The title 'hidden gems' has been made out of scrapbook letters.

Local’s guide to ‘the pearl of the French Alps'

Film-style image of a boardwalk leading onto a lake with mountains in the background. Colourful boats like the path.

Image: Olga Lioncat via Pexels

Image: Olga Lioncat via Pexels

UQ alumni live all around the world, and they’re always willing to open their doors and share a little local knowledge. Contact asked Madeleine Butler (Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management / Bachelor of Arts '20) for an insider’s guide to the sparkling alpine hideaway she now calls home.

Headshot of Madeleine Butler, a woman with shoulder length brown hair and blue eyes.

Madeleine Butler

When people think of France their minds often go straight to Paris or the Riviera, but tucked between lake and mountains lies a fairytale town that stole my heart – Annecy.

I was craving a new challenge and the chance to bring my UQ French studies to life. I’d never set foot in Annecy, but the photos alone had me convinced. What was meant to be a summer as an au pair quickly turned into something more.

I now work as a Tourist Advisor for Lake Annecy Tourism, helping visitors discover the same magic that made me stay. If you're dreaming of a French escape that’s somehow even prettier than the postcards, here’s my local guide to Annecy.

UQ alumni live all around the world, and they’re always willing to open their doors and share a little local knowledge. Contact asked Madeleine Butler (Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management / Bachelor of Arts '20) for an insider’s guide to the sparkling alpine hideaway she now calls home.

Headshot of Madeleine Butler, a woman with shoulder length brown hair and blue eyes.

Madeleine Butler

When people think of France their minds often go straight to Paris or the Riviera, but tucked between lake and mountains lies a fairytale town that stole my heart – Annecy.

I was craving a new challenge and the chance to bring my UQ French studies to life. I’d never set foot in Annecy, but the photos alone had me convinced. What was meant to be a summer as an au pair quickly turned into something more.

I now work as a Tourist Advisor for Lake Annecy Tourism, helping visitors discover the same magic that made me stay. If you're dreaming of a French escape that’s somehow even prettier than the postcards, here’s my local guide to Annecy.

The heading 'taste' has been made out of scrapbook letters.

Start your day like a true Frenchie: sip a coffee at a sunny terrace while people-watching, or grab pain au chocolat from La Campagne and your café à emporter (takeaway) from Slake across the road. With a pastry in one hand and your café in the other, wander along the tree-lined Canal du Vassé, stop at the Pont des Amours (Bridge of Lovers) and let yourself meander along the canal into the old town and see why Annecy is known as the ‘Venice of the French Alps’.

For an apéro where the locals go, head to Café des Arts, a bar inside the island of the old prison (don’t worry, the only thing you’ll be sentenced to here is a good glass of wine).

No holiday is complete without an ice-cream, so head to Glacier des Alpes, an Annecy establishment since the 1960s.

For a true Annecy culinary experience you must try some cheese from our Haute-Savoie region. Eat at Le Fréti to try a local specialty – raclette, tartiflette or croziflette – or my favourite, fondue savoyarde, Fréti’s specialty fondue served in a hot, crusty bread loaf (yes, this exists).

For smaller traditional dishes to share, Bon Pain Bon Vin (the literal translation is ‘Good Bread Good Wine') is a cosy gem in the old town, and if you're up for a 20-minute walk out of the old town, Bistro Sauvage is absolutely worth it.

Bon appétit!

A polaroid image of 2 coffees and croissants with Lake Annecy in the background. The canal is lined with trees and 'coffee and croissant's is written on the polaroid.
A polaroid of the canal with clear turquoise water. The polaroid says 'Canal du Vassé'.
A polaroid showcasing the Bridge of Lovers.
A polaroid of the old town featuring brick buildings and flowers blooming on the stone streets.
The heading 'tip' has been made out of scrapbook letters.

Looking for the best view of the lake? Head up to Col de la Forclaz for sunset. Do a paraglide or walk up to the lookout to watch the paragliders take off!

