Races in Annecy

Well then Jamy, why is Annecy so popular ? It’s simple Fred: nestled in a valley carved between mountains, Lyon and the Swiss 🇨🇭and Italian 🇮🇹 borders, this stunning city boasts exceptional sites, renowned events and, last but not least, breathtaking landscapes that make it a land of running and even more specifically trail running. Located at 447 m above sea level and crossed by the Thiou, Annecy is to be discovered to be run through as quickly as possible!

A stroll through the old town and its medieval alleyways is a must. To kick off the sightseeing like any self-respecting tourist, head to the Annecy Castle Museum, the Basilica of the Visitation or the Palais de l’Île (come on, you know it—the monument that shows up on Google Images when you type “Annecy” 😁). A visit to Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the Yves Saint-Laurent Church should also be on your list. Want even more? Craving a dose of villages, castles, mountains and chlorophyll? Continue your adventure around Lake Annecy, which is brimming with natural and architectural treasures...

If you have a bit of time (and if you want to work out), plan a long run at Le Pâquier, a large 7-hectare green esplanade steeped in history, before strolling through the Jardins de l'Europe, one of the locals’ favorite walks! You can also wander along the Thiou canal for an urban run. The Lake Annecy greenway is also a great spot for running or cycling—the route is awesome! Training for a triathlon? You picked the right city! It’s hard to find a better place for a swim—Lake Annecy is simply a marvel of nature...

After all that training, you’ll be ready for race day! Races in Annecy mean dates that sometimes bring together thousands of runners, but also more intimate meetups that are just as exciting. In the big-gathering category: the Lake Annecy Marathon, the Moonlight Marathon, the Semi des Sources du Lac, the Lake Annecy Half Marathon, the Sid'Annecy or the Agglocityrun!

So Annecy is a sporty, cultural, and also lively city. If you’re in the area for the Annecy Venetian Carnival, don’t miss your chance to take part. The Return from the Alpine Pastures, a traditional festival, will let you dive even deeper into the city’s character and customs. And we’re not even talking about the many concerts and shows. Annecy isn’t #1 in the rankings for nothing !

Now it’s time for the “full-belly minute” ! You can choose a dish based on local cheese. Potatoes, cured meats and reblochon are always part of the deal. If you want to treat yourself to a slice of great French gastronomy, you can choose to go to one of the lake’s Michelin-starred restaurants such as “ Clos des sens ”, where chef Laurent Petit will win you over every time. 

And since the little Venice of the Alps is full of surprises, don’t forget to treat your other half to a trip through the canals before you leave. OK, sure, they’re not gondolas—but do they have tartiflette in Italy ? NO ! And of course, capture your romantic visit on the Pont des Amours 🥰.

If you like Omar Sy, you’re going to love his cousin Annecy !