Annecy, a picturesque little town offering opportunities for lake sports and hiking galore, has drawn us more than once from our home base in Lausanne, Switzerland.

We’re only about an hour or so away, after all.

And when we visit France—even if only to cross the border for a day or a weekend—we love to eat. France has a well-deserved reputation as a gastronomic paradise, after all!

If you pass through or stay in Annecy for a few days, I thought I’d share with you the restaurants (and treats!) we’ve found that we’ve loved during our visits to town.

Bakery and Patisserie Deliciousness

In the town center and right next to the lake, our go-to option for daily bread and croissants has become Boulangerie Rouge or Maître Artisan Rouge. After all, you can’t spend a day in France without a good hunk of freshly baked bread—and maybe a croissant (or two).

For more elegant desserts—and great bread as well—you’ll need to walk a bit from the center of town to earn it. In Annecy-le-Vieux, a technically separate little village just about a half hour stroll away from the center of Annecy proper, you’ll find an elegant boutique called Patrick Agnellet offering desserts, chocolate, and macarons that are well worth the walk. I promise.

And just around the corner from the Patrick Agnellet boutique in Annecy-le-Vieux, don’t miss a visit to Pan et Gatô, an innovative and delicious bakery and patisserie with gorgeous