Trains to Annecy

Annecy Train Station

Annecy train station is situated on the doorstep of the historic centre of the Alpine city of Annecy. It’s a modern building featuring stained glass and a curved, sweeping design. Inside, the glass roof and walls create a light and spacious atmosphere. The station sees around 60 trains per day. High-speed TGV trains mean Annecy is just 3h30mins from Paris. Regional TER trains, also known as ‘touring trains’, cut through some of France’s most scenic countryside at a leisurely pace and are one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the beautiful Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region surrounding Annecy. This national network links Lyon to Annecy in 2h00mins, and the journey from Grenoble takes 1h50mins. Travellers can hop on buses heading to the town centre and lake from outside the station. There is direct shuttle bus from Lyon St-Exupéry Airport to Annecy station, as well as seasonal bus services to and from nearby ski resorts.

Main attractions near Annecy train station

Known as the ‘Venice of Savoie’ and nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the French Alps’, Annecy lies on the banks of the azure Lac Annecy. The fairy-tale-like medieval centre, located in the north-west of the city, is easily accessible from the train station, and it is compact enough to explore on foot. Visitors arriving at Annecy train station can be at the iconic Palais d'Isle, a palace-come-prison set on an islet, after a 10-minute walk. That’s if they don’t stop to gaze upon the 16th-century Cathédrale Saint-Pierre or the adjoining Palais Épiscopal, which are almost impossible to simply pass by! Palais d'Isle now also houses exhibitions on local history, and it is surrounded by charming waterside cafes and bistros. North of the river is the city’s oldest church, Église Saint-Maurice, and the nearby Jardins de l’Europe offer travellers a green haven on the banks of the lake and a perfect place to unwind after a train journey.

Crossing Le Thiou, one of the shortest (but sweetest) rivers in France, visitors come to Château d'Annecy. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries, the castle is now home to Le Musée-Château d'Annecy and a collection of art works, as well as an observatory for Alpine lakes, which showcases archaeological exhibitions. Just a 10-minute walk south, and still under 20 minutes from the station, the Musée du film d’animation is a treat for film fans.

The Old Town is full of unique and inviting street-side cafes and waterside restaurants — an idyllic setting to sample the renowned regional cuisine of Haute-Savoie.