Car Rental - Annecy

With its pastel-colored buildings and flowery canals, Annecy rightfully boasts the moniker ‘Venice of the Alps.’ Situated in the south-east corner of France, this Alpine beauty is the outdoor sports capital of Europe and attracts visitors from across the world to its pristine lake.

Car rental in Annecy is the best way to make the most of its spectacular scenery. We have several branches in the town, including at the airport and railway station, so you can hit the road the moment you arrive.

Available Annecy rental cars include SUVs, perfect if you’ve got lots of luggage or ski equipment with you, as well as sporty and compact cars. Browse the range online and rest assured there are no hidden fees to pay and that you’re guaranteed our best Hertz price. If you have any questions about driving here or elsewhere in France, our staff are always delighted to help.

Tucked away in the France Alps, Annecy is a picturesque fairy tale town overlooking snow-capped mountains and a pristine lake. Alpine charm oozes from the old town, with rose and pistachio-colored homes and tumble-down churches that date back to the Middle Ages. You’ll spend half your time here staring out of your Annecy rental car window, such is the beauty of this remarkable pocket of France.

Lap up the Lakeside Beauty

The French town is home to Lac d’Annecy, one of Europe’s purest lakes, thanks to environmental regulations enforcing its cleanliness. The lake formed millenniums ago when glaciers melted, and you can enjoy it at its very best on a boat tour. Cruise across the glittering crystal-clear waters and take in a fresh blast of Alpine air. You’ll find free parking for your Annecy rental car on Avenue d’Albigny, close to the lake.

There are water sports aplenty at the lake if you’re after a more adrenaline-fueled experience. During the warmer summer months, you can water-ski, canoe or even wakeboard your way around the lake. There are private lessons available or head out into the waters yourself if you’re experienced.

If you want to unwind afterwards, make your way to the lush Gardens of Europe which overlook the lake. There are plenty of benches here for you to rest up and enjoy a picnic. Beaches are also dotted around the lake’s perimeter if you want to lay back with a good book and soak up the sunshine or even take a dip into the refreshing waters.

Explore the Quaint Center

Spend an afternoon strolling the medieval old town, known locally as La Vieille Ville, and you’ll find a tangle of dreamy canals and cobbled streets. Admire the colorful buildings as you wander, constructed in Piedmontese style. There’s no shortage of canal-side cafes where you can enjoy a coffee or pick up a fresh croissant, along with pretty boutiques where you can shop up a storm. There are 180 parking spots each at both the Le Tournette and Trésum parking lots in central Annecy for your rental car.

Palais de l’Isle juts out into the waters and is another wonderful stop on your expedition. Built in the 12^th century, this triangular islet has served multiple roles over the years. Courthouse, prison, military barracks and now a museum. Wander through the exhibits which depict the history of the local area.

Château d’Annecy looms over the old town, once the residence of the Counts of Geneva. Parts of it date all the way back to the 12^th century, although most of it has been restored to capture its former glory. There’s a treasure trove of art to see inside, including sculptures and paintings. From the grounds, you can also enjoy brilliant views over the red-roof Alpine town and out towards the brilliant blue lake.

Take to the Mountains

The mystical mountains towering over Lake Annecy are a playground for explorers. Cycling, hiking, skiing – it’s all possible in this Alpine destination.

If you’re here during winter, Annecy has four outstanding ski resorts - La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Manigod and Saint Jean de Sixt. They’re all at low altitudes and cater to a range of abilities. Beginners should head for the runs at Saint Jean de Sixt while, if you’re a confident skier, then La Clusaz has the most challenging pistes in the Annecy region.

More adventures await at Semnoz, one of the most famous mountains in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. It’s a very popular hiking and cycling destination in the spring and summer and becomes a bustling ski-center come winter.

With one of our rental cars from Annecy, a fantastic time in the Alps is guaranteed, whether you're exploring the atmospheric old town or skiing down unforgettable mountainsides.

An Annecy rental car is a fantastic way to explore the spectacular French Alps. While driving here, you’ll use the right-hand side of the road as in the US. French freeways are known as autoroutes, and the speed limit is usually 80mph but this can vary depending on the weather. The network of D roads, known as departmental roads, has a maximum speed of 55 mph, and roads in urban areas usually have a 30mph limit.

The Avenue de Brogny links the airport to the town and runs through its center. Turn off onto the Boulevard du Lycee and head along Rue Dupanloup to reach Lake Annecy’s spectacular waterfront. To visit the pretty Château d'Annecy, head across the waterway using the D1508, then follow the D41 to access the pretty medieval castle.

There are also several parking lots peppered throughout Annecy for your holiday rental car if you’d prefer to park up and explore the historic town by foot. Simply follow the signs that are clearly marked along the roads.

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region gives you immediate access to lakes, mountain vistas and medieval French villages. Chamonix is 80 minutes away via the A40. Meander through the mountains to reach this famed ski spot, where you can whiz along slopes with the magnificent Mont Blanc in the background.

The pretty town of Chambéry is only 45 minutes away from car rental in Annecy along the A41. Alternatively, take the scenic route through the Regional Natural Park of the Bauges – it may take an extra 30 minutes, but the mountain and woodland views are truly worth it.

Geneva is also close by. Take the A41 northbound freeway and you’ll reach the Swiss city with a French side in less than 45 minutes when you rent a car from Annecy. Here, more Alpine beauty awaits, with the pristine town perched next to Lake Geneva. 

With one of our rental cars from Annecy, a fantastic time in the Alps is guaranteed, whether you're exploring the atmospheric old town or skiing down unforgettable mountainsides.