For this famtrip, I traveled to Annecy with my family, choosing the train from Marseille as our main mode of transport. The journey itself immediately set the tone: relaxed, scenic, and low-impact, perfectly aligned with a slow travel mindset. Arriving in Annecy by rail highlights just how accessible the Alps are without a car — an important element when designing sustainable itineraries. Once settled, we headed to the Old Town for a guided food tour, an ideal introduction to the destination. Walking through cobbled streets and canals while tasting local cheeses, charcuterie, and sweet specialties created an instant connection with Savoyard culture. The afternoon continued with a stroll through Annecy’s market, where colorful stalls and local life brought a lively yet authentic atmosphere to our first day.
Exploring Lake Annecy by e-bike & transparent kayak
Our second day was fully dedicated to Lake Annecy, starting with a self-guided e-bike tour around the lake. This is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to experience the area: flexible, scenic, and accessible for families. The cycling path follows the shoreline, passing beaches, charming villages, and stunning viewpoints over the turquoise water. The electric assistance made the ride comfortable for everyone, allowing us to focus on enjoyment rather than effort. Midway, we stopped for a 1.5-hour transparent kayak experience. Paddling over crystal-clear water, watching fish beneath us and the mountains reflected on the surface, felt both immersive and peaceful. It’s the kind of soft adventure activity that fits perfectly into a family-friendly, low-impact travel experience.
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A comfortable base: staying at the Boutik Hotel
After an active day outdoors, returning to the Boutik Hotel was a real pleasure. Its central location made moving around on foot easy, while the warm design and welcoming atmosphere provided a comfortable retreat for the family. Having a well-located and thoughtfully designed accommodation is essential, especially for trips combining nature and activity. In the evening, we enjoyed a relaxed dinner nearby, appreciating how Annecy effortlessly blends urban life and nature. From a professional point of view, this balance is one of Annecy’s strongest assets: travelers don’t have to choose between comfort and outdoor experiences — they can enjoy both, seamlessly.
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Slow exploration & Annecy Castle
We deliberately slowed the pace on our third day. The morning was spent strolling around Annecy, revisiting favorite corners of the Old Town and enjoying the lakeside promenades. Later, we visited Annecy Castle, overlooking the city. Beyond its historical interest, the castle offers beautiful panoramic views over the rooftops and the lake, helping visitors better understand the region’s past and geography. This mix of cultural discovery and unstructured time felt particularly well suited to a family trip, allowing everyone to move at their own rhythm and simply enjoy being there.
Sunset hiking & reflections on a sustainable family destination
In the late afternoon, we joined a guided hiking tour in the surrounding hills. The three-hour walk was well paced and accessible, combining gentle climbs with insights into the local landscape and alpine environment. The experience concluded with a sunset picnic, a simple yet memorable moment shared together, overlooking the mountains as the light slowly faded. This famtrip confirmed Annecy as an ideal destination for families seeking meaningful and sustainable travel experiences. Traveling by train, cycling, kayaking, and hiking, while relying on knowledgeable local guides, created a trip that felt both enriching and responsible. Annecy’s strength lies in its ability to encourage travelers to slow down, reconnect, and travel better — values that strongly guide the way I design tailor-made journeys.
