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Annecy day trip from La Plagne (With Kids): what to do + what it’s really like
If you’re planning a summer holiday in La Plagne, there’s one place that comes up again and again: Annecy.
It’s often described as one of the most beautiful towns in France — with its clear blue lake, canals, mountains and colourful old town. And yes, it really is that pretty.
But if you’re visiting with kids (and especially if you’re coming from La Plagne), the big question is:
Is Annecy actually worth it as a day trip?
Because while it looks incredible, it can also be busy, hot, and a bit overwhelming if you don’t plan it right.
We’ve spent quite a bit of time there over the past few summers, and it’s become one of our go-to “wow” days. But it's got so much better since we’ve figured out what works (and what doesn’t).
This guide is everything you need to know before you go. From where to swim and what to do, to how to make it an easy, enjoyable day with kids.
Is Annecy worth visiting with kids?
Short answer: yes! But how you do it makes all the difference.
Annecy is one of those places that really does live up to the photos. The lake is stunning, the setting is beautiful, and there’s loads to do. For families, especially, it offers something quite different to being up in the mountains.
But it’s not really the kind of place where you can just turn up and wander all day without thinking about it.
In summer:
- it gets very busy – parking is a nightmare!
- it gets very hot
- and the most central areas can feel crowded quite quickly
That’s why we don’t treat Annecy as a “wander the old town all day” kind of trip. Also because our kids are all under 10 and don't want to wander an old town all day!
Instead, we plan it around the lake: swimming, relaxing, and keeping things simple. And that’s when it really works.
How far is Annecy from La Plagne (and how to get there)
Annecy is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours’ drive from La Plagne, depending on which village you’re staying in and traffic on the day.
The route is straightforward, heading down into the valley and then across towards Annecy. It’s an easy drive, but in peak summer you’ll want to allow extra time, especially if you’re travelling at weekends.
Parking is probably the biggest thing to think about.
If you head straight into Annecy old town, or to one of the more popular beaches, it can be:
- busy
- expensive
- and a bit stressful with kids
That’s one of the reasons we tend to base ourselves slightly outside the centre (more on that below), which makes the whole day feel much easier.
What Annecy is actually like
Annecy is often called the “Venice of the Alps”, and when you walk through the old town, you can see why.
There are canals running through the centre, colourful buildings, little bridges, and plenty of cafés and restaurants. It’s a lovely place to wander for an hour or two. Just remember in summer, it’s also one of the busiest parts.
The real highlight, especially with kids, is the lake.
Lake Annecy is one of the cleanest lakes in Europe, with clear water, mountain views, and lots of places to swim, paddleboard, or just sit and relax.
Around the lake, the vibe changes depending on where you go. From busy, central beaches, to Instagram-worthy spots, to quieter, more relaxed spots further out.
And that’s really the key to enjoying Annecy: choosing the right area or activity, rather than trying to do everything.
What we actually do in Annecy (our day)
Over time, we’ve settled into a pretty simple routine when we visit, and it works every time.
We usually head to Saint Jorioz, which is about 20 minutes from Annecy itself. It’s quieter, public beach, more family-friendly, and much easier to manage with kids than the central beaches.
From there, our day is very straightforward:
- set up a base near the lake
- swim and play
- paddleboard or watch others out on the water
- have a picnic or grab something simple to eat
- stay for a few hours without any pressure to rush around
Sometimes we’ll add in a short wander somewhere else or stop off on the way home, but most of the time, we keep it focused on the lake.
That’s what makes it feel like a proper summer day rather than a hectic outing.
Best things to do in Annecy with kids
There’s a lot you can do in Annecy, but with kids, it’s best to keep things fairly focused.
Swimming and lake days
This is the main event.
Swimming in Lake Annecy is what most families come for, and it’s easy to see why. The water is clear, there are designated swimming areas, and the whole setup feels safe and well organised.
Where you go makes a big difference (see beaches section below), but once you’ve found a good spot, this can easily fill your whole day.
