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What to do in Annecy when it rains? Fun and dry ideas

Is the weather acting up in Annecy? There's no question of staying indoors waiting for the skies to calm down. Even in the rain, the town retains all its charm. Cosy atmosphere, gourmet addresses, dry museums... There are plenty of ways to enjoy your stay without getting wet. And, rather than endure the bad weather, you might as well use it as an excuse to see Annecy in a different way.

A few ideas for enjoying your stay in Annecy even in the rain

Take time to discover Annecy's museums

When it rains, head for the museums. Annecy has no shortage of cultural spaces offering intelligent shelter. The Annecy Museum-Castle, perched high above the old town, not only offers a superb view (in between the raindrops), but also fine exhibitions of art, architecture and Alpine heritage.
The perfect place to immerse yourself in local history.

Not far away, the Island Palace, this emblematic building in the shape of a ship's prow in the middle of the Thiou, houses a museum of history and town planning. 
Here you can learn a great deal about the evolution of the city, and it's a good excuse to take shelter in the heart of downtown.
Enjoy a good meal while it rains

Annecy is also a gastronomic city. And when it's raining, what could be better than taking refuge in a cosy restaurant to enjoy some comfort food? A good melted cheese, tartiflette, croziflette or even lake trout, all go down better with the rain pounding against the windows.

This is the perfect opportunity to have lunch at an Annecy inn, like the Auberge du Lyonnais. Nestled on the banks of the Thiou, this address blends tradition and refinement. It's the perfect place to enjoy fine local cuisine in a cosy setting, while watching the rain fall on the cobbled streets.
Stroll through the narrow streets of Annecy's old town
Even when wet, Annecy's old town has its charm. Under an umbrella, or sheltered by the arcades, you can let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere of the colorful little streets, canals and ancient facades. The rain makes the cobblestones shine, the lights softer, and the atmosphere almost magical. You'll come across artisan boutiques, galleries and plenty of places to take a dry coffee break.

Local shopping
When the sky is gray, it's time to do a little shopping. Annecy is brimming with charming little boutiques selling handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes and home decor. Head for Galeries Lafayette, Passages de l'Hôtel de Ville, or the many shops on Rue Carnot and Rue Royale. There's plenty of opportunity to spend some quality time in the shade, and maybe pick up a few nuggets.
Relax in a spa or wellness center
If the rain is making you slow down, why not treat yourself to a well-deserved moment of relaxation? Annecy has several spas and institutes perfect for pampering. Massage, hammam, sauna, jacuzzi. There's no better way to forget the bad weather. Some hotels also offer “spa day” packages accessible to non-residents, with access to the indoor pool and treatments. A good idea to turn a rainy day into a cocooning moment.

Watch a film in the cinema
When the weather's fickle, settling into a comfortable cinema seat is a safe bet. The Pathé Annecy, with its modern cinemas and varied program, is ideal for a dry afternoon or evening. What's more, it's conveniently located, so it's within easy walking distance of the town center. And why not take the opportunity to watch a film in VO or a local documentary?
Take part in a creative workshop
Fancy a manual or artistic activity? A number of craft workshops in Annecy open their doors to the curious. Ceramics, pottery, painting, cosmetics or culinary workshops: rain or shine becomes an excuse to awaken your creative side. Just check out the current events or workshops available in the area.

Coffee in a cosy salon
Between showers, nothing beats a good coffee or hot chocolate in a welcoming salon. Annecy has no shortage of gourmet addresses for a sweet break. In the old town, you'll find cosy tearooms with soft armchairs, homemade pastries and a warm atmosphere. A real treat when it's grey outside.
Visit a cheese dairy or brewery
Why not take the opportunity to discover the local culinary heritage? Several cheese dairies open their doors to the curious, with guided tours and tastings of reblochon, tomme or abondance. Learn more about the making of mountain cheeses. On a different note, beer lovers can opt for a visit to a craft brewery. Some even offer tasting workshops to discover the subtleties of their local creations.


Rain in Annecy doesn't spoil the experience. There are plenty of ways to make the most of it. Whether you're looking to enrich your cultural experience, savor fine cuisine or simply relax, the town retains its charm whatever the weather. 
When the clouds cover the lake, all you need is a coat and an umbrella to discover Annecy in a different light. The town's charms are still there, even in the rain.

Enjoy your stay in the Pearl of the Alps.

Valérie from Comme des Français



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