Annecy is an adorable alpine town in southeastern France, tucked away between the crystalline waters of the third largest lake in France and the soaring mountains of the Alps. Surrounded by natural splendour, here’s our pick of the seven best Airbnbs in Annecy.
Little Venice of the Alps Studio
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Bedroom at this Annecy Studio | Courtesy of Florence/Airbnb
There’s a quiet corner of Annecy nicknamed the ‘Venice of the Alps’. This is because it boasts the same flower-decked canals – busy with little boats – that you’d expect to find in Venice itself. The quaint studio featured here is situated right in the heart of this iconic district in the 16th arrondissement, with crystal clear waterways cutting through cobbled streets. The white-washed design that runs right through the studio – in perfect harmony with the location – is so clean and bright that it’s almost blinding. However, the cosy and intimate atmosphere guarantees a comfortable stay. The studio can easily accommodate up to four guests as there are two double beds and plenty of living space. It’s convenient if you want to bring a car as there’s a public car park at the Town Hall just 50 metres away.
Living room at this Lakeside homestay | Courtesy of Christophe/Airbnb
The turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, which is world famous for its cleanliness and is fed by a series of mountain springs, easily brings to mind the fjords of Norway. It evokes the same awe-inspiring feeling too. Because of this, the water’s edge of Lake Annecy has become one of the most highly sought-after spots for tourists to spend the night. With a generous 36sq m space located just 80 metres from Lake Annecy itself, this Lakeside homestay has it all. Apart from the location, what’s special about this Airbnb is you can enjoy a long soak in the stimulating whirlpool of its private jacuzzi. There’s a double bed and a sofa bed in the living room, which can be useful if you’re travelling as a small group and want to keep down costs.
The Mauve Room with steam bath | Courtesy of Cécile/Airbnb
The Lakeside Homestay might boast a private jacuzzi, but the Mauve Room goes one step further. This Airbnb is located in the tastefully converted former stables of the impressive Charmoisy mansion. The hidden gem is a bathroom with a traditional walk-in hammam (Turkish bath). Its steam-filled bathroom draws inspiration from the well-being rituals of the Ottoman Empire and will leave you feeling refreshed and soothed right through to the soul. That’s why people flock to this tiny alpine town with snow-capped mountains and azure waters in the first place, right? This is one of the most relaxing Airbnbs you could book in Annecy, and having a private Turkish bath inside is definitely a rare treat.
Bedroom at The Green Room | Courtesy of Cécile/Airbnb
Tucked away in a listed property that dates back to the 16th century – and in the authentic district of Annecy’s Vieille Ville (Old Town) – is the beautiful Green Room. Located on the ground floor, The Green Room overlooks a little courtyard with views stretching out to the Thiou, a gentle offshoot of Lake Annecy. It’s a very chilled district. The Green Room can accommodate just two guests as there’s only one bed. However, there’s a nice sense of privacy that couples on a romantic break will appreciate as it has separate access from the main house. This homely old heritage house is very close to the train station as well as to the well-loved lake.
Living room at Le Lotus | Courtesy of Arnaud/Airbnb
Le Lotus is an ultra-modern, stylish homestay. Whilst it may be a 15-20 minutes’ walk from the lake, which is a little further than the lakeside apartments, this luminous Airbnb is ideally located for people hoping to explore the medieval city of Annecy. It’s on the ground floor in a modern residence, just a stone’s throw away from Annecy’s Vieille Ville (Old Town), and is also a little cheaper. The Castle of Annecy, built between the 12th and 16th centuries, is the ultimate highlight. There are plenty of pleasant surprises to be discovered when you book to stay at Le Lotus too. This includes a two-hour pedalo offered at the V-Boat pontoon if you book to stay between April and September. Weekend entrance tickets are also offered for the lively club Boombox with each booking. If you accept, you’ll discover that the nightlife is actually quite vibrant for such a small alpine town.
Bedroom at this Waterside chalet | Courtesy of Antoine/Airbnb
This Waterside chalet was built in 1936 and offers breathtaking views. You can start your days with an invigorating run around the calming waters of Lake Annecy (or, if you prefer, a gentle morning stroll), given the close proximity to the lake. You’ll also be just a stone’s throw away from a whole range of exciting water activities. Many people enjoy swimming in the lake, but sometimes it can be a little cold. If you’re keen to take the waters without actually getting wet, then you can hire a pedalo or sit back and relax on a lake cruise. If you’re feeling more adventurous, then you can rent a bike and spend the day riding around the trails. You’ll conveniently be able to go back and shower quickly. This Airbnb is located just 20 minutes from the closest ski resort and can welcome up to four guests.
Living room at this central Annecy flat | Courtesy of Marie/Airbnb
This Airbnb stands out from other apartments because of its rustic charm. The enclosed courtyard with private table and chairs offers a calm haven away from crowds, the perfect place to tuck into a croissant and coffee in the mornings. The lake, which is always the highlight of anyone’s stay in Annecy, is only 200 metres away, so don’t worry about being cut off from all the major sights. In fact, the town is so small that you’re never too far away from the lake. The Airbnb is conveniently located close to a range of shops and supermarkets, with the railway station only 10 minutes by foot too.
