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What to do in Lake Annecy when it rains?

Are you on holiday or visiting Annecy and the weather is not with you? Don’t panic, the rain also allows you to make beautiful and sometimes unexpected discoveries and to get off the beaten track!

Heritage, exploration, relaxation, entertainment, escape… there are many activities to enjoy on your own, as a couple, with your family or with friends around Lake Annecy in the rain. Here are some ideas…

Museums

Our territory has many museums to visit, each as varied as the next. There is something for all ages and all interests!

In Annecy, discover the Musée-Château, the Palais de l’Isle, the Observatoire régional des Lacs Alpins, the Musée du film d’animation or the Turbine Sciences… In other towns, visit the Blanchet ciergerie, the shoe-making museum, the Paccard museum, the Maison de Pays du Laudon, the Ecomuseum of the lake, the Museum of Butterflies and Insects, the Ecomuseum of wood and forest or the Departmental Museum of the Resistance…

 

Culture and heritage
Ethnology room, Annecy Castle Museum

© Gilles Piel / Ethnology room, Annecy Castle Museum

Churches and cathedral

In Annecy, the churches and the cathedral are witnesses of past eras and carry their stories within their walls. And when you push open their doors, you realise that each building is different despite their proximity. A special itinerary has been designed to make the most of their visits.

The route on our "Town Walks" brochure
Notre Dame de Liesse

© G. Bourmault / Notre Dame de Liesse

Castles

Annecy has always been a place of passage. The lake and the whole territory were protected by powerful lords and the castles are the vestiges of this period… Still inhabited or housing museums, real pieces of history await you within their walls.

Castles to discover
Castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard

© Françoise Cavazzana / Castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard

The Old Town

Annecy, also known as the Venice of the Alps, has been awarded the “Art and History” label and owes much to its Old Town. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of its essential treasures, discover its 15 must-sees: Palais de l’Ile, Musée-Château of Annecy, the Thiou river, canals, old streets and old houses, the 5 steeples district, fortified gates, the Pont des Amours, the Jardins de l’Europe… and lots of other wonders!

Annecy old town
Facade on rue Filaterie

© Maurizio Priod / Facade on rue Filaterie

Excursions

Even when the weather is not the most clement, discover the cruises and commented excursions to take a nice break in time.

On large boats for safe sailing or on board an English-style tourist bus, discover Annecy and its surroundings through well-designed tours to observe the beauty of the landscapes and monuments!

 

Cruises and excursions
Cruise on Le Libellule

© C. Max / Cruise on Le Libellule

Indoor Activities

We’re pretty sure you were looking for an excuse to lock yourself away in these places: escape game, virtual reality, laser game, casino, ice rink, bowling alley… But since it’s raining, why not take advantage of it and make some great memories? Don’t forget the classics – as the English says “Old but Gold”: cinemas, theatres, swimming pools…

Indoor activities
L'atelier des énigmes, Escape Game

© LADE / L'atelier des énigmes, Escape Game

Exhibitions

A gloomy weather is a great opportunity to get more cultured, enrich your mind, escape with original works and discover surprising exhibitions! You will find other exhibitions and activities in sites such as the Haras or the Turbine Science to keep the whole family busy!

Exhibitions
Fine arts and landscapes rooms at the Annecy Castle Museum

© Gilles Piel / Fine arts and landscapes rooms at the Annecy Castle Museum

Relaxation and wellness

One more opportunity to take care of yourself! To relax in the best possible way, we recommend the many wellness and cocooning areas where you can find your happiness! Massages, treatments, spa, hammam, salt cave, jacuzzi, swimming pool…

Wellness
Mont Spa Les Trésoms

© F. Vauban / Mont Spa Les Trésoms

Local craftsmen and creators

Whatever the weather, our local craftsmen and creators will be on hand to show you all their skills! Push open the doors of their workshops and set off on a wonderful journey…

Craftsmen and creators
Handmade pottery

© Robin Basset / Handmade pottery