Hello! My wife, 6yo, 5yo and I will be leaving next week to spend a week along Lake Annecy. Aside from the obvious daytrip to Chamonix, are there any other places that stand out as good places to go with kids? We will have a car. Options I've looked at so far are- Evian-les-Bains, Aix les Bains, Chateau de Montrottier and Semnoz. We will split our time between daytrips and relaxing days on and around the lake. Villages, great play areas, must do hikes, thoughts on Lyon, all suggestions welcome! Thanks for your help.
Posted by
West Coast
107 posts
What an amazing family adventure! I am just returned from 2 days in Chamonix, Annecy and Lyon so am happy to try to help!
In Chamonix the river walk itself is pretty but the dredging site about 10 minutes in could be of interest? Just one scooping bucket, over and over by the mountain of sediment. I had a brief look in the small crystal museum which had stunning specimens if you are into geology or maybe start a collection!
Where in Annecy are you staying? I was in the middle of the Old City where cars aren't allowed, so how far away is your lodging?
I arrived on a Sunday afternoon and it was just absolutely jam-packed with people, to the point it was a challenge to walk around. I would definitely schedule your Annecy times for either early mornings or not on the weekend? Monday seemed a little less crowded but I can't speak for the rest of the week.
I rented a bike and rode about half-way around the lake. The designated path is mostly level. The paddle boats (for 4) looked like a fun option!
There's a lovely park, although not sure about a playground. And more ice cream options than I have ever seen!
I can't help much for Lyon- there was a restaurant made just for families that I've never seen anything like before- wish I could tell you the name- it was about half way up the very steep hill to the Mur du Canuts ( a highlight for me but not sure for your kids)- great photo opps if you interact with the figures?
Have a fantastic time!
Posted by
OP
Philadelphia
24 posts
Thank you for your suggestions! We are staying about 10 minutes south of Annecy, along the lake.
Posted by
Somerville, MA
621 posts
We spent a week there with our 5 and 8 year old in 2015. Semnoz was a huge hit. While we booked a week long stay at a place in central annex, we spent the best weather days night in chamonix.
Posted by
Austin,Texas
5 posts
I haven't been to this castle yet, but my family and I are planning to visit it later this year....the Chateau de Chillon Castle in Montreux, Switzerland. From Annecy to Montreux, it's close to a two hour drive. You can travel by train as well which will give your kids the fun of riding on a train (I believe this will require one train transfer and the trip is about three hours long). The castle has an interesting history and one can do a self guided tour and exploration, use an audio guide or make an advance reservation for a guided tour. There are supposed to be quite a few artifacts in the castle. I bet if you choose to visit the castle, it will be one of the memorable highlights of your kids' vacation. Here is the link: https://www.chillon.ch/en/visit/
Posted by
Atlanta
5040 posts
In Annecy we took a boat tour around the lake that was most enjoyable. Also there is a beautiful park right by the lake where the kids can run, play, and let off steam. It's also a good place for a family picnic.
Posted by
Florida
491 posts
Check out Chateau de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, 12 km south of Annecy. Just to see it from the road is worth the drive but I'll bet if you get that close, your children (and you) will want to see it up close. It looks like a fairy tale castle and is rumored to have been an inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle.
We got there too late to go in, but there are guided tours on weekends with costumed guides.