Having been at the top of the rankings for many years, Annecy already distinguished itself last year with a very respectable third place. This year, it has climbed to second place in the highly reputable ranking of the 500 most livable cities and towns according to the JDD (Journal du Dimanche). Schools, real estate, environment, salaries, living conditions… no fewer than 197 criteria were carefully examined.
Annecy, a city where life is (still) good in 2026
© France Guide Info
And it’s another win for Annecy! The city has once again distinguished itself , hot on the heels of Biarritz, which tops the 2026 ranking. According to the JDD, Annecy stands out for its quality of life, which is improving despite the cost of living also rising (the price per square meter in the city center is similar to that in Paris!). But the economic dynamism and proximity to Geneva counterbalance this trend. Life in Annecy is expensive, but overall, salaries keep pace.
But Annecy is also (and above all) about its environment. Nestled between the lake and the mountains, the setting is simply unique in the world. A crystal-clear lake surrounded by the Alps, nature on a silver platter… Admit it, it’s hard to do better than that. In every season, the Annecy area remains the ultimate destination for both sports enthusiasts and epicureans.
The Venice of the Alps: between modernity and tradition
© Biche Around the World
And that’s Annecy’s real strength: capitalizing on its historical and architectural heritage to revitalize the area and propel it into the spotlight. Its International Animation Film Festival, for example, is world-renowned, influencing an increasingly international tourism industry. Just like Mont-Saint-Michel or the ramparts of Carcassonne, people come to Annecy to see this side of provincial France. A recent study shows that the city is one of the favorite destinations for tourism from across the Atlantic in 2026.
Annecy dresses up every day of the year, and its nickname, “Venice of the Alps,” is proof of this. Cobbled streets, canals, old stone facades, secret passages, secluded little squares… the historic center is a true visual poem. Add to that the vast expanse of Le Pâquier on the lakefront, the Jardins de l’Europe, and the famous Pont des Amours (with its breathtaking view of the lake), and you have the second most livable city in France in 2026.