Cycling around Lake Annecy
There’s a cycle path that runs around much of the lake, and it’s incredibly popular.
With older kids, cycling even part of the lake is a brilliant way to explore. It’s mostly flat, very scenic, and feels safe compared to road cycling.
We’ve done the whole lake with our oldest kids and then just sections of it for shorter rides. It’s one of those activities that feels active but still relaxed.
If you've got your own bikes, perfect. If not, there are lots of places you can rent adult and kids' bikes from. Plus options for little riders, from trailers to put behind an adult bike, to tandem bikes.
Water sports (including waterskiing and paddleboarding)
Annecy is a great place to try water sports.
You’ll find:
- paddleboarding
- kayaking
- pedalos
- and waterskiing
Waterskiing, in particular, is a big draw. Especially for older kids. It’s a really fun experience, but it’s worth knowing that falls are part of it, and that can knock confidence a bit (we’ve definitely seen that ourselves).
You can read more in my full guide to waterskiing in Annecy.
A wander through the old town
The old town is beautiful, and it’s worth seeing. We usually make a visit fairly short for the kids. But if we were on an adults only trip, we could absiliutely spend a day meandering round hte old town, stopping for alfresco lunch and drinks in the sun.
With the kids on a short stop, we usually:
- wander
- grab an ice cream
- then move on
If we're getting lunch, we'll usually picnic and take it to the Jardins de l'Europe park. This is a lovely spot, with wide open grass, lots of large trees for shade, a playground for the small kids, plus a promenade along the lakefront. Perfect for people watching.
Best beaches in Annecy (where to actually swim)
This is one of the most important parts of planning your day, and something that’s often overlooked.
There isn’t just one “Annecy beach”. There are multiple access points around the lake, and they’re all quite different.
Saint Jorioz (our go-to)
Mentioned above, this is where we go most of the time. It's a municipal beach, so run by the town. This means that whilst you have to pay to enter, its only 3€pp and free for kids. For us, it's totally worth it for access to things like:
- free parking
- regularly cleaned toilets
- a reasonably priced snack and lunch stop
- a safe, lifeguarded beach
- pontoons to swim and jump off
- a diving platform out in the lake
You can also take in picnics with no issues at all. There are no public bins however and you need to take all your rubbish with you. There are large communal bins just outside the entrance gates.
Honestly, when it comes to Annecy, you have us at free parking! I would say it's by no means the most glamorous, stunning beach in Annecy. But it's reliable, calmer than other places, spacious with lots of shaded space. It's just easier with kids.
It still gets busy in peak summer, but it’s a much more relaxed experience than the central beaches.
Plage d’Albigny (central Annecy)
This is one of the main beaches near the town. We've stopped here a few times and we do like how close to the old town it is. If you fancy exploring Annecy's old town and then hitting a beach, this is a good option. There is paid parking just across the road from the beach, which, although busy, we have always been able to find parking at.
This is also one of the spots that offers the e-baby-ski waterskiing. So if you want to try waterskiing with the kids, this is a good place to head.
Place d'Albigny is:
- easy to access
- well set up
- popular
But it can also be:
- very busy
- harder to find space
- less relaxed with younger kids
Other lake spots (Talloires, Menthon, Doussard)
Around the lake, there are plenty of other options.
Some are:
- quieter
- more scenic
- or better if you’re looking for a slightly different feel
But they often involve a bit more planning and driving.
If you want a full breakdown, I’ve put together a detailed guide to the best beaches in Annecy with kids, including where we go and how to choose the right spot.
What works well (and what doesn’t)
After a few trips to Annecy with the kids, there are some pretty clear patterns in what makes the day feel easy and what tends to tip it into being a bit stressful.
What works best is keeping things centred around the lake. That’s really the reason you’re going, and it’s where everyone naturally relaxes. Once you’ve found a good spot, the day tends to unfold quite easily. Swimming, snacks, a bit of playing, maybe a paddleboard or just sitting and watching everything going on around you. It’s one of those places where the kids don’t need much structure to stay entertained.
