An unforgettable Christmas getaway from Girona
Annecy, known as the Venice of the Alps, is one of those destinations that feels straight out of a winter fairy tale. In December, its streets are lit with thousands of lights, the Christmas market fills the town with aromas of cinnamon and mulled wine, and the lake reflects the snowy mountains around it.
If you have a camper or motorhome (or are thinking of renting one from Girona), this is the perfect plan for a weekend getaway (Friday to Sunday).
Approximate distance: 560 km each way
Duration: around 7 hours of driving (an overnight stop halfway is ideal).
Weekend itinerary Girona – Annecy
-Friday afternoon: departure from Girona and night on the road
Leave Girona after lunch or at the end of the afternoon.
Take the A9 motorway toward France, passing through Perpignan, Narbonne and Valence.
Recommended stop for the night:
Valence motorhome area (France)
-
Location: [Google Maps link if you add it later]
-
Price: free or around €5-7
-
Facilities: waste disposal, water, electricity, quiet and safe
-
Ideal for spending the night halfway before arriving in Annecy
-Tip: if you prefer to drive straight through, you can reach Annecy around midnight and sleep directly by the lake.
-Saturday: Welcome to Annecy and its Christmas market
In the morning:
Arrive early in Annecy and park at:
Annecy motorhome area – Parking des Marquisats
-
Located next to the lake, a 10-minute walk from the center
-
Price: between €12 and €15/day
-
Facilities: water, waste disposal and electricity
What to see and do on Saturday:
-
Annecy Christmas market: located in the old town, with more than 80 craft stalls, mulled wine, raclette cheese and traditional Alpine decorations.
-
Old town: stroll along its canals, the Palais de l’Isle and the narrow streets full of lights and local shops.
-
Walk around Lake Annecy: the reflection of the snowy mountains on the water is impressive at sunset.
-
If you enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, you can also skate on the ice rink set up in front of the town hall.
Where to eat:
La Fermette – Ideal for trying tartiflette, fondue or raclette.
Le Chalet – Traditional Savoyard restaurant with a fireplace.
Café Bunna – Perfect for an afternoon coffee and cake.
In the evening:
Return to the motorhome area or head up to a viewpoint to see the city lights from above (the Semnoz offers spectacular views).
-Sunday: lake, mountains and return to Girona
Before heading back, take advantage of the morning to enjoy nature.
Sunday plan:
-
Morning walk around the Pont des Amours and the Paquier gardens.
-
If you have time, go up to the Col de la Forclaz (30 min away) to enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the Alps.
-
Buy some local products at the Sunday market: Savoy cheeses, honey and local cured meats.
Recommended stop on the return:
-Narbonne motorhome area (France)
Ideal for resting before crossing the border back to Girona.
Where to sleep in a motorhome near Annecy
In addition to the city’s main area, there are other options:
-
Camping Le Lac Bleu (Saint-Jorioz): open for part of the winter, right in front of the lake, with hot showers and electricity.
-
Talloires area: small but with incredible views of the lake.
-
Talloires-Montmin parking: free in winter, quiet and close to hiking trails.
Tip: in December, always check opening hours and access, as some campsites close during the low season.
What to eat in Annecy at Christmas
You can’t leave without trying:
-
Tartiflette (potatoes, reblochon cheese and bacon)
-
Raclette or fondue with Savoy white wine
-
Crêpes and mulled wine (vin chaud) at the Christmas market
-
Macarons and artisanal chocolates in the old town shops
Tips for traveling to Annecy in winter by camper
-Check that your camper has parking heater or an anti-frost system.
-Bring snow chains or winter tires (mandatory in some Alpine areas).
-Book in advance if you are going on a December weekend: parking areas fill up quickly.
-Get up early to park by the lake.
-Don’t forget to bring a good camera: the snowy views are postcard-worthy!
Conclusion: a short but magical getaway
In just one weekend you can enjoy a cinematic Christmas experience: lights, markets, snow, and the freedom to sleep in front of a lake surrounded by mountains.
Annecy is one of those winter destinations that you instantly fall in love with, and doing it by camper lets you enjoy it at your own pace.
-If you don’t have a camper yet, you can rent yours from Girona with Campers Lamar and enjoy your own Christmas on wheels.
Check availability or request a personalized quote for your winter getaway here.