Line up your visit with one of Annecy’s major annual events:

  • Venetian Carnival (early March) when the old town transforms into a colourful parade of masks and costumes
  • Annecy Animation Festival (early June) attracts the likes of Wes Anderson and Matt Groening
  • Fête du lac (early August), an impressive one-hour fireworks display that lights up the lake
  • Le Retour des Alpages folk festival (early October) to see herds of animals descend from their mountain pastures and parade through the old town.

Annecy’s museums are free on the first Sunday of the month (from October to May). Don’t miss the Palais de l’Île (the old prison that looks like a ship on the canal) and the Château d’Annecy, which hosts contemporary art exhibitions inside.

A polaroid of Col de la Forclaz at sunset. The sky is a sea of pink, blue and purple and the lake is winding between mountains.
A polaroid of Madeleine in a field in front of an 'Annecy Festival' sign.
Madeleine standing on a bridge that overlooks the turquoise water of an Annecy canal in front of the Palais de l’Île.
The heading 'trek' has been made out of scrapbook letters.

Annecy is often referred to as the ‘outdoor capital of France’. With the lake on one side and the Alps on the other, adventure is at your doorstep. Iconic brands like Salomon and Fusalp were born here, and the locals truly live and breathe the outdoors.

For breathtaking views, hike the Cascade d’Angon, featuring waterfalls, forest paths and views of the lake. If you're after something more challenging, Mont Veyrier has panoramic views over Annecy, while La Tournette is a favourite for more experienced hikers.

When friends come to visit, I always show them the best way to experience the lake – by bike. A scenic cycle path loops all the way around the lake, so grab a bike (or an e-bike!) and do the Tour du Lac. It takes about three hours, with plenty of perfect spots to stop for a dip or lakeside picnic along the way. Remember to spot the iconic Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, said to have been an inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.

A polaroid of the Cascade d'Angon at sunset. The pink and purple dusty sky is peaking out from behind the side of the mountain.
A polaroid of a group of women having a picnic on a board walk by Lake Annecy.
The heading 'treasure' has been made out of scrapbook letters.

When I was an au pair, I spent most days by the lake – my host family ran a waterskiing club, and it’s where I fell in love with wake-surfing. During the summer months, the lake is truly the beating heart of Annecy life. In fact, it’s Europe’s cleanest lake. It’s perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or hopping on a boat tour, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try wake-surfing, wakeboarding or water-skiing.

While Talloires is a popular lakeside village with a cute port and beach, I’ll let you in on my favourite secret spot: Château de Duingt. Fewer crowds, crystal-clear water, a cute bakery for an afternoon pastry, plus the chance to swim opposite a fairy-tale château? Oui, s'il vous plait!

A polaroid of Madeleine water-surfing on Lake Annecy.
A polaroid of Château de Duingt. People are swimming in the clear lake next to the castle.

Got some local tips to share with us, or need tips for your next destination? Tell us where we should go next.

Where should we visit next?
The heading 'taste' has been made out of scrapbook letters.

Start your day like a true Frenchie: sip a coffee at a sunny terrace while people-watching, or grab pain au chocolat from La Campagne and your café à emporter (takeaway) from Slake across the road.

A polaroid image of 2 coffees and croissants with Lake Annecy in the background. The canal is lined with trees and 'coffee and croissant's is written on the polaroid.

With a pastry in one hand and your café in the other, wander along the tree-lined Canal du Vassé, stop at the Pont des Amours (Bridge of Lovers) and let yourself meander along the canal into the old town and see why Annecy is known as the ‘Venice of the French Alps’.

A polaroid showcasing the Bridge of Lovers.

For an apéro where the locals go, head to Café des Arts, a bar inside the island of the old prison (don’t worry, the only thing you’ll be sentenced to here is a good glass of wine).

No holiday is complete without an ice-cream, so head to Glacier des Alpes, an Annecy establishment since the 1960s.

