A French Alps food adventure: your itinerary for where to eat in Annecy in 5 stops

Time has a different meaning when it comes to Annecy. With cobblestone pathways, canals winding throughout the city and a Medieval hill-top castle, Annecy may seem like it has been left untouched for centuries. As you explore Annecy, you’ll discover its exuberant youthful population as a vibrant contrast to its well-preserved historical architecture. With this fresh-faced energy comes reimagination and delightful spins on traditional French cuisine that is served across the city.

Take the restaurant Auberge du Lyonnais Annecy, which sits by the water in the heart of Annecy’s old town in a historical heritage building. But the dishes themselves are a contemporary take on French cuisine while still being rooted in Savoyard’s signature of seasonal produce, and fish that comes right by the nearby Lake Annecy. A walk away is La Glacier des Alpes, a very much beloved ice creamery that serves scoops that have been made right in the surrounding mountains. And highly guaranteed for a culinary experience like nowhere else is Eco Bivouac Igloo Village Annecy - Semnoz. The abode transforms itself year-round and gives you a humble rustic escape into the alps - with traditional homemade mulled wine no less.

A trip to Annecy is a trip to tasting the best of Savoie Mont Blanc, no matter if it’s during the quieter pleasures of Autumn or the peak seasons of winter and summer. For a food fanatic or a regular on the hunt for tasty bites, Annecy is a gateway to the splendour of Savoyard cuisine.

Annecy has the privilege of boasting the cleanest lake on the whole continent - Lake Annecy. One look and you’ll be mesmerized by the emerald-like shimmer of its calm surface and craggy mountain tops reflected onto its waters. Because of its stellar reputation as well as just how beautiful it is, a huge part of experiencing this region revolves around Lake Annecy.

Now that also includes the local gastronomy. Compared to other mountainous regions in Europe, Lake Annecy gives a welcoming balance of delicacies and fresh fish to the area’s offerings. For hotspots like La Cuillère à Omble Café Restaurant, they don’t even have a freezer - proudly serving whatever fish they manage to catch that morning from the lake. It really doesn’t get fresher than this! Now for a postcard view of Lake Annecy with your meal, head to Les Terrasses Du Lac. The local fish is beautifully presented as the panoramic sights of the lake!

In the heart of the alpine valley, between the lakes and earthly paradise of the mountains, is Thônes. At first glance, Thônes is a small charming town with a church that holds baroque beauty, and crumbling pastel buildings and is easy to walk from one end to the other. But like a French onion, once you peel back its layers, you’ll uncover how Thônes is a perfect base for a mountain adventure, artisanal activities like soap-making using foraged mountain herbs, and phenomenal cuisine.

The ultimate gems are usually hidden in plain sight - and that’s the case with Thônes. It’s easy to walk by Restaurant du Commerce since the facade blends in with the historical surroundings, but inside is a thoughtfully designed dwelling for maximum comfort… As well as flavours. The dishes are like the who’s who superstars of French cuisine - from delicate foie gras to the house’s tender and gamey duck. If it’s in season, do not miss out on their blueberry tart. Then stroll around town for more regional specialities like reblochon cheese by the block at Coopérative de Thônes - le farto (the best deal in town!) or expertly decorated pastries that dance on your tongue at Patissier Chocolatier Fontain.

Le Grand-Bornand which is part of the Annecy Mountains, is a huge area that extends from the glitzy ski resort village into the alpine pastures that are nestled high above in the French alps. Whether you’re in town or out for a hike (or in between skiing) there are tons of delicious eats dotted all around Le Grand-Bornand.

If you’re one for cosy chalets, then a cherished spot by nearby residents is La Cheminée. This is your no-fuss, come as you are eatery serving up some proper mountain-folks food. We’re talking cheesy omelette, beignets with a crunch for every bite, and tarts that are filled with blueberries plucked from the mountains that you can see from the chalet. Then there’s the weekly artisanal market in Le Grand-Bornand, where Savoyard delicatessen and home-produced honey are sold in abundance.

No trip in and around the Annecy Mountains would be complete without visiting the idyllic village of La Clusaz. Here, during the winters skiing is effortlessly interwoven throughout towns (as seen by the ski lifts trapezing above the buildings) but during the other seasons, summer meadows, cowbells and alpine lakes become the main attractions.

Aside from the spectacular view of La Clusaz and its church tower from the terrace at La Ferme, the restaurant at La Ferme is the go-to spot in town for a cheesy fondue evening. Whether it’s with the region’s Reblochon knock-out for a raclette-like feast or a classic fondue, Le Ferme makes your meal memorable. Pair your culinary journey with authentic Génépi tasting at Distillerie des Arvais. This is a spot in town that’s run by brother and sister Roman and Sarah, who comes from a long line of distillers. Continuing their ancestral art with a spin, they use foraged génépi herbs from the French alps to make their liquor. You can also go for a tour of the distillery and learn the process too!