Annecy

Annecy, often called the "Venice of the Alps," enchants visitors with its crystal-clear turquoise lake - one of Europe's cleanest - surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. The old town is a postcard-perfect maze of pastel-colored houses lining flower-decked canals, centered around the iconic Palais de l'Île, a 12th-century castle that seems to float in the middle of the Thiou River.

This Alpine gem offers an irresistible combination of outdoor adventure and French sophistication. Swim, paddleboard, or cycle around the lake in summer; ski at nearby La Clusaz in winter; and year-round enjoy Savoyard cuisine in one of the old town's intimate restaurants. The annual Fête du Lac in August features one of Europe's largest fireworks shows reflected in the lake's mirror-like surface.

June to September is ideal for lake activities with warm temperatures (20-28°C) and the lake warm enough for swimming. May and October offer pleasant hiking weather without summer crowds. December to March is ski season at nearby resorts. The Fête du Lac (first Saturday in August) is the year's highlight.