Marché de Noël du Vieil Annecy

Nestled in the heart of Annecy's medieval old town, the Marché de Noël du Vieil Annecy transforms the historic streets and canals into one of France's most atmospheric holiday settings. Spread across Place Saint-François de Sales, Quai de Vicenza, and Rue Saint-Maurice — winding between the churches of Saint-François-de-Sales and Saint-Maurice — approximately 80 wooden chalets create a warm, intimate Christmas village that feels genuinely rooted in Alpine tradition. Part of the broader "Noël des Alpes" festival, this old town market is widely regarded as the most charming of Annecy's several Christmas markets. Visitors can browse stalls offering regional crafts from Savoie, including handmade jewelry, wooden toys, leather goods, and scarves, alongside a dedicated Alsatian chalet selling authentic produce from that region. Food lovers will find plenty to savor: steaming mugs of mulled wine, hearty tartiflette, diots au vin, raclette, gingerbread, nougat, and fresh cheese are all on offer. The cobblestone lanes, illuminated canal-side buildings, and backdrop of snow-dusted Alpine peaks lend the market an undeniable magic after dark, when illuminations light up the historic facades each evening. The market runs daily from late November through early January, with opening hours of 11am to 9pm on weekdays and Sundays, and until 9:30pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and during school holidays — though the market closes at 7pm on Christmas Eve. Entry is completely free. Arrive on a weekday evening for a more relaxed experience, as weekends draw the largest crowds to this beloved Annecy Christmas tradition.