Lyon to Annecy by Train: One of the Most Scenic Rail Journeys in the French Alps

realtravelguides
Jan 10
3 min read

From France’s food capital to Alpine lakes and peaks

The train ride from Lyon to Annecy may be short, but it delivers one of the most satisfying landscape shifts in France. In under two hours, you leave behind riverbanks, bouchons, and Renaissance streets — and arrive in a world of turquoise water, alpine air, and snow-dusted peaks.

This is a journey that feels effortless, yet quietly spectacular. There’s no need for high speed here. The regional TER train slows just enough for the Alps to reveal themselves gradually, ridge by ridge, valley by valley.

Why This Train Ride Is Special

What makes this route so appealing is the sense of arrival. Annecy doesn’t sneak up on you — it announces itself. One moment you’re watching wooded hills roll past the window; the next, the lake appears, impossibly blue, framed by mountains that feel almost too close to be real.

It’s also one of the most accessible alpine journeys in France. No car, no transfers, no stress — just board the train and let the landscape change.

The Route at a Glance

Route: Lyon Part-Dieu → Annecy
Train type: TER regional trains
Journey time: approx. 1h55
Frequency: hourly
Best seats: left-hand side when leaving Lyon

Because this is a regional line, you can travel spontaneously — perfect for a last-minute alpine escape.

What You’ll See Along the Way

After leaving Lyon, the train skirts the foothills of the Alps, passing farmland and rivers before climbing gently toward the mountains. Approaching Annecy, the scenery tightens: sharper peaks, denser forests, and glimpses of water reflecting the sky.

Annecy station sits just a short walk from the old town — a rare and welcome moment where the journey ends exactly where you want to be.

When to Go

Best months: May–June and September
Summer: Popular but lively — early trains are calmer
Winter: Magical with snow, especially if combining with nearby alpine towns

How to Use This Journey in a Rail Itinerary

This route works beautifully as:

A nature break from Lyon
A gentle introduction to the Alps
A base for lake walks, cycling, or onward travel to Chambéry

It’s proof that you don’t need to go deep into the mountains to feel completely immersed in them.

The beauty of the Lyon–Annecy rail journey is that it links two places that are destinations in their own right. This isn’t just a scenic transfer — it’s a culinary capital giving way to alpine air and lakeside calm.

Lyon: Food, History & the Perfect Rail Hub

(Best to stay: 2–3 nights before heading to the Alps)

Few cities reward slow travel quite like Lyon. Compact, walkable, and deeply rooted in food culture, it’s also one of France’s most efficient rail hubs — making it an ideal starting point.

What to Do in Lyon

Begin in Vieux Lyon, where Renaissance buildings line narrow streets and hidden traboules (covered passageways) connect courtyards and staircases.

Other highlights include:

Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière for panoramic views
A stroll along the Rhône and Saône rivers
Les Halles de Lyon for a crash course in French gastronomy

Lyon doesn’t demand rushing — it invites wandering.

Where to Stay in Lyon

For train travellers, location is key:

Presqu’île or Vieux Lyon: Best for atmosphere and dining
Near Lyon Part-Dieu station: Convenient for onward travel, well connected by tram and metro

Mid-range boutique hotels and serviced apartments work especially well here.

What to Eat in Lyon

This is France’s food capital — and it takes that title seriously.

Seek out a traditional bouchon lyonnais for:

Quenelles de brochet
Saucisson brioché
Salade lyonnaise

Finish with local cheeses and a glass of Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhône. This is food with heritage — generous, unfussy, and deeply satisfying.

Annecy: Alpine Calm, Clear Water & Mountain Light

(Best to stay: 1–3 nights after the journey)

Arriving in Annecy by train feels almost cinematic. The station sits moments from canals, pastel façades, and one of Europe’s cleanest lakes — no transport needed, no adjustment period required.

What to Do in Annecy

Annecy is perfectly paced for rail travellers:

Wander the canals and arcades of the old town
Walk or cycle along Lake Annecy’s shoreline
Take a boat cruise for a different perspective on the mountains

Everything unfolds slowly here — and that’s the point.

Where to Stay in Annecy

The best bases are:

Old Town: Atmospheric and walkable
Near the lake promenade: Ideal for views and evening strolls

Boutique hotels and guesthouses dominate — book early in summer.

What to Eat in Annecy

Cuisine shifts here toward alpine comfort:

Tartiflette
Fondue savoyarde
Local cheeses such as Reblochon

Meals are hearty, simple, and designed for fresh mountain air appetites.