Annecy

There’s something for everyone in this lakefront city that knows how to entertain: mountain views, romantic canals, a hovering château, and swimming in — or boating on or biking around — the translucent lake. Serenely self-confident and sophisticated, yet outdoors-oriented and bike-crazy, Annecy is France's answer to Switzerland’s Luzern, a postcard-perfect blend of natural and man-made beauty. Though you may not have glaciers knocking at your door as in nearby Chamonix, the distant peaks frame a darn pretty picture with Annecy's lakefront setting.