A Solo Female Traveller’s Guide to Annecy

As a solo female traveller, my itineraries always include smaller cities and towns, especially scenic towns that most visitors only explore for an afternoon. 

By allocating more time, solo travellers are rewarded. Early mornings and late evenings offer an entirely different (more relaxed) perspective on destinations that are crammed with tour buses in the middle of the day.

Recently, I had the pleasure of taking a weekend vacation to Annecy, which is a popular town in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France.

I truly think Annecy is a picture perfect destination for solo female travellers who are looking to “recharge and relax” on their trip to France. 

HOW TO GET TO ANNECY

Annecy is popular, so you have plenty of options at your disposal, which is great for solo travellers who don’t want to deal with complicated transportation.

I started my trip in Geneva. Taking a direct bus was the easiest way to get to Annecy. The journey between Geneva Bus Station and Annecy Bus Station only takes about forty-five to sixty minutes. Then it is a simple walk from Annecy Bus Station to the Old Town, which is where you want to base yourself.

Keep in mind that if you visit Annecy in summer, particularly in August when locals take their holidays, you’ll want to book your bus tickets in advance. They sell out. As a solo traveller, it’s especially important to be prepared, and book time slots that work for your itinerary, even if it diminishes some of your freedom. Bus companies include FlixBus and BlaBlaBus. Direct buses are also available if you’re flying into Geneva Airport and want to go right to Annecy after your flight.

WHAT TO DO AS A SOLO TRAVELER IN ANNECY

Annecy is an absolute joy for solo travellers who need a break from the rush of larger cities such as Paris, Geneva, and Lyon. Again, you will want to spend the night to take advantage of the “off times” when Annecy’s atmosphere goes serene and quiet.

As you plan your solo trip, keep in mind that Annecy is walkable and relatively small. For example, as a solo traveller, I loved that I could walk everywhere during the morning and night without worrying about getting lost. It felt like a treat to enjoy the town without the crowds of tourists who arrive in the middle of the afternoon on organised day trips. 

Below are some of my favorite things to do in Annecy on a solo weekend getaway.

1. Wander the Old Town (Vieille Ville)

Due to its size, Annecy is the perfect place to switch off Google maps and simply explore without a set destination in mind. The canals are picturesque, similar to Venice’s, and this layout makes Annecy a photographer’s dream come true. Don’t miss going inside Palais de l’Isle as you wander!

2. Sit at a Canal Café Alone

Annecy is very friendly toward solo diners (more on restaurants later!). As I explored the Old Town, it was common to see people relaxing at a table for one with a coffee, a pastry, and a good book. 

Personally, I would recommend finding an adorable cafe with a view. Bring your own book. Put the phone down. 

3. Visit Château d’Annecy

The massive silhouette of Château d’Annecy perches above the Old Town. It is impossible to miss. 

You need to climb uphill to visit, which is a little tiring if you visit in the summer heat. Fortunately, as a solo traveller, you can take your time strolling to the castle walls without anyone judging you for taking breaks! 

WHAT TO DO NEAR ANNECY

Annecy has far more to offer than its gorgeous Old Town.

Whenever I visit France alone, I love quiet moments to reconnect with myself and nature. Right outside of Annecy’s center, solo travelers can enjoy some of the best alpine nature that this country has to offer.

LAKE ANNECY

Lake Annecy is crystal clear and surrounded by mountains. This lake is best experienced alone, because you can admire the scenery around you … without other people distracting you from its pure beauty.

Fortunately, Annecy’s nature isn’t challenging to experience. All fitness levels are welcome. Solo travellers don’t have to worry about strenuous and long hikes, nor do they have to worry about renting a car.

Lake Annecy is wonderful for a solo bike ride. For a full day, be sure to pack a picnic, and bring a book along for the ride.

If you truly don’t want to navigate on your own, there are also plenty of boat rides available in the summer.

MENTHON-SAINT-BERNARD CASTLE

My absolute favorite stop on the shores of Lake Annecy was Menthon-Saint-Bernard Castle.

This medieval castle is perched above the lake, so you will need to do a quick hike to reach it, but the walk is absolutely worth it. Guided tours make Menthon-Saint-Bernard Castle feel accessible and help solo travellers understand the castle’s 1,000 year old history.

I also think this area is perfect for solo female travellers who are seeking to enjoy the trip at a slower pace. Menthon-Saint-Bernard is roughly thirty minutes away from Annecy’s Old Town if you take the public bus.

Le Palace de Menthon

If you want to unwind and enjoy a glass of wine, then I recommend going beyond Manthon-Saint-Bernard Castle for lunch at Le Palace de Menthon. Le Beach du Palace is a wonderful restaurant with a view and is very welcoming.

WHERE TO EAT IN ANNECY

Annecy has plenty of restaurants and cafes that are comfortable for a solo traveller to sit and enjoy a meal.

For example, you don’t want to miss Racines, which is a cozy Bib Gourmand bistro with a monthly menu. Summer solo travel is the perfect opportunity to savour dinner on the terrace.

Another ideal restaurant for a solo traveler to enjoy a meal is Le Bouchon Eric, which is still centrally located, yet tucked away from Annecy’s busiest streets. The staff is very friendly! I speak a little French, and they gave me hugs at the end of my lunch.

Lastly Kia Ora is a delightful and vegan friendly option that serves an excellent breakfast. The vibe is casual and laidback so a solo traveller would fit right into the scene. 

SOLO TRAVEL SAFETY IN ANNECY

Without a doubt, Annecy is a very safe town to visit. As long as you stay aware of your surroundings, you will be absolutely fine. 

Of course, if you visit in the summer months, keep a close eye on your belongings. Pickpocketing doesn’t feel like a common occurrence the way it does in Paris, but being mindful of your valuables in crowded places is always a good idea.

Furthermore, watch your step as you are exploring Annecy’s beautiful canals on your own. Take plenty of pictures, but don’t accidentally trip or fall into the canals. Annecy’s streets are narrow, and it’s easy to be jostled in crowds. 

As a side note, although July and August are crowded, I loved visiting that time of year. With all the people and events, I rarely felt lonely.

Ultimately, Annecy is the perfect weekend getaway for solo female travellers who wish to slow down and savour a beautiful Alpine gem in France.