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17 Outstanding Day Trips From Annecy By Car Or Train

Published 13 July 2025 by Leyla Alyanak — Parisian by birth, Lyonnaise by adoption, historian by passion 

Annecy is perfectly located in the heart of the Savoy region – you can easily use it as a base to explore a number of fabulous destinations. Here are some of the best day trips you can take if you'd like to escape for a day.

There are so many things to do in Annecy, one of France's prettiest towns: its natural environment is breathtaking, from the Alps that surround it, to the canals that flow through it, to the lake along its edge.

As for the town itself, the cobblestones and pastel-colored houses will make you want to whip out your camera every other minute. In summer, the town overflows with flowers whereas in winter, the aroma of melting cheese wafts through the ancient arcades.

I get that – it's hard to leave.

But in case you'd like to wander further afield, here are 17 fabulous day trips you can take from here, whether you have a car or not.

Day trips by train or bus

Day trips by car

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The problem with travel to a foreign country if you don't have a guide is often transportation – how do you get from here to there?

Leaving Annecy, even for the day, requires either using public transportation, or driving a car. Here are options for both.

Day trips from Annecy by train or bus

If you don't have a car and don't plan to rent one, you'll have to rely on public transportation – but no matter, there's plenty you can see without a car.

The following are day trips (anywhere from 40min to 2hrs each way) you can take from Annecy by train or bus.  That said, of course if you have a car, you can take these too!

If you're taking a day trip from Annecy by bus, the station (Gare Routière) is located right next to the train station, which is in the center of town. You can book your trains and buses here.

1. Evian-les-Bains, the water's source

Evian-les-Bains from aboveEvian, seen from the mountain behind it ©OffbeatFrance

Évian-les-Bains, on the southern shores of Lake Geneva, is a delightful town with Belle Époque overtones. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a high-society spa town, and several of that period's buildings still stand.

Its mineral waters (it is the source of Evian water, after all) made it famous and continue to draw visitors, along with its architecture, its historic casino, and its unbeatable lakeside grandeur. 

By train and bus: ~2hrs (you may have to switch from a train to a bus, or change trains)

2. Aix-les-Bains, lakeside grandeur

Aix les Bains lac du BourgetNot only is the city lovely, but you can enjoy the Lac du Bourget just a short hop from downtown ©OffbeatFrance

One of the most charming places to visit near Annecy is the town of Aix-les-Bains, a remnant of the Belle Epoque, with buildings that haven't been retouched since Queen Victoria swung by.

A day here usually centers on the lake, smaller than Annecy but also far less crowded.

Have lunch along the marina, and then sail on the Lac du Bourget, through the lovely Canal de Savière to the tiny village of Chanaz or across the lake to Hautecombe Abbey, the resting place of the Counts of Savoy.

If you still have time, take a stroll along the town's quiet avenues to imbibe some of that 19th-century atmosphere.

By train: 40 minutes

3. Chambéry, capital of Savoy

Old town of Chambery, in the Savoie, FranceThe Old Town of Chambéry isn't huge but it does have an Italian feel to it – remember that Savoy, Turin and Piedmont spent six centuries united under the House of Savoy ©OffbeatFrance

Chambéry is the historical capital of the Duchy of Savoy, which belonged to the House of Savoy, a ruling dynasty that later became the royal family of Italy. This, perhaps, accounts for the town's distinctive Italianate feel. You can relive some of this history when you visit the Château des Ducs de Savoie.

The rest of your visit can be spent exploring the Old Town and visiting such odd landmarks as the Elephant Fountain, 

It's a perfect day trip, with good food and plenty to see.

By train: under an hour.

4. Lyon, France's 2nd (or 3rd) city

View of Lyon from the Fourviere BasilicaThere's so much to see in Lyon – the only way I could convey part of its vastness is with this shot from Fourvière Hill ©OffbeatFrance

Lyon is a bit far for the day but if you're keen on a big city vibe, it's worth the trip. The city competes with Marseille for the rank of France's second city after Paris, but second or third, this stunning town is definitely worth a visit.

