Autumn in France marks the end of the long summer break and the beginning of a season of transition to winter. It is a wonderful time to explore our beautiful country, from its historic cities to its beautiful countryside, to the remote valleys of the Alps. This Autumn in Annecy article is part of a series in which I wanted to show you my favourite places in the eastern side of France. I promise you lots of bright colours, from red to yellow to orange! 🍁 🍂🍃
My articles on autumn in France
Discover my series of articles "Autumn colours" on my French blogs:
- L’Alsace en automne
- La Lorraine en automne
- Nancy en automne
- Metz en automne
- Annecy en automne
- La Haute-Savoie en automne
- La vallée de la Tarentaise en automne
- L’Angleterre en automne
Have a nice autumn / Bel automne à tous! 🍁🍃🍂
Discovering autumn in Annecy
From the start, let's describe Annecy as a tourist town that is particularly busy in the summer and during the sunny weekends in spring.
From mid-September onwards, most of the tourists will have left, leaving the town and its lake in a quieter atmosphere.
The residents will then have plenty of time to rediscover their territory - an incredible playground between lake and mountain, in one of the most beautiful sites in France!
If an Indian summer sets in during the month of October, the whole landscape takes on flamboyant colours.
Camera in hand, it's time to take some unforgettable shots! 📸
![Annecy-25-10-2020-15-LR-©-French-Moments Année 2020 - Lac d'Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-25-10-2020-15-LR-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Autumn in Annecy © French Moments
The historic centre of Old Annecy
The old town is built around the canals of the Venice of the Alps.
![Return from the Alpine Pastures Festival Annecy 19 © French Moments Venise des Alpes, Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Return-from-the-Alpine-Pastures-Festival-Annecy-19-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Annecy, the Venice of the Alps © French Moments
![Annecy 30 Septembre 09 © French Moments Visiter Annecy : La vue du pont de la Halle © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-30-Septembre-09-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Autumn in Annecy: la Venise des Alpes © French Moments
![Annecy Venice of the Alps October 2020 02 © French Moments La Venise des Alpes - Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Venice-of-the-Alps-October-2020-02-©-French-Moments.jpg)
The Venice of the Alps - Annecy © French Moments
![Annecy Venice of the Alps October 2020 01 © French Moments La Venise des Alpes - Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Venice-of-the-Alps-October-2020-01-©-French-Moments.jpg)
The Venice of the Alps - Annecy © French Moments
![Annecy 30 Septembre 01 © French Moments Visiter Annecy : la Porte Sainte-Claire © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-30-Septembre-01-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Porte Sainte-Claire © French Moments
![Annecy Flower October 2020 02 © French Moments Annecy, le Thiou © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Flower-October-2020-02-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Autumn in Annecy: the banks of the Thiou still in bloom © French Moments
One of the most photogenic places is certainly the Vassé canal with the Pont des Amours in the background. A very romantic setting.
![Annecy Canal de Vassé November 2019 01 LR © French Moments Automne à Annecy : Canal de Vassé © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Canal-de-Vassé-November-2019-01-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
Autumn in Annecy: the Canal de Vassé © French Moments
![Annecy Canal de Vassée Autumn © French Moments Le canal de Vassé - automne à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Canal-de-Vassee-Autumn-©-French-Moments.jpg)
The Vassé Canal - Autumn in Annecy © French Moments
Stroll through the Jardins de l'Europe. In October and early November, they are still in bloom.
![Annecy Autumn 02 LR © French Moments Automne à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Autumn-02-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
The Jardins de l'Europe in autumn © French Moments
![Return from the Alpine Pastures Festival Annecy 26 © French Moments Lac d'Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Return-from-the-Alpine-Pastures-Festival-Annecy-26-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Lake Annecy on a beautiful day in October © French Moments
The shore of Lake Annecy in autumn
It is on the shores of Lake Annecy that the autumn colours are at their most beautiful. They offer the amateur photographer absolutely superb shots.
![Lake Annecy Autumn 2017 © French Moments L'automne au lac d'Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lake-Annecy-Autumn-2017-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Autumn in Lake Annecy © French Moments
Walk along the lakefront to the Jardins de l'Impérial. You will have beautiful autumn views of Annecy: the Hôtel Impérial Palace, the castle and the lake.
![Annecy Autumn 01 LR © French Moments Automne à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Autumn-01-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
On the shore of Lake Annecy in autumn © French Moments
![Annecy Lake Autumn LR © French Moments Automne à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Lake-Autumn-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
Autumn in Annecy: a walk near the Imperial © French Moments
![Lake Annecy Imperial Gardens Autumn LR © French Moments Automne à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lake-Annecy-Imperial-Gardens-Autumn-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
Indian summer in Annecy in the gardens of the Imperial© French Moments
![Annecy-25-10-2020-12-LR-©-French-Moments Année 2020 - Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-25-10-2020-12-LR-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Romantic atmosphere in Annecy © French Moments
![Annecy-25-10-2020-10-LR-©-French-Moments Année 2020 - Lac d'Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-25-10-2020-10-LR-©-French-Moments.jpg)
On the shores of Lake Annecy © French Moments
![Annecy-25-10-2020-05-LR-©-French-Moments Année 2020 - Lac d'Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-25-10-2020-05-LR-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Castle of Annecy © French Moments
![Annecy-25-10-2020-01-LR-©-French-Moments Année 2020 - Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-25-10-2020-01-LR-©-French-Moments.jpg)
The flamboyant colours of autumn in Annecy! © French Moments
Autumn events in Annecy
A short diversions to the Sunday morning market is a must. It covers a large part of the old town.
