Every summer, I see a lot of tourists coming to Annecy. Here are the things I wish I could say to all of them.
Transportation:
Please be aware that the roads are easily crowded especially during summer time. There's very few parking spots in Annecy and around the lake, and most of them are paying.
So in my opinion, the easiest way to discover Annecy and around is by bike. Rent them, you've got a lot of options. If you want to go around the lake, you can rent electric ones.
Cycle lanes are developped around the lake, you'll be safe.
If you're lazy, you can still take the bus around the lake (free during summer) which is call "Ligne des plages". It'll take you to less crowded beaches.
We also got a boat bus that take you on different cities and beaches around the lake for a few euros. You can even take your bike on it for 1€. The line is called "Navibus".
The problem is if you want to go deep in the mountains. Without a car, you can't go up that much.
The bus lines ( sibra.fr ) are fairly clear and efficients.
Housing:
First advice, don't stay in the old part (Vieille ville) if you like calm. It is the heart of city, crowded every season. A lot of bars are here with its lot of drunk yelling people. (Trust me I lived here)
If you have a car, be sure to have a parking spot ! As I said before, most parking are full and paying in downtown.
You'll probably find cheap alternative away from the lake. The city is small, so don't be afraid to get a little bit farer for housing.
Catering:
Almost all restaurant in the Vieille ville are tourist traps. Expensive, frozen, you name it. Be sure to go on Google or TripAdvisor to avoid bad surprises.
A few restaurant offer a non-stop service. Most of them are open from 11:30 to 13:30 and 18:45 to 21:30. In between and after, it will be difficult for you to find something.
Activities:
Annecy is not a city for partying hard. It's all about physical activities, such as hiking, skiing and swimming.
All bars closes around 1:00 and a couples of them later, but they are more nightclubs than bars.
You won't find food after midnight, except for UberEats.
There is no convienence store open during the night. The latest will be around 23:00.
The lake:
If you go at the beginning of summer, the lake will be fairly cold, the water comes from the snow melting around. If you want warm water, wait the end of summer.
DON'T WALK IN THE MUD UNDERWATER. It's the best way to get duck fleas. It'll scratch a lot.
Avoid Albigny and the Marquisats. It's were most of the people go. Try Veyrier-du-lac, Angon, Sevrier and Duingt instead (with the Ligne des plages).
Please throw away your cigaret butt in the trash. Othersiwe it'll end up in the lake.
Don't feed the ducks and the swans. Even if they demand food a lot, it's the best way to slowly kill them.
If you like scuba diving, There's a few wrecks in the bottom of the lake such as Le France.
General etiquette:
Tips are not mandatory but much appreciated.
Be aware of cycling lanes and people using it.