With its hidden tunnels and fabulous murals, Lyon will keep you busy, and its reputation as France's gastronomic capital is well deserved.

By train from Annecy to Lyon: ~2hrs

5. Geneva, over the border

Geneva flower clockThe arrangement of Geneva's iconic flower clock changes five times a year: once per season except for spring, when it changes twice

Switzerland is just over the French border and Geneva is home to major international institutions, including the United Nations (book a tour) and the Red Cross (visit the museum).

Its compact old town features the 12th-century St. Pierre Cathedral and the Reformation Wall, while the Jet d’Eau water spout and the flower clock remain its most iconic landmarks. The best thing to do in Geneva? Walk along its glorious lake.

By bus from Annecy to Geneva: ~1hr 45min 

6. Grenoble, heart of the Résistance

Grenoble’s cable cars coming into the station at the BastilleKnown as the "bubbles" these small gondolas ply the mountain above Grenoble to the Fort de la Bastille, very much worth visiting ©OffbeatFrance

Grenoble is a university city with plenty of history, known for its role in the French Resistance, but also for its cutting-edge science sector.

Ride the "bubble" gondolas up to the Bastille fortress and enjoy the view of the Alps which ring the city. Walk around the old town, or visit several of its major museums, including the Musée de Grenoble and the Resistance Museum.

By train: 1hr 45min

➽ Don't forget to buy your train tickets here if you plan on taking a day trip nearby! 

Day trips from Annecy if you're driving

Driving in France can be either a nightmare or a real joy, depending on where you drive.

The nightmare, at least for me, is driving in cities. Traffic is often heavy, parking is scarce and expensive (and often tiny), and city drivers tend to ignore the rules because they're familiar with their routes and know just what they can get away with. If I decide to drive to a city, I usually park on the outskirts and take public transportation into town.

The joy of driving can be found in the countryside. Our autoroutes are clean and well maintained, and our rural roads are often so beautiful you don't need a destination – do what I do and just get out there and drive.

Just make sure you're familiar with our (sometimes strange) rules!

DO YOU PLAN ON RENTING A CAR IN FRANCE?

It can be a wonderful experience, especially on picturesque country roads. My full article on renting a car in France makes sure you don't overlook anything when you rent. 

France also has a few very strange driving rules. This excellent online driving course (I've taken it myself) shows you our quirks and how to drive with confidence when the rules and signs don't seem to make sense.

7. Drive around Annecy Lake

Annecy lake 2The beauty that is Lake Annecy. You can also cycle around the entire lake...

One of the best day trips from Annecy is without a doubt a trip around the lake, one of the most beautiful drives you'll experience, especially if you stop along the way to explore some of the lakeside villages or veer off the road and up into the mountains. Just head towards the lake (it's everywhere in Annecy) and follow the shore all the way around, stopping at villages along the way.

Drive: around half a day, including stops along the way.

8. Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Sleeping Beauty castle

Chateau of Menthon Saint-Bernard, near Annecy, FranceThe château, seen from a distance Florian Pépellin CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Drive up to the fairytale Château de Menthon, said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle (mind you, plenty of castles boast they were the inspiration!) The view over the lake is breathtaking, and the castle has been occupied by the Menthon family for 1000 years.

Drive: ~15 minutes. Here's the map.

9. Talloires, famous with artists

Village of Talloires on Lake AnnecyFrom Talloires, overlooking Lake Annecy, with the city on the other shore Serge Laurent, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

This is one of the loveliest stops on the lake, a picture-postcard village with a backdrop of cliffs and forest.

Stop for a lakeside lunch or visit the Abbaye de Talloires, a Benedictine abbey-turned-hotel where everyone from Paul Cézanne to Mark Twain stayed (not to mention Napoleon III and his wife, Empress Eugénie). It also happens to be home to an excellent gastronomic restaurant...

Drive: ~20 minutes, depending on traffic. Here's the map.

10. Col de la Forclaz, for some excitement

Lake Annecy seen from aboveThis is the summer view of Lake Annecy from the restaurant ©OffbeatFrance

This happens to be one of my favorites! I don't paraglide but I do love watching people run to the edge of the mountain and jump off.  Book your jump here.

