Annecy is one of the best destinations for a romantic holiday, as it tends to stand out among other popular French locations thanks to its historic charm. When you visit, you'll find a serene atmosphere that you and your partner can enjoy whether you're looking to check out the city's history, natural features or special attractions.
Annecy is a must-visit destination for couples looking for a relaxing and unforgettable experience with its fairy tale castles, spa treatments and stunning riverbanks and gardens. Take a look at some of the best things to do for couples in Annecy.
- 1
Bridge of Love (Pont des Amours)
Visit an iconic bridge
- Couples
The Bridge of Love (Pont des Amours) is one of the most iconic and romantic bridges in France where you and your partner can traverse an arched and flowered path. The bridge dates back to 1907 when it replaced an older bridge from the mid-19th century.
When you visit this bridge, you'll find it adorned with ornamental railings. The name comes from a local urban legend that states if 2 lovers kiss on the bridge, they'll be united forever. You'll find it crossing Canal du Vassé along the north-western corner of Lake Annecy.
Location: 74000 Annecy, France
Phone: +33 4 50 45 00 33
Map - 2
Annecy Old Town (La Vieille Ville)
Stroll through an old neighbourhood
- Couples
- History
Annecy Old Town (La Vieille Ville) is a medieval neighbourhood where you and your partner can enjoy a lovely stroll near historic buildings and emerald-green canals. Many of the buildings in the area date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, and they've been remarkably well preserved.
You can walk through this neighbourhood with peace of mind as the majority of the streets are pedestrian-only. They're generally too narrow for cars, but not allowing vehicles regardless makes it easier for the historic structures to be preserved. You can see it for yourself where Le Thiou river splits.
Location: Quai de l'Évêché, 74000 Annecy, France
Map - 3
Gardens of Europe (Jardins de l'Europe)
Walk through a lovely park
- Couples
Gardens of Europe (Jardins de l'Europe) is a well-kept park with gardens and numerous paths designed to give people a place for walking. The park dates back to the turn of the 17th century, so it's been an important part of the city for hundreds of years.
When you visit, you and your partner will be able to see a bit of that history in several old buildings as well as gardens with age-old designs. At the park, you'll be able to take in impressive views of the surrounding lake and mountains away from the town's usual hustle and bustle. Visit it for yourself where Le Thiou meets the lake.
Location: Quai Napoléon III, 74000 Annecy, France
Map - 4
Menthon-Saint-Bernard Castle
Visit a medieval castle
- Couples
- History
Menthon-Saint-Bernard Castle (Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard) is a medieval castle and designated historical monument where you can tour its well-preserved interior. Inside the castle, you'll find 4 distinct levels and 105 rooms in total including 13th-century kitchens and the extravagant Countess' Bedroom.
A lot of the furniture inside are genuine antiques dating back to the 16th century, with the most recent pieces being from the 19th century. During the summer, you can fully immerse yourself in the past as the castle is occupied by actors reliving the historic era. It's located on the east side of Menthon-Saint-Bernard.
Location: All. du Château, 74290 Menthon-Saint-Bernard, France
Phone: +33 7 81 74 39 72
Map - 5
Semnoz
Traverse a mountain on the western shore
- Adventure
- Couples
Semnoz is a mountain where you'll find well-protected natural features as well as hiking paths and breathtaking sightlines that stretch for miles on a clear day. The scale of the nature on display here can be awe-inspiring, which is an experience you'll want to share with your partner.
Along this mountain, you'll find a stunning balcony where you can get a panoramic view of the surrounding area. On clear days, you can even see as far as Mont Blanc, so you and your partner can feel as if you're on top of the world. It's located on the west side of Lake Annecy.
Location: 74540 Viuz-la-Chiésaz, France
Map - 6
Spa for couples
Relax with a massage
- Couples
A spa for couples is a popular option for romantic holidays in Annecy with quite a few options to try in town offering massages, saunas and other treatments. Most spas in the area offer treatment packages designed to relax the body and soul, and couple's packages are fairly standard.
Many local spas take full advantage of Annecy's environment with large windows facing the lake or towering mountain peaks letting you enjoy the ambience during your relaxation. You'll find them all over town, but they're most commonly located close to the lake.
- 7
Promenade Docteur Paul Louis Servettaz
Take it easy by a lake
- Couples
Promenade Docteur Paul Louis Servettaz is a walking path and park area where you and your partner can enjoy a relaxing stroll by the lake. Several walking paths are located in the area that are paved and well-maintained while putting you right along the edge of the lake.
As you venture through the promenade, you'll find several benches facing the water, letting you and your partner relax and take in the sights. Several towering trees with colourful leaves line the walkway. You'll find this promenade along the northern part of Lake Annecy.
Location: Unnamed Road, 74000 Annecy, France
Map - 8
Rue Sainte-Claire
Explore the old town's main street
- Couples
- Food
- History
- Shoppers
Rue Sainte-Claire is the main pedestrian street in the old town neighbourhood where you'll find historic buildings, shops and other delights. This street may be the best place in town to immerse yourself in the heart of Annecy, so it's something you and your partner won't want to miss if you're interested in the local culture.
Among the shops here, you'll find vendors offering flowers and sweet treats. Chocolate and ice cream are especially popular, and there's plenty of outdoor cafe seating if you need a break. It runs through the centre of the old town on the south side of the river.
Location: 74000 Annecy, France
Map - 9
Les Terrasses Du Lac
Treat yourself to gourmet cuisine
- Couples
- Food
Les Terrasses Du Lac is a stunning restaurant with a lakefront view and delicious French food that's simultaneously upscale and affordable. The outdoor dining space is elevated and set close to the lake, so you have a great view of the water and the mountain peaks in the distance.
When it comes to the food, you'll find French favourites like roasted duck breast and pan-fried sea bass along with delectable desserts you and your partner will love like orange tartlet and what they call the all-chocolate plate. Try it for yourself on the east side of the lake a short distance south of the town centre.
Location: 7 Rte du Semnoz, 74000 Annecy, France
Open: Wednesday–Saturday from noon to 2 pm and from 7 pm to 9 pm, Sunday from noon to 5 pm (closed Monday–Tuesday)
Phone: +33 4 50 45 34 86
Map