The other big thing is keeping the plan simple. It’s very tempting, especially if it’s your first visit, to try and fit everything in: the old town, a bike ride, lunch somewhere nice, a swim, maybe even a boat trip. But in reality, trying to do too much usually makes the day feel rushed, especially in the heat and with the crowds.
What’s worked best for us is picking one main focus – bike ride or lake trip or old town and picnic – and building everything else around that. If we get to wander somewhere else or stop for an ice cream, that’s a bonus, but not often the plan.
Timing also makes a big difference. Arriving earlier in the day (or being a bit strategic about when you go) can completely change the feel of it. Turning up late, especially in peak summer, often means dealing with busy car parks, crowded beach areas, and a slightly more frantic start to the day.
The biggest mistake we’ve made is trying to base too much of the day around the old town. It is beautiful, and definitely worth seeing, but with kids, especially younger ones, it can quickly feel busy and a bit overwhelming. Narrow streets, crowds, and heat don’t always make for the most relaxed experience.
Annecy is at its best when you treat it as a slow, flexible summer day rather than something to “tick off”. Once you shift into that mindset, it becomes a much more enjoyable (and much easier) day for everyone.
When to visit Annecy
Summer is by far the most popular time to visit Annecy and it’s easy to see why. The lake is warm enough to swim in, the weather is reliably sunny, and the whole place has that proper “summer holiday” feel.
But with that comes one of the biggest challenges: crowds.
In peak summer (especially July and August), Annecy is busy. Not just with tourists, but with locals heading to the lake as well. Beaches fill up, car parks get busy early, and the old town can feel quite packed by the middle of the day.
That doesn’t mean you should avoid it. It just means timing your visit well makes a huge difference to how enjoyable the day feels.
If you can, midweek is always the best option. There’s a noticeable drop in crowds compared to weekends, when people travel in from surrounding areas and everything feels a bit busier from the start. If your trip is flexible, even shifting your visit by a day or two can make things much easier.
Time of day matters just as much. Arriving earlier in the morning gives you a much calmer start. Think easier parking, more choice of where to set up, and a generally more relaxed feel before things build up later on. It also means you can make the most of the cooler part of the day, which is especially helpful with younger kids.
That said, going later in the afternoon can work just as well, particularly if you’re happy with a shorter visit. By then, some people are starting to leave, the heat is less intense, and the atmosphere becomes a bit more relaxed again.
The one time that tends to be trickiest is arriving late morning or early afternoon on a hot weekend. That’s when you’re most likely to hit full car parks, crowded beach areas, and a slightly more stressful start to the day.
In reality, there’s no perfect time! But with a bit of thought around when you go, Annecy can feel either hectic or genuinely enjoyable.
And with kids, that small shift in timing can make all the difference.
How much does it cost?
Like anywhere, Annecy can be as expensive or as low-cost as you make it. But it’s worth going in with realistic expectations. For us, when we reduce the cost of a day trip or activity, I find it removes a lot of the pressure and stress around making sure we have a “good time.”
In terms of pricing, Annecy is comparable to what you’d expect to pay in a ski resort. It’s one of the most popular summer destinations in the region, so you’re very much in “tourist pricing” territory, especially around the lake and in the old town.
For food and drink, you’re typically looking at:
- around €20–25 for a main dish or plat du jour
- kids’ menus in the €12–16 range, usually including a drink, something like chicken nuggets and chips, and a scoop of ice cream
- €9 for a beer
- €12–13 for a cocktail
So while it’s not quite “on the slopes” pricing, it’s definitely in that same bracket. Especially if you’re eating somewhere central or by the water.
Parking is another cost to factor in. It’s not extreme, but it does add up over the course of a full day, particularly in peak summer when the most convenient car parks fill up quickly.
Activities are where the spend can vary the most. Swimming in the lake is free, but things like hiring paddleboards, pedalos or waterskiing will quickly push the cost up if you do a few in one day. For example, waterskiing is about 25€ for a 15-minute session.
The prices are one of the reasons why we bring our own picnics and activities.