And when that gets a bit boring, if I haven't brought a picnic with me, I walk down the hill to the terrace of the Balcon de la Forclaz restaurant, for lunch or just dessert – and an unbeatable panoramic view across Lake Annecy.

Drive: 30 minutes. Here's the map.

11. Le Semnoz, on Annecy's doorstep

Semnoz mountain just outside Annecy, in winterA winter view of the Semnoz ©semnoz.fr

Take a drive up into the Bauges mountains for cooler air and sweeping alpine views. At the summit, enjoy an easy hike in summer or ski in winter, or simply sip coffee with snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Drive: ~15 minutes. Here's the map.

12. Duingt, tiny and perfect

The village of Duingt along Lake AnnecyDuingt, as seen from the water. Photo by Jean-Marc Astesana, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Duingt is a lesser-known jewel with a medieval château rising from a private peninsula — you can’t visit it, but the stroll along the water and through the old village is worth the detour. The views are breathtaking, and you can see Talloires right across the lake.

This is one of the lake's smallest villages, and is a delightful place for a meal or to spend the night, if you're taking your time around the lake.

Drive: 20 minutes. Here's the map.

13. Gorges du Fier, stunning nature

Path along the Gorges du Fier, near AnnecyThis is a welcome walk on a hot day – and it's not as scary as it looks! Photo by Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

This narrow gorge offers a dramatic walkway suspended above swirling waters — a surprisingly easy walk and utterly photogenic.

Drive: 20 minutes. Here's the map.

14. Le Grand Bornand, an Alpine paradise

Long view of Le Grand Bornand, a mountain resort above Annecy, France, in summerView of Le Grand Bornand by Anthospace via CC BY-SA 3.0

Le Grand-Bornand is perfect if you want a day in the mountains, in summer or winter. In summer, you can hike and cycle among the paths or the well-preserved wooden chalets, and catch one of the Wednesday morning village markets.

This traditional Alpine village in the Aravis mountains is known as a farming area and produces Reblochon, the local cheese we eat so often in winter.

Drive: ~45min. Here's the map.

15. Chamonix, celebrity hangout

Chamonix townChamonix, the perfect alpine town

Day trips from Annecy to Chamonix are among the most popular – you can look up and see the Mont-Blanc from nearly everywhere.

From summer hiking to winter skiing, this world-class resort offers mountains for everyone.

Beyond the mountains, this (often celebrity-studded) town is filled with charm. Cobbled streets lined with period façades open onto lively squares along the fast-flowing Arve River, and a variety of cafés, boutiques and restaurants give it a cosmopolitan vibe. 

If you're making a day of it and want to see one of the world's most extraordinary vistas, take a gondola ride up the Aiguille du Midi for a full panorama of the Alps – in fact, you could keep going all the way to Italy.

Driving: ~1hr15. Here's the map.

16. Les Jardins Secrets, there's nothing like them

Unusual gardens in the town of Vaulx, near Annecy

The name translates to "Secret Gardens", and that's exactly what these are. Hidden away behind a wall, this lush patch of explosive color is an island of freshness in the summer sun, a kaleidoscope of gardens and interior spaces that is hard to explain but easy to experience – no wonder it's on the list of France's Remarkable Gardens (list in French). They've even added a few rooms for overnight guests... Just try to get there early, before the crowds.

Drive: 30 min. Here's the map.

17. Yvoire, precious and flowered

Streets of Yvoire, a medieval village in France

The perfect little village of Yvoire is a lovely place for lunch (dinner after the crowds is even better) and just happens to be on the list of the most beautiful villages of France. If you love flowers hanging out of windows, you can't go wrong here. Next to Yvoire, less than 10 minutes' walk, is the village of Nernier, not as touristy as Yvoire and which can give you an idea of what Yvoire was like before it was "discovered".

Drive: ~1hr15. Here's the map.

Before you go...

A day trip from Annecy (or two or three) should keep you busy, but what if you have more time? You can try this five-day Lake Geneva and the Alps road trip itinerary which takes in several of these destinations in depth, with plenty of time for stops.

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