Annecy is a beautiful alpine town nestled between lakes and mountains in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. A home to some of the most magnificent scenery, including: Lac d’Annecy, the Thiou, the forest of Le Semnoz, the Roc de Chère nature reserve; the fairytale castle in Menthon; and the impressive Alpine Gardin at Semnoz. It is a stunning medieval destination, intersected by canals and flower-decked quays, often referred to as ‘French Venice’. During the summer months there is plenty to see and do whilst staying in the area as well as a number of unique events to watch or get involved with...
The AlpsMan Xtrem
This triathlon event is usually held at the start of June with this year being the 5th edition of the competition. Budding athletes are challenged to an extreme combination of 3 different sporting races. Firstly there's a 3.8km swim in the lake, then a 183km cycle (over 5 cols of the Haute Savoie), and ending finally with a 42km run overlooking the stunning lake. With only 500 entrants, this is a limited and unique event to participate in or witness.
For those not quite convinced by the extreme nature of this competition, you could instead take part in the AlpsMan Xperience, run by Dare2b over the same weekend at the start of June. This smaller event is aimed at those looking for a taste of triathlon events and includes a 1.2km swim, a 27km cycle, and a 12km run.
International festival of film animation
Held in mid-June, the International Festival of Film Animation celebrates the best animated works of the year with film showings in an outdoor-cinema setting. Since the 1960s Annecy has become the world capital of film animation and this annual festival brings together animation professionals, film producers, artists, as well as enthusiasts.
Music festival
Set across many different areas of the town, this music festival towards the end of June is an ideal event to enjoy during a break during the summer months. The many venues offer an array of different acts for all music tastes including pop, jazz, rock, reggae and many others. This one-day event spans over an evening until late and is completely free.
Lake Annecy International Triathlon
Usually at the end of June, this triathlon will be celebrating its 33rd edition of the event this year. The race combines a 1.5km swim in some of the purest waters in Europe, a 40km cycle in the heart of the Bauges Regional Natural Park overlooking the lake, and a 10km run in the centre of Annecy between the Imperial Palace and the Pont des Amours.
Bastille day in Annecy
With free entertainment for children in the afternoon, plenty of music, and fireworks later in the evening, Annecy is the perfect location for celebrating the French national holiday of Bastille Day this year.
Fete du Lac
Providing one of the biggest and most spectacular firework displays in Europe, the Annecy Festival is on the first Saturday of August every year. Well over 200,000 visitors come to see the incredible pyrotechnic show with accompanying music, light displays, and timed water fountains, spanning well over an hour - making it an event not to be missed on Annecy's summer calendar! This years' event will mark its 90th anniversary, so it surely will be special!
Swim across Lake Annecy
This unique event in August invites 1700 competitors to take part in a choice of 5 different categories from 500m up to a 10km swims, all in the beautiful setting of Lake Annecy and is open to a number of different levels and ages.
Nordic Festival
The Martin Fourcade Nordic Festival takes place over August bank holiday weekend, and showcases international elite competitors of biathlon and cross-country skiing. There are a number of events during the festival, including nordic skiing sprints. Alongside the sporting activities there will also be other festivities ad entertainment.
For more information on events in Annecy, visit the Annecy Tourist Office website.