![Annecy Market 2020 12 © French Moments Les étals du Marché à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Market-2020-12-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Market stalls during autumn in Annecy © French Moments
![Annecy Market 2020 06 © French Moments Saucissons de Savoie - Marché à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Market-2020-06-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Saucissons de Savoie © French Moments
![Annecy Market 2020 05 © French Moments Maraîcher - marché à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Market-2020-05-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Maraîcher © French Moments
The delicious cheeses from the Savoie province invite you to taste them:
![Annecy Market 2020 03 © French Moments Fromages de Savoie - marché à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Market-2020-03-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Fromages de Savoie © French Moments
Then, at the beginning of October, it is the great event of the Retour des Alpages (return from the alpine pastures) with its procession of animals and traditional farmers in the streets of Old Annecy.
![Return from the Alpine Pastures Festival Annecy 09 © French Moments Retour des Alpages à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Return-from-the-Alpine-Pastures-Festival-Annecy-09-©-French-Moments.jpg)
The sheep transhumance in Annecy © French Moments
![Return from the Alpine Pastures Festival Annecy 07 © French Moments Retour des Alpages à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Return-from-the-Alpine-Pastures-Festival-Annecy-07-©-French-Moments.jpg)
The beautiful costumes of the parade participants © French Moments
![Return from the Alpine Pastures Festival Annecy 04 © French Moments Retour des Alpages à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Return-from-the-Alpine-Pastures-Festival-Annecy-04-©-French-Moments.jpg)
The Queen of the parade! © French Moments
![Return from the Alpine Pastures Festival Annecy 10 © French Moments Retour des Alpages à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Return-from-the-Alpine-Pastures-Festival-Annecy-10-©-French-Moments.jpg)
The autumn harvest in Annecy © French Moments
Around Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy is the backdrop to the magnificent landscapes of Haute-Savoie. A little snow often sprinkles the highest peaks of the Annecy mountains, adding to the character of the grandiose setting.
![Annecy Autumn 03 LR © French Moments Automne à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Autumn-03-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
Cruise on Lake Annecy in autumn © French Moments
On the lake's waters
A good tip: if this is your first visit to the area, take a cruise. You will enjoy views of the beautiful villages on the lake: Sévrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt, Talloires, Menthon and Veyrier.
![Annecy Autumn 05 LR © French Moments Automne à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Autumn-05-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
An autumn cruise on Lake Annecy © French Moments
![Annecy Autumn 04 LR © French Moments Automne à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Autumn-04-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
The Imperial Palace seen from the lake © French Moments
![Sevrier Autumn LR © French Moments Sévrier en automne © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Sevrier-Autumn-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
The village of Sevrier in autumn © French Moments
![Menthon Saint-Bernard from Lake © French Moments Le village de Menthon-Saint-Bernard et son château © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Menthon-Saint-Bernard-from-Lake-©-French-Moments.jpg)
The village of Menthon-Saint-Bernard and its castle © French Moments
![Annecy Autumn 06 LR © French Moments Automne à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Autumn-06-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
Autumn in Annecy - lake cruise © French Moments
![Talloires 28 © French Moments Autour du Lac d'Annecy - Le village de Talloires © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Talloires-28-©-French-Moments.jpg)
The village of Talloires from the lake © French Moments
![Duingt Autumn LR © French Moments Duingt en automne © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Duingt-Autumn-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
The church of Duingt © French Moments
Autumn paints a superb picture of the Château de Duingt, which Cézanne also painted.
![Duingt Castle Autumn 04 LR © French Moments Duingt en automne © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Duingt-Castle-Autumn-04-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
The castle of Duingt in autumn © French Moments
![Duingt Castle Autumn 02 LR © French Moments Duingt en automne © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Duingt-Castle-Autumn-02-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
View of the castle of Duingt from the boat © French Moments
![Duingt Castle Autumn 01 LR © French Moments Duingt en automne © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Duingt-Castle-Autumn-01-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
Close-up of the castle of Duingt© French Moments
If you take the car, I advise you to drive around the lake to explore the six villages and their hamlets.
![Duingt Village 04 LR © French Moments Vue autour du lac d'Annecy depuis le Belvédère © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Duingt-Village-04-LR-©-French-Moments.jpg)
View around Lake Annecy from the Belvedere © French Moments
The castle of Menthon
In Menthon-Saint-Bernard, stop at the famous Château de Menthon, which is said to have welcomed Walt Disney...
