AnnecyvsLyon
Can't decide between Annecy and Lyon? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Annecy
Annecy is the "Venice of the Alps," a picturesque French town where crystal-clear canals wind through a medieval old town at the foot of stunning mountains. The turquoise Lake Annecy is one of Europe's cleanest, offering swimming, cycling, and paragliding with Alpine backdrops.
Known for
Lyon
Lyon is France's gastronomic capital, where two rivers meet and centuries of culinary tradition thrive. Beyond world-famous bouchons, discover Renaissance old town, Roman theaters, and cutting-edge contemporary art.
Known for
Plan your Annecy or Lyon trip
Create a personalized Annecy or Lyon itinerary with AI. Just describe your travel style and we'll do the rest.
Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Annecy offers Old Town Canals, Palais de l'Île, Lake Annecy
Lyon offers Vieux Lyon, Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Traboules
Food & Dining
Annecy is famous for its local dining scene
Lyon is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Annecy offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Lyon offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
June to September
April to October
Weather
Summer: 25°C, Winter: 4°C
Summer: 27°C, Winter: 5°C
Top Attractions in Annecy
- 1Old Town Canals
- 2Palais de l'Île
- 3Lake Annecy
- 4Château d'Annecy
- 5Cycling the Lake
- 6Paragliding Over the Alps
Top Attractions in Lyon
- 1Vieux Lyon
- 2Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
- 3Traboules
- 4Place Bellecour
- 5Roman Theaters
- 6Musée des Confluences
Annecy is Popular With
Lyon is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Annecy
- 1
Le Pont de la Caille
Two spectacular historic bridges—one a stone suspension bridge from 1839, the other a concrete arch from 1929—spanning the deep Usses gorge just west of Annecy.
- 2
Gorges du Fier
A remarkable natural site where a walkway is suspended along a cliff face through a narrow, moss-covered limestone gorge carved by the Fier River.
Hidden Gems in Lyon
- 1
Jardin Rosa Mir
A secret, fantastical garden created by a Spanish stonemason in the courtyard of an apartment building in Croix-Rousse.
- 2
Fresque des Lyonnais
A massive, photogenic trompe-l'œil mural on a building corner in Presqu'île depicting famous Lyonnais figures throughout history.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Annecy
Vieille Ville (Old Town)
The historic heart of Annecy, a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and serene canals crossed by stone bridges.
Les Marquisats / Albigny
A relaxed, lakeside area centered around the large grassy Pâquier esplanade and the Imperial Palace.
Top Areas in Lyon
Vieux Lyon (5th Arrondissement)
The largest Renaissance district in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Presqu'île (1st & 2nd Arrondissements)
The vibrant, central peninsula between the Rhône and Saône rivers.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Annecy
Budget in Lyon
Book Activities
Find tours and experiences in both cities
Book Activities in Annecy
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in Lyon
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Find cheap transport to Annecy
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Annecy
Enter your departure city to see prices
Find cheap transport to Lyon
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Lyon
Enter your departure city to see prices
Our Verdict
Both Annecy and Lyon are incredible destinations. Annecy excels in crystal lake and Alpine scenery, while Lyon stands out for gastronomy and bouchons.
Best destination for:
families
Annecy
Ready to plan your adventure?