The market in Annecy’s Old Town is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the city in a different way. Several mornings a week, market stalls line the historic streets, under the arcades, and along the canals, giving the Old Town a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
People come here to buy fresh produce, discover Haute-Savoie specialties, meet the vendors or simply stroll through the narrow streets. The market is also a wonderful opportunity to explore the Old Town at a different pace, taking the time to admire its facades, squares, and every little detail.
Are you planning a trip to Annecy and want to know where the market is held and what you’ll find there? Here’s all the information you need to enjoy the Old Town market, a must-see in Annecy, and easily fit it into your itinerary.
The market in Annecy’s Old Town is held on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It stretches across several streets in the historic center, particularly around Rue Sainte-Claire, Place Sainte-Claire, Rue du Pont-Morens, and Quai de l’Évêché. Here are the key details to keep in mind when planning your visit:
The times listed are the market’s regular hours. If you plan to visit on a specific date—especially during an event or construction period—it’s best to check for any changes.
Since the market is located in a pedestrian zone, it’s best explored on foot. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to extend your visit to the cobblestone streets of the old town.
What can you find at the market in Annecy's Old Town?
The Old Town Market offers a wide variety of products, with a strong focus on food.
Depending on the vendors present and the season, you’ll find seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheeses, deli meats, regional specialties, as well as various prepared foods and takeout items.
On Fridays and Sundays, the selection also expands to include textiles and handmade goods. The market’s offerings vary by day, but you’re sure to encounter artisans from our region.
Local products and specialties from Haute-Savoie
The market is a great opportunity to discover products associated with Savoyard cuisine. Cheeses naturally play a major role. Reblochon, Tomme de Savoie and Abondance are among the specialties that visitors love to discover during a stay in Haute-Savoie. You can also find other cheeses, dairy products, and specialties from neighboring regions.
Deli meats, artisanal preparations, and seasonal products round out this culinary journey.
If you’re staying in Annecy for several days, the market can also be a great opportunity to put together a picnic or pick up a few items to enjoy back home.
Keep in mind, however, that the selection depends on which vendors are present and the season. The market doesn’t necessarily offer the same products every time you visit.
Fruits and Vegetables Through the Seasons
The fruit and vegetable stalls change throughout the year.
In the spring and summer, the colors and variety of seasonal produce give the market a particularly lively atmosphere. In the fall, other crops gradually take their place, mushrooms and squash make their return, while winter brings comfort foods to the forefront.
If you enjoy cooking, this is also a pleasant way to discover the region’s produce and gain a better understanding of what each season has to offer.
However, not all products sold at the market are necessarily grown in the immediate vicinity of Annecy. If you’re specifically looking for local produce, don’t hesitate to ask the vendors where their items come from.
Non-food items, depending on the day
The Old Town market isn't just about food.
On Fridays and Sundays, some stalls also feature vendors selling textiles and other manufactured goods. So you can round out your culinary stroll with a more eclectic exploration.
Tuesdays are better suited for a visit focused on food, while Fridays and Sundays offer a more diverse selection.
Why should you visit the Old Town Market during your stay in Annecy?
The market is an experience in its own right, offering a chance to discover Annecy beyond its monuments and scenery. It lets you observe a more everyday side of the city, take the time to browse the products, chat with the vendors, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the historic streets. You can spend an hour or more there, at your own pace, and then continue your day without having to plan a special trip.
Explore the Old Town in a different atmosphere
The streets of the old town are pleasant to stroll through all year round, but market days give them a special atmosphere.Stalls are set up alon g the ancient facades, the arcades shelter some of the shops, and the streets gradually fill with visitors and locals who have come to shop.
The market is thus a great starting point for a stroll through the historic center.
You can continue your exploration toward the Palais de l’Île, walk along the Thiou River, or head toward the small squares and nearby shopping streets.
A delicious treat to enjoy in the morning
If you enjoy discovering a destination through its cuisine, the market deserves a spot on your itinerary. There, you can discover some regional specialties, chat with local vendors, and select products to take home. Depending on your preferences, this stroll can lead into lunch in the old town or a gourmet break during the morning. The key is not to plan too packed an itinerary. The market is best enjoyed by taking your time, stopping at the stalls that catch your eye, and leaving room for the unexpected.
What's the best route to take around the market in Annecy's Old Town?
To make the most of your visit, you can easily combine a trip to the market with a stroll through the historic center and along the lakefront, especially since the Boutik Hotel has the advantage of being both in the heart of the city and right next to Lake Annecy.
Here’s a simple suggestion, perfect for a morning outing.
Step 1: Start with the market.
We invite you to take the time to explore the stalls, soak up the lively atmosphere, and wander through the streets bustling with vendors.
Step 2: Stroll through the streets of the old town.
