Find your perfect hire car in Annecy
Annecy sits on the edge of a turquoise lake, ringed by the mountains of the French Alps. The pastel old town, interlaced with canals, is a joy to wander, with the lakes and valleys around it perfect for exploring by car.
You can collect your Avis hire car at Annecy Train Station and be on the road soon after you arrive. Book direct with Avis for fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds, a quality fleet and fast collection.
You can also join Avis Preferred, our free loyalty programme, for priority service and discounts. Choose your car and start your Alpine Road trip.
Book nowYour top rental locations in Annecy
Avis services in Annecy
Our Annecy Train Station location offers a quality range of vehicles perfect for lakeside lanes and mountain roads alike. A compact car is ideal for the narrow streets of the old town, while an estate or SUV gives you more room for luggage, hiking gear or skis if you are heading for the mountains. People carriers are great for families, as it provide enough space for everyone.
You can add any extras you may need when you book, such as, GPS navigation, child safety seats and additional driver cover.
Annecy car rental FAQs
What are the age requirements for hiring a car in Annecy?
The minimum age depends on the country and the car group you choose, and a young driver surcharge may apply to drivers under 25. Check the rental terms shown during booking for the exact requirements. Drivers will need a full, valid driving licence, so be sure to bring yours when you collect the car.
Can I pick up my hire car in Annecy and return it to another location?
Yes. One-way rental with Avis lets you collect your car at Annecy Train Station and return it to another Avis location in France or elsewhere in Europe. Availability and any one-way fee depend on your route, so check when you book. Simply enter your drop-off destination in the booking panel.
Is it worth hiring a car in Annecy?
Yes, if you want to see more than the town. The old town and lakefront are easy to explore on foot, but the best of the region, from lakeside villages to mountain passes, is far easier with your own car.
What is parking like in Annecy?
Much of the old town is pedestrianised, so most visitors leave their car in one of the underground car parks close to the centre. Be sure to look out for signs and payment instructions, as rules can vary from one area to the next. In summer, you should arrive early if you want a space near the lake.
What type of car should I hire for Annecy?
A compact car suits the old town's narrow streets and tight car parks. If you are heading into the mountains, or travelling with family, luggage or ski gear, an estate or SUV is more comfortable. You can choose your preferred car group and add any extras you need when you book.
Tips for driving in Annecy
France drives on the right, and low-beam headlights must stay on at all times. Annecy is busy in summer, particularly around the lake on sunny weekends, so allow extra time for lakeside routes. The old town is largely pedestrianised, so leave your car in a car park and explore on foot.
In winter, mountain roads may require winter tyres or snow chains, so ask the Avis team about the right equipment before you set off. If you plan to cross into Switzerland, you will need a motorway vignette. For the full rules, see our France road rules page.
Explore Annecy with your hire car
Often called the Venice of the Alps, Annecy is made for slow wandering. Cross the Pont des Amours, follow the canals through the old town and look for the Palais de l'Île, the medieval former prison that sits on its own island in the river.
Climb up to Château d'Annecy for views over the rooftops and the lake. When you want some fresh air, stroll along the lakefront at the Champ de Mars or hire a pedalo.
With a car you can go beyond the town to find quieter beaches, lakeside villages and mountain viewpoints, and be back in time for dinner by the water.
Road trips from Annecy
Talloires, about 20 minutes along the eastern shore of the lake, is a pretty village with a pebble beach and a lakeside promenade.
If you’re looking for mountain scenery, Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, is around an hour and a half away. Geneva is about 45 minutes north and makes an easy day trip for lakeside walks and a wander through the old town.
To the south is Aix-les-Bains and Lac du Bourget, France's largest natural lake, which is around an hour away. Journey times vary with the season, so allow extra time depending on when you visit. For more ideas, see our Great Drives guide.
Why choose Avis for your Annecy car hire?
Avis helps you start your Alpine trip with no fuss. Book direct and you get the benefits below, whatever the length of your trip.
- Fully flexible
Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers.
- Savings on coverage
When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover.
- Loyalty benefits
Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more.
- Faster collection
Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think.