Parc Charles Bosson, Annecy

Park in Annecy

Parc Charles Bosson Annecy
Parc Charles Bosson Annecy
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Guilhem Vellut

Parc Charles Bosson is one of Annecy's most enjoyable lakeside green spaces, set along the edge of Lake Annecy near the elegant waterfront and the Imperial Palace area. It's the kind of place you come for an easy stroll, a bench with a view, or a low-key picnic with the Alps as your backdrop.

Because it sits on the natural walking corridor between the Old Town and the longer lakefront promenades, it's an easy add-on to a walking tour of Annecy. Pair it with the nearby Jardins de l'Europe and Le Pâquier for a best-of-the-waterfront loop, especially around golden hour when the lake and mountains look their most dramatic.

History and Significance of the Parc Charles Bosson

Parc Charles Bosson is part of Annecy's broader tradition of public lakeside parks that make the shoreline feel open and walkable rather than built-up. While Annecy is famous for canals and medieval streets, the lakefront is where the city's “slow travel” personality really shines.

The park's significance today is less about monuments and more about everyday life: locals walking dogs, families taking a break between activities, and travelers decompressing after exploring the Old Town. Its position near grand Belle Époque-era lakeside architecture also gives it a refined, classic Annecy feel.

In practical terms, it functions as a calmer extension of the busier central lawns and gardens nearby. If you want the lake views without the densest crowds, this is often the sweet spot.

Things to See and Do in the Parc Charles Bosson

Come for the views first: the lakefront sightlines are the headline act, with mountains framing the water and Annecy’s waterfront buildings adding a distinctive sense of place. A simple walk along the paths can feel like a mini scenic route, especially on clear days.

For a slower visit, bring snacks and settle in on the grass or a bench. The park is well-suited to picnics, people-watching, and a gentle reset between sightseeing stops, and it’s popular with locals out with kids or dogs.

If you’re visiting in the evening, it’s also worth a pass-by after dark. The calmer nighttime atmosphere and lakeside lighting can make it feel surprisingly different from the daytime vibe.

How to Get to the Parc Charles Bosson

The nearest major airports are Geneva Airport (GVA) and Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS), both commonly used gateways for Annecy. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Annecy on Booking.com.

Annecy is well connected by rail, and arriving at Annecy train station makes it easy to continue on foot, by local bus, or by taxi toward the lakefront. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

If you’re traveling by car, aim for public parking options around the lakefront/Imperial area or the central zones, then finish the last stretch on foot along the promenade. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Parc Charles Bosson

  • Official website: https://www.annecy.fr
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Late afternoon into sunset for the best lake-and-mountain light, or early morning for a quieter stroll.
  • How long to spend: 20–45 minutes for a walk-through, or 1–2 hours if you’re picnicking and lingering by the water.
  • Accessibility: Mostly flat, promenade-style paths make it manageable for strollers and many mobility needs, though surfaces can vary by path.
  • Facilities: Expect benches and open lawns; nearby lakefront areas typically have public conveniences and places to grab snacks.

Where to Stay Close to the Parc Charles Bosson

Base yourself in central Annecy near the lakefront if you want the easiest walking access to the Old Town, promenades, and parks without relying on transport.

Impérial Palace Chosen for its iconic lakeside setting and classic Annecy glamour, with the park and promenade right outside.

Hôtel Les Tresoms Lake and Spa Resort A strong pick if you want lake views plus a spa-focused stay, while still being close enough for easy waterfront walks.

Le Pélican A stylish, modern option near the water that works well for travelers who want design-forward comfort and walkability.

Rivage Hôtel & Spa Annecy Ideal for a quieter lakeside base with wellness facilities, especially if you plan to spend time along the longer promenades.

Hôtel du Palais de l'Isle Best for Old Town atmosphere and photogenic surroundings, with an easy stroll to the lakefront parks when you want open space.

Is the Parc Charles Bosson Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you're already exploring Annecy on foot. It's an effortless, beautiful slice of the lakefront that delivers exactly what most travelers want here: fresh air, open lawns, and big views with minimal planning.

Honest Pivot: if your schedule is extremely tight and you're choosing between this and the Old Town canals/landmarks, prioritize the Vieille Ville first and treat Parc Charles Bosson as a “bonus” stop. It's also less compelling in heavy rain or during very gray weather when the lake views are muted.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (80)

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, describing Parc Charles Bosson as a beautiful, easy-to-reach lakeside park with a relaxed vibe. Travelers frequently highlight the scenic views of Lake Annecy, the surrounding mountains, and nearby architecture, plus the pleasant waterfront walking path that connects well to downtown. Many mention it's ideal for picnics and downtime, with a family- and dog-friendly feel and plenty of places to sit. Downsides are minor but include that it can feel busier on nice days and that the park is more about atmosphere and views than major “attractions.”