A polaroid of a delicious spread of French cuisine. The image features fondue savoyarde, potatoes and a selection of meats.

For a true Annecy culinary experience you must try some cheese from our Haute-Savoie region. Eat at Le Fréti to try a local specialty – raclette, tartiflette or croziflette – or my favourite, fondue savoyarde, Fréti’s specialty fondue served in a hot, crusty bread loaf (yes, this exists).

A polaroid of the old town featuring brick buildings and flowers blooming on the stone streets.

For smaller traditional dishes to share, Bon Pain Bon Vin (the literal translation is ‘Good Bread Good Wine') is a cosy gem in the old town, and if you're up for a 20-minute walk out of the old town, Bistro Sauvage is absolutely worth it.

Bon appétit!

The heading 'tip' has been made out of scrapbook letters.

Looking for the best view of the lake? Head up to Col de la Forclaz for sunset. Do a paraglide or walk up to the lookout to watch the paragliders take off!

Line up your visit with one of Annecy’s major annual events:

  • Venetian Carnival (early March) when the old town transforms into a colourful parade of masks and costumes
  • Annecy Animation Festival (early June) attracts the likes of Wes Anderson and Matt Groening
  • Fête du lac (early August), an impressive one-hour fireworks display that lights up the lake
  • Le Retour des Alpages folk festival (early October) to see herds of animals descend from their mountain pastures and parade through the old town.

Annecy’s museums are free on the first Sunday of the month (from October to May). Don’t miss the Palais de l’Île (the old prison that looks like a ship on the canal) and the Château d’Annecy, which hosts contemporary art exhibitions inside.

Madeleine standing on a bridge that overlooks the turquoise water of an Annecy canal in front of the Palais de l’Île.
The heading 'trek' has been made out of scrapbook letters.

Annecy is often referred to as the ‘outdoor capital of France’. With the lake on one side and the Alps on the other, adventure is at your doorstep. Iconic brands like Salomon and Fusalp were born here, and the locals truly live and breathe the outdoors.

A polaroid of the Cascade d'Angon. A field of tall grass and white flowers foregrounds sunlit mountains and a bright blue sky.

For breathtaking views, hike the Cascade d’Angon, featuring waterfalls, forest paths and views of the lake. If you're after something more challenging, Mont Veyrier has panoramic views over Annecy, while La Tournette is a favourite for more experienced hikers.

A polaroid of a group of 3 people hiking the Cascade d'Angon.
A polaroid of the Cascade d'Angon at sunset. The pink and purple dusty sky is peaking out from behind the side of the mountain.

When friends come to visit, I always show them the best way to experience the lake – by bike. A scenic cycle path loops all the way around the lake, so grab a bike (or an e-bike!) and do the Tour du Lac. It takes about three hours, with plenty of perfect spots to stop for a dip or lakeside picnic along the way.

A polaroid of a group of women having a picnic on a board walk by Lake Annecy.

Remember to spot the iconic Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, said to have been an inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.

The heading 'treasure' has been made out of scrapbook letters.
A polaroid of Madeleine water-surfing on Lake Annecy.

When I was an au pair, I spent most days by the lake – my host family ran a waterskiing club, and it’s where I fell in love with wake-surfing. During the summer months, the lake is truly the beating heart of Annecy life. In fact, it’s Europe’s cleanest lake. It’s perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or hopping on a boat tour, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try wake-surfing, wakeboarding or water-skiing.

A polaroid of Château de Duingt. People are swimming in the clear lake next to the castle.

While Talloires is a popular lakeside village with a cute port and beach, I’ll let you in on my favourite secret spot: Château de Duingt. Fewer crowds, crystal-clear water, a cute bakery for an afternoon pastry, plus the chance to swim opposite a fairy-tale château? Oui, s'il vous plait!

Got some local tips to share with us, or need tips for your next destination? Tell us where we should go next.

Where should we visit next?

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