After the market, continue your walk through the narrow streets and under the arcades. You’ll discover some wonderful little shops along the way. Don’t forget to look up and admire the building facades.
Step 3: Head to the canals and the Palais de l’Île.
We recommend heading toward the Thiou riverbanks and the Palais de l’Île, one of Annecy’s most recognizable landmarks. This spot is sure to make it into your vacation photos.
Step 4: Finish your walk along the lake.
As you continue toward the Jardins de l’Europe and the Pâquier, you’ll reach the lakeshore. It’s a lovely way to spend the rest of the morning before lunch or a break in the sun, weather permitting.
This itinerary is intentionally flexible. You can shorten it if you just want to explore the market, or extend it as you please.
To plan a more comprehensive itinerary, check out our article “Things to Do” which offers other ideas for exploring the city’s heritage, the lake, and nature.
How do I get to the Old Town Market in Annecy?
As you can see, the market is held in the historic district, so it’s best to plan to get there on foot or by bike.
Walking from downtown
If you're staying in downtown Annecy, the market is within easy walking distance. This way, you can enjoy the walk without worrying about parking and explore the surrounding streets before or after your visit. The Boutik Hotel, located at 2 Rue des Marquisats, is situated between the old town and the lake. This means you can plan your morning around the market before continuing to explore Annecy on foot. It’s perfect!
Coming by car
If you’re arriving by car, plan ahead for parking. The market takes up several streets in the historic district, and traffic can be heavier on market days. Available parking spots nearby can also be hard to find, especially on Friday and Sunday mornings, when the market is very busy. The most convenient option is to locate public parking lots before you arrive and then walk to the market. The Trésums parking lot and the City Hall parking lot are two possible options.
What time in the morning should I come?
If you’d like to explore the market in a relatively quiet atmosphere, we recommend visiting early in the morning.
Later in the day, the streets can get busier, especially on weekends, during school breaks, and in the summer.
On the other hand, if you enjoy the hustle and bustle of markets, late morning offers a lively atmosphere.
In any case, it’s best not to arrive too late: the market usually closes at 1 p.m.
Where to Stay to Enjoy the Market in Annecy's Old Town
To explore the market in the best possible way and to enjoy Annecy and its lake more fully, choosing accommodations near the historic center is a real advantage. You can walk to the market stalls, return to rest after your visit, and enjoy the rest of the day without having to make any additional trips. The Boutik Hotel enjoys a prime location in the heart of Annecy, between the old town and the lake. Its location makes it easy to explore the historic alleyways, the lakeside promenades, and the various attractions in the city center. After a morning at the market, you can extend your stay with a stroll along the lake, a visit to the shops, or some downtime at the hotel. The beauty of it is that you can enjoy Annecy at your own pace, alternating between sightseeing and more relaxed moments.
The Old Town Market: A Great Way to Explore Annecy
The market in Annecy’s old town is much more than just a place to shop. It’s an opportunity to discover local products and immerse yourself in the heart of the city just like the locals do. Whether you choose Tuesday for its focus on food, Friday for the variety of stalls, or Sunday for the weekend atmosphere, this visit fits easily into a getaway to Annecy. When you stay at the Boutik Hotel, you’ll enjoy an ideal location to explore the market on foot, continue your stroll through the Old Town, and then head to the lakefront. A gourmet and authentic morning in Annecy.
FAQ : Everything You Need to Know About the Annecy Old Town Market
On which days is the Annecy Old Town Market held?
The Old Town market is held on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings, from 7a.m. to 1p.m.
Where is the Old Town market held?
It spans several streets in the historic district, including Sainte-Claire Street, Sainte-Claire Square, Pont-Morens Street, and Quai de l'Évêché. The exact boundaries depend on the specific locations and any occasional changes.
What can you buy at the Annecy market?
There you'll find, among other things, food items, fruits and vegetables, cheeses, and regional specialties. On Fridays and Sundays, textiles and other manufactured goods are also available.
What's the best day to go to the Annecy market?
In our opinion, there isn't really a “best day.” The Old Town market is one of the hallmarks of Annecy. You're sure to enjoy it no matter which day you visit. The best choice depends mainly on what's available to you during your stay.
How much time should I set aside to visit the market?
Plan on spending about an hour browsing the main stalls at a leisurely pace. You can extend your visit if you’d like to buy some items, chat with the vendors, or continue your stroll through the old town. You can also, especially on Saturdays and Sundays, follow up with brunch at the Boutik Hotel.
Can we visit the market and then walk to the lake?
Yes. The market is located in the historic center, near the pedestrian streets and canals. You can continue your walk toward the Jardins de l'Europe and the Pâquier to reach the lakefront.
Is the market open year-round?
The market is usually held year-round on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings. Occasional changes may occur depending on events, construction, or municipal decisions. It is therefore advisable to check the information for a specific date.