Is Annecy better as a day trip or overnight?
A day trip to Annecy from La Plagne is absolutely doable and it’s what most families end up doing.
If you set off at a reasonable time, keep your plans simple, and focus on one main area (rather than trying to see everything), it works really well as a full day out. In fact, for a lot of families, that’s enough to get a proper feel for the place without overcomplicating the trip.
That said, there are definitely times when an overnight stay makes things feel a lot easier.
If you don’t want to feel rushed, or if the idea of driving back after a long, hot day with kids doesn’t appeal, or you want to head out for dinner and enjoy some drinks. Then staying overnight can completely change the pace of the experience. It gives you the option to:
- arrive later or leave earlier without pressure
- enjoy a meal out without watching the clock
- split your time between activities and the town more naturally
It’s also helpful if you’re planning to do a few activities, like cycling or water sports, as you’re not trying to fit everything into one day.
For us, we tend to stick to day trips, mainly because it’s easy from La Plagne and works well with a simple plan. But if you’re building a longer summer itinerary, adding a night in Annecy can be a really nice way to slow things down.
Annecy is also a great place to stop on the way if you're driving to La Plagne.
Final top tips for Annecy
Annecy is popular for a reason.
Yes, it gets busy, especially in the summer months.
Yes, it takes a bit more planning than somewhere like La Plagne, where things feel closer and easier.
But when you get it right, it’s one of those days that really does feel like a proper summer holiday.
There’s something about being by the lake, surrounded by the mountains: swimming, sitting in the sun, watching the kids play, that feels completely different to being up in the mountains. It’s slower, warmer, and a bit more relaxed in a different way.
You don’t need to see every beach, walk every street, or fit in every activity. In fact, the more you simplify it, the more enjoyable it tends to be.
Pick a good spot, plan just enough to make the day easy, and leave space to slow things down.
That’s when Annecy really works and it’s very easy to see why so many people come back year after year.
FAQs about Annecy
Is Annecy worth visiting with kids?
Yes! Annecy is absolutely worth visiting with kids, especially in summer. The lake is the main highlight, with safe swimming areas, beaches, and plenty of space to relax. The key is keeping your plans simple and focusing on one main area, rather than trying to see everything in one day.
How far is Annecy from La Plagne?
Annecy is around 1.5 to 2 hours’ drive from La Plagne, depending on where you’re staying and traffic. It’s an easy route, but in peak summer it’s worth allowing extra time, particularly at weekends.
Can you swim in Lake Annecy?
Yes and it’s one of the best things to do there. Lake Annecy is known for being one of the cleanest lakes in Europe, and there are plenty of designated swimming areas and beaches around the lake that are ideal for families.
Where is the best place to swim in Annecy with kids?
For families, Saint Jorioz is one of the best spots. It’s a bit quieter than the central beaches, has easy access to the water, and feels more relaxed with younger children. There are also other beaches around the lake, but they vary in terms of crowds and facilities.
Is Annecy expensive?
Annecy is priced similarly to a ski resort, especially in summer. You can expect to pay around €20–25 for a main meal, €12–16 for a children’s menu, and typical tourist prices for drinks. That said, it can be a low-cost day if you bring your own food and focus on free activities like swimming.
Is Annecy too busy in summer?
It can be busy, especially in July and August and at weekends. However, visiting midweek, arriving early, or going later in the afternoon can make a big difference and help you avoid the busiest times.
Can you visit Annecy as a day trip?
Yes Annecy works well as a day trip from La Plagne. With a simple plan and a focus on the lake, it’s easy to have a full, enjoyable day without needing to stay overnight.
Is it better to stay overnight in Annecy?
An overnight stay can make the experience more relaxed, especially if you don’t want to rush or would like to explore more of the town and lake. But it’s not essential. A well-planned day trip is more than enough for most families.
What is there to do in Annecy besides the lake?
In addition to the lake, you can:
explore the old town
cycle around the lake
try water sports like paddleboarding or waterskiing
visit local markets
That said, for most families, the lake is the main focus.
