Fairytale lakeside town with breathtaking views only a short flight from UK

Lake Annecy, France
-Credit:Liverpool ECHO


The French town of Annecy is the perfect place for a long weekend. Known as the "Venice of the Alps", Annecy is criss-crossed with canals and sits on a glimmering greeny-blue lake overlooked by snow-capped mountains.

It looks like something out of a fairytale at any time of the year, but spring is a particularly good time to visit. In April and May, you can stroll over pretty bridges lined with colourful flower boxes, and take advantage of the warmer weather to sit outside in one of the town's many café terraces enjoying a glass of wine or beer.

There are dozens of lovely gift shops and boutiques in Annecy where you can while away the hours on a long weekend getting lost among the winding cobbled streets and alleyways. You'll be spoiled for choice as far as food is concerned. If you feel like splashing out on a fancy meal, there are 10 Michelin starred restaurants to choose from in the town. Otherwise, there are loads of great bistros offering local specialities like tartiflette, raclette and fondue.

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Annecy, France
Annecy, France -Credit:Liverpool ECHO

The area's natural beauty draws in thousands of visitors each year. Stunning Lake Annecy is a short walk from the town centre, and during the spring and summer you can hire a rowing boat or Pedalo to explore at your own pace.

You can also take in the stunning scenery with a stroll or bike ride along the banks of the lake. There are dozens of lovely lakeside pubs and bars where you can take a break from your exertions to sit back and enjoy the view. If the weather's warm enough, you can take a dip in the clear waters, or lounge on the lakeside on one of the sandy beaches.

If you're travelling to Annecy from Liverpool, the easiest option is to fly into Geneva, which is less than an hour's drive to Annecy across the Swiss border. Flights from Liverpool to Geneva take 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Liverpool John Lennon Airport, you can fly direct to Geneva Airport (GVA) with easyJet. Prices start at £18.99 one way travelling in February.