![Menthon Saint-Bernard Castle in Autumn LR © French Moments Le château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard en automne © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Menthon-Saint-Bernard-Castle-in-Autumn-LR-©-French-Moments.jpg)
The castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard in autumn © French Moments
If you want to see the castle from a distance, you have to go to Bluffy.
![Menthon-Castle-Autumn-2020-03-LR-©-French-Moments Année 2020 - Château de Menthon © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Menthon-Castle-Autumn-2020-03-LR-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Autumn walk around the castle of Menthon © French Moments
Roc de Chère
Between Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires, take the time to go for a walk on the Roc de Chère. This nature reserve offers a magnificent view of the "Petit Lac" and the bay of Talloires.
![Roc de Chere Petit Lac LR © French Moments Belvédère du Roc de Chère © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Roc-de-Chere-Petit-Lac-LR-©-French-Moments.jpg)
The Roc de Chère lookout © French Moments
In the forest, you will meet some nice people, especially if you like mushrooms (be careful, this one is poisonous!):
![Roc de Chere Lake Annecy 06 LR © French Moments Champignon (vénéneux !) au roc de Chère © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Roc-de-Chere-Lake-Annecy-06-LR-©-French-Moments.jpg)
(Poisonous!) mushroom at the Chère rock © French Moments
The castle of Menthon can again be seen emerging above the forest:
![Menthon Castle from Roc de Chere LR © French Moments Château de Menthon © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Menthon-Castle-from-Roc-de-Chere-LR-©-French-Moments.jpg)
The view from the castle of Menthon from the Roc de Chère © French Moments
![Roc de Chere Lake Annecy 05 LR © French Moments Chemin dans la forêt du roc de Chère © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Roc-de-Chere-Lake-Annecy-05-LR-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Approaching the golf course© French Moments
Talloires
Talloires is an essential stop on the way to the lake. With its Michelin-starred restaurants and its romantic view of the lake and the Duingt promontory, the village can be discovered along the small sun-drenched streets.
![Talloires Autumn LR © French Moments Talloires en automne © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Talloires-Autumn-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
The village of Talloires in autumn © French Moments
Bout-du-Lac
Le Bout-du-Lac is a locality belonging to the commune of Doussard which, as its name suggests, is situated at the end of Lake Annecy. It is a nature reserve criss-crossed by paths, some of which lead to beautiful views of the lake.
![Bout du Lac Natural Reserve Lake Annecy LR © French Moments Autour du lac d'Annecy - Bout du Lac © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bout-du-Lac-Natural-Reserve-Lake-Annecy-LR-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Le Bout du Lac © French Moments
![Bout du Lac 04 LR © French Moments En traversant les roselières du Bout du Lac © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bout-du-Lac-04-LR-©-French-Moments.jpg)
Crossing the reed beds at Bout du Lac © French Moments
Duingt
Duingt is best known for its romantic lakeside castle. However, you should discover the old Savoyard village and climb to the belvedere of Notre-Dame-du-Lac, with a breathtaking view over Lake Annecy.
![Duingt Castle Autumn 03 LR © French Moments Duingt en automne © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Duingt-Castle-Autumn-03-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
Château de Ruphy in Duingt © French Moments
![Duingt Autumn 2018 LR © French Moments Duingt en automne © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Duingt-Autumn-2018-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
An other view of the château de Ruphy in Duingt © French Moments
![Duingt Village LR © French Moments Autour du lac d'Annecy - Le centre du village de Duingt © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Duingt-Village-LR-©-French-Moments.jpg)
The village centre of Duingt © French Moments
![Duingt Lake Annecy Autumn LR © French Moments Duingt © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Duingt-Lake-Annecy-Autumn-LR-©-French-Moments-scaled-1.jpg)
The view to the castle from the belvedere of Notre-Dame-du-Lac © French Moments
Stay during the autumn in Annecy
Looking for accommodation for an autumn break in Annecy? Click here for a list of hotels or browse the map below:
Find out more about Annecy
- Discover the old town of Annecy on the blog
- 15 sites to discover aroundAnnecy on the blog
- The Return from the alpine pastures in Annecy on the blog
- The discovery-guide of the Annecy Christmas market sur le blog
- The website of the tourist board of Lac d'Annecy
- Find accommodation in the Lake Annecy region
![Semnoz-Autumn-Annecy-Mountains-©-French-Moments Semnoz Automne à Annecy © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Semnoz-Autumn-Annecy-Mountains-©-French-Moments.jpg)
The forest of Crêt du Maure © French Moments
Colours of autumn in Annecy on Pinterest
Pin it on Pinterest so you don't forget the autumn colours in Annecy!
![Annecy-Canal-Vassé-Pinterest-©-French-Moments Automne à Annecy Pinterest © French Moments](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Annecy-Canal-Vassé-Pinterest-©-French-Moments.jpg)