Colours of Autumn in Annecy: A Photographic Journey

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! 📸

The historic centre of Old Annecy

The old town is built around the canals of the Venice of the Alps.

One of the most photogenic places is certainly the Vassé canal with the Pont des Amours in the background. A very romantic setting.

Stroll through the Jardins de l'Europe. In October and early November, they are still in bloom.

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.

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.

Autumn events in Annecy

A short diversions to the Sunday morning market is a must. It covers a large part of the old town.

The delicious cheeses from the Savoie province invite you to taste them:

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.

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.

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.

Autumn paints a superb picture of the Château de Duingt, which Cézanne also painted.

If you take the car, I advise you to drive around the lake to explore the six villages and their hamlets.

The castle of Menthon

In Menthon-Saint-Bernard, stop at the famous Château de Menthon, which is said to have welcomed Walt Disney...

If you want to see the castle from a distance, you have to go to Bluffy.

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.

In the forest, you will meet some nice people, especially if you like mushrooms (be careful, this one is poisonous!):

The castle of Menthon can again be seen emerging above the forest:

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.

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.

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.

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

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