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Expensive, but worth it? Annecy, France

Fired Up in France - Suzi

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I spent a weekend exploring Annecy, France to learn more about its livability. Often called the "Venice of the Alps," this stunning lakeside city in Haute-Savoie has it all: crystal-clear Lake Annecy, dramatic mountain views, charming medieval architecture, and a thriving cross-border economy (10% work in nearby Switzerland). But there's a catch: it's expensive. In this video, I take you through what actually matters for living here: the affordable SIBRA public transport system, real estate costs, healthcare access, walkability through the old town, and proximity to Switzerland. I compare Annecy to my home city of Dijon and share practical details like train connections to Paris, Geneva, and Lyon. Whether you're considering a move to France, researching French cities, or just curious about this Alpine gem, I'll show you why Annecy topped the rankings.

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Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:45 Basic facts about Annecy
01:53 Why is Annecy ranked number 1?
03:52 What is the climate like in Annecy?
04:18 Transportation in Annecy
07:34 Walkability in Annecy
08:33 Air quality in Annecy
08:57 Healthcare in Annecy
09:40 Housing costs in Annecy
13:14 Is Annecy a university city?
14:04 Culture in Annecy
18:24 Comparing Annecy to Dijon
19:40 Where did we stay and what did we eat when we were in Annecy?

#LivingInFrance #ExpatLife #FrenchCulture #AmericanInFrance #CulturalDifferences #FrenchSociety #ExpatsInFrance #FrenchLifestyle #AmericanExpat #ExpatStories #MovingtoFrance #AnnecyFrance #FrenchCities #QualityOfLife #MoveToFrance #LakeAnnecy #AlpineLiving #HauteSavoie #VeniceOfTheAlps

20 Comments

@firedupinfrance Creator 11 months ago Pinned

Thanks for watching! Do you think Annecy deserves its title of best city in France? And which other French cities should I explore in this series? Let me know below! 👇

@alsabreizh4 10 months ago

French here. Your video is incredibly well researched. I imagine you must have worked for hours to produce such a comprehensive piece. Well done! With you, I am rediscovering this city (which I fled for a long time) and I think to myself that it is quite pretty after all..

@lecanadienerrant8392 10 months ago

Almost 30 years ago, we had the privilege to live there for a year. It was like living in paradise. When there are too many tourists around the lake, just go hiking in the mountains.

@j.t1682 11 months ago

I live in Annecy. Its super crowded in the summer. It has very calming feel to it. Life is good here. We love every minute of our life in Annecy.

@Bruce-n5w2r 11 months ago

Thanks, yours are without doubt the best French city overviews. We lived in Annecy for almost 2 years (and may return some day) and you have described it perfectly. We love Autumn but aren't fans of Summer when the tourists take over the city and everyone seems to lose their sense of calm. We'd love to hear your thoughts in Angers some day. Many thanks.

@MauiJOY 11 months ago

I stayed in Annecy for a month this summer and LOVED every minute of it! I did not find the crowds to be too dense nor did I have to wait to get into most restaurants without a reservation. The Sunday market was spectacular as is swimming in the lake too! I am considering it for longer term however I think it will be too cold for me in the winter..may just be my "summer place". It was great to see your videos and re-live being there too.

@susanmorgan995 11 months ago

Having been to Annecy in September this video is right on Suzi- nice job!😊 It was very touristy at that time with definitely an international vibe. I stayed at an AirBnB near University of Haute Savoie. Hiking the hills above the lake are great views. Navigating the bus system was easy. I did get followed by a stranger when I first arrived off the train. Most likely a pickpocket. The student population I found to be very friendly and helpful. There's definitely a University vibe that I quite enjoyed. Students were taking their lunch breaks outside next to a little river and a park near one of the campuses. It was idyllic! It's perfect for outdoorsy folk! ❤

@pete7110 10 months ago

I'm always impressed at how informative and detailed your videos are. Great work as always :)

@carolneary1740 1 month ago

Thank you for such a well presented informative video

@karynhorne 11 months ago

Pleeeeease go to Metz!
Would love to hear your take on it!
🇫🇷♥️🤩
Thank you for all of your helpful videos!
Really enjoy your channel!!

@CafeLu 10 months ago (edited)

I love that you include information on walkability and public transportation.

@erickarnell 10 months ago

Excellent view of Annecy (and now I know it's two syllables!)

In the north I'm currently interested in Rouen, Rennes, Angers, Tours, and Orléans. In the south, Toulouse and Montpellier.

@zeitgeist888 11 months ago

Thanks for the personal review and research resources. Anger is quite nice when we visited a year ago.

@cmolodiets 10 months ago

You're so informed and factual we'll end up thinking it's your business

@mdk3000 10 months ago (edited)

We were in Annecy in Sept and it is a very lovely city. Thank you for the nice breakdown on living there! We also stayed in Dijon during the same trip and it is a very lovely city and seemed very livable. At some point we hope to figure out a city we would like to move to. Annecy is great as we love the mountains.
I would love to see what Metz is like! We have another France trip coming up to visit the Strasbourg area.
Thank you for your videos!

@yonicozac 5 months ago

That was very thorough and well presented. thanks!

@rphil8574 11 months ago (edited)

Thanks for mentioning those other websites -- it's good to have more references to check. Your videos are always informative and packed with useful details!

@chrisbee5481 5 months ago

I'm here mid April off season middle of the week and it's pretty full of people.
Way more than in your video. This place is perfect for cycling around the lake and hiking the mountains. Just the city Annecy it's self is too full if you're more the nature type. Lovely area

@seamusp5991 11 months ago

Such a great video. Thank you! 😊

@vanmillin4236 10 months ago

Great videos!. For smaller cities, I would be interested in your take on Angers, Brive-la-Gaillard and Limoges. I love the way you present the subject matter.