Beautiful but Underrated Cities to Visit Before They Become Tourist Hotspots

City Twenty-Four: The Alpine Grace of Annecy, France

Cradled by snow-capped peaks and reflecting in the turquoise waters of its namesake lake, Annecy is often called the “Venice of the Alps”—but it deserves recognition on its own terms. Its canals wind through pastel-hued houses, flower-box balconies, and cobbled lanes that seem designed for aimless wonder. While Parisians flock to the Riviera, Annecy stays blissfully serene, with Alpine hikes, lakeside picnics, and slow boat rides setting the tone. The food scene here leans toward the decadent—local cheeses, charcuterie, and buttery tarts savored in quiet cafés. For travelers seeking nature, charm, and elegance with half the crowd, Annecy is pure magic.