Kelly M.
5 months ago
"Parc Charles Bosson is a beautiful park within walking distance of downtown A ecy. If you’re staying downtown, there’s a lovely walking path you canfollow along the water that leads right to it. You can take in views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and A ecy’s historic architecture. The park has massive trees for shade and co ects to the beach if you want to cool off in the lake. It’s such a peaceful spot to relax - you’ve got that fresh air, families playing around, and those stu ing mountain views. Perfect place to unwind and soak up the Alpine atmosphere that makes A ecy special...."
D DR
6 years ago
"A really nice park with a friendly, chill vibe located right by A ecy Lake! We had a picnic here on a lovely summer afternoon, and it couldn’t bemore perfect. A lot of people sit and relax in the park with friends and families, and as we noticed it was popular with families with kids and/or dogs. Not surprising as the park is very kid- and pet-friendly...."
Caroline DELOR
3 years ago
"By night. 🌙🌠"

For Different Travelers

Parc Charles Bosson is flexible: it can be a quick scenic pause or a full-on slow afternoon. Because it's outdoors and easy to reach, it fits neatly into many Annecy itineraries without feeling like a commitment.

Families with Kids

The open lawns are great for letting kids burn off energy between more structured sightseeing stops. It’s also an easy place to reset with snacks and a break from narrow Old Town streets.

Keep an eye on the water’s edge and bike traffic along the promenade, especially on busy days. If you’re traveling with a stroller, stick to the main paths for the smoothest roll.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

This is a simple, high-reward spot for a lakeside walk, especially in the late afternoon when the light turns soft over the mountains. It's also a nice place to slow down after dinner with a calm, scenic loop.

For a more romantic flow, combine it with nearby gardens and finish with a drink along the waterfront. Even a short bench stop here can feel like a “moment” in Annecy.

Budget Travelers

It's completely free and delivers some of the best views in town, making it an ideal stop if you're building a low-cost day around walking. Bring a picnic and you've got a classic Annecy experience without paying for an activity.

Because it connects well to other waterfront highlights, you can string together a full afternoon of scenery with minimal transit costs. It’s also a good place to rest your feet between neighborhoods.

FAQs for Visiting Parc Charles Bosson

Getting There

Yes, it’s an easy walk along the lakefront routes from the central/Old Town area. The stroll itself is part of the experience.
Yes, local buses and taxis can get you close to the lakefront/Imperial area. From there, it’s typically a short walk.
Yes, the lakefront is popular for cycling, and arriving by bike fits naturally with the promenade setting. Be mindful of pedestrians in shared areas.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s a public park with open access. You can come and go freely.
Not typically; it’s primarily lawns and paths. Costs, if any, are more likely to be for nearby cafés or activities outside the park.
Some walking itineraries and self-guided routes along the lakefront naturally pass by. It’s easy to add even if your tour doesn’t formally “stop” here.

Visiting Experience

Lake and mountain views with a relaxed, local vibe. It’s ideal for a scenic pause rather than a checklist attraction.
It can get busy on sunny weekends and summer afternoons. If you want more quiet, go early or closer to sunset.
Yes, especially on clear days when the mountains look crisp. Just dress warmly, as the lakeside can feel colder.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Use it as a lakefront break between the Old Town and the longer promenades. It works well as a “reset” stop after sightseeing.
Combine it with Jardins de l’Europe and Le Pâquier for a classic waterfront circuit. Add the Old Town canals before or after.
Both work: a 10-minute pass-through is scenic, but it shines if you slow down with a picnic or a long stroll.

Photography

Look for open sightlines toward the lake with mountains behind, especially near the water-facing edges. Late-day light is usually the most flattering.
Sunset is often more convenient and can be spectacular over the lake and peaks. Sunrise is quieter if you want fewer people in your shots.
Yes, the calmer evening atmosphere can be great for moodier lakefront images. Use a steady hand or stabilization in low light.

Accessibility & Facilities

Many paths are flat and promenade-like, which helps a lot. Conditions can vary by route, so stick to the main paths for the smoothest surfaces.
Yes, benches are a common feature and make it easy to take breaks. The lawns also work well for resting on a blanket.
Dogs are commonly seen in the area, and the park is generally dog-friendly. Keep your dog controlled and follow any posted leash rules.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy the park. Pick up snacks in town and make the lakefront your dining room.
Yes, the lakefront and central Annecy area have plenty of options within walking distance. It’s easy to combine a park stop with a coffee break.
There are shaded paths and trees, but sunny lawns can be exposed. Bring water and consider timing your visit outside peak heat.

Safety & Timing

Generally yes, as it’s a well-trafficked public area, but use normal city awareness. Stick to lit paths if it’s late.
Early morning is typically calmest, with fewer picnickers and less promenade traffic. Late afternoon is livelier but very scenic.
Yes, the experience is view-driven, so clear days are best. If it’s rainy, consider swapping in museums or Old Town indoor stops.

Nearby Attractions to the Parc Charles Bosson

  • Jardins de l'Europe: A classic lakeside garden with shaded paths and postcard views near the water.
  • Le Pâquier: The iconic central lawn where Annecy's lakefront opens up into wide, scenic space.
  • Pont des Amours: A famous viewpoint bridge for lake-and-canal photos and an easy stroll from the park.
  • Vieille Ville (Old Town) of Annecy: Canals, arcades, and historic streets that define the city's most atmospheric neighborhood.
  • Promenade d’Albigny: A longer lakeside walk that’s perfect for extending your stroll beyond the central waterfront.

The Parc Charles Bosson appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Annecy!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: 1 All. de l'Impérial, 74000 Annecy, France
Annecy: 1 km
Telephone: +33 4 50 33 88 88
Official Website

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