In autumn, Lake Annecy slows down. The light is softer, the trails are quiet again and the forests take on their seasonal colours. From 17 October to 2 November 2026, the French Toussaint school holidays are a good time to discover the town and its surroundings as a family. Here are a few ideas to mix and match depending on what you enjoy and what the weather brings.
CYCLING ALONG THE LAKE
The cycle path along the lake takes you to the old town and neighbouring villages, or simply lets you enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
Le Pélican**** and the Impérial Palace**** offer electric bikes to their guests, subject to each hotel's terms and availability.
EXPLORING THE OLD TOWN
Le Pélican**** sits at the edge of the old town: it is just a few minutes' walk to the Thiou canals and the Palais de l'Île. From the Impérial Palace****, you can get there by walking along the lake, through the Jardins de l'Europe and the Pâquier.
The Musée-Château d'Annecy regularly runs family tours. During these holidays, a tour on the history of the Dunant family is scheduled for children aged 6 and over.
ENJOYING NATURE AROUND THE LAKE
Autumn is a lovely season for walks: a stroll between Annecy and Veyrier-du-Lac, an outing in the forest or a child-friendly hike.
With young children, the Lac d'Annecy Tourist Office recommends the Crosagny ponds, the reed-bed trail (sentier des roselières) and the Bout-du-Lac nature reserve. All three sites are pushchair-friendly.
HEADING UP TO THE SEMNOZ
The Semnoz, above Annecy, welcomes families all year round. During the 2026 Toussaint holidays, its activities are open every day from 1pm to 5pm: summer toboggan run, mini karting and an orienteering course.
VISITING THE NEARBY CASTLES
The Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard is exceptionally open every day from 17 October to 1 November 2026. Lived in since the 11th century, it offers a fine view over the lake and the mountains.
In Lovagny, the Château de Montrottier has architecture and collections that appeal to children and adults alike.
WHAT TO DO IN ANNECY WHEN IT RAINS?
On cooler or rainy days, the Tourist Office suggests La Turbine sciences, the Musée-Château, the Animation Film Museum or the Regional Observatory of Alpine Lakes. Plenty to keep young and old busy indoors.
WHERE TO EAT AS A FAMILY
At Le Pélican****, the Ô Bon Pain bakery offers bread, pastries, cakes and takeaway options, handy before a walk or for an afternoon snack. Ô Bon Bec restaurant serves seasonal bistronomy-style cuisine by the lake.
At the Impérial Palace****, La Table de l'Impérial offers refined cuisine facing the lake. The hotel also has several other dining spaces.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE SHORES OF LAKE ANNECY
Le Pélican****, a short walk from the old town and the lake, has mezzanine rooms sleeping up to four people, ideal for families.
The Impérial Palace****, set in wooded parkland on the lakeshore, is within easy reach of the town centre while offering a quieter setting.
PLANNING YOUR TOUSSAINT BREAK IN ANNECY
Between the lake, the old town, the Semnoz and the nearby castles, Annecy has enough to fill a few days of family holidays without rushing from one activity to the next. Everyone can plan their own programme according to the children's ages and the weather: a morning cycling along the lake, an afternoon in the mountains, a museum visit on rainy days.
Le Pélican**** and the Impérial Palace**** welcome you on the lakeshore, close to all these discoveries. See our offers and availability on the Le Pélican and Impérial Palace websites.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When are the 2026 Toussaint school holidays in France?
They run from Saturday 17 October to Monday 2 November 2026.
What is there to do in Annecy with young children?
The Crosagny ponds, the reed-bed trail and the Bout-du-Lac reserve are all pushchair-friendly. The Semnoz also has fun activities in the afternoon.
Which Groupe PVG hotels welcome families in Annecy?
Le Pélican****, with its mezzanine rooms sleeping up to four, and the Impérial Palace****, on the lakeshore.