
Whether your stay coincides with the Christmas lights, the Venetian Carnival, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival or the long summer days by the lake, Annecy reveals a different side of itself with every season.
A privileged address from which to discover the city at your own pace, through the seasons and the events that bring Annecy to life.
Information and dates verified as of September 21, 2026. As some 2027 programmes have not yet been published in full, dates and details are subject to change. We recommend checking the organisers’ official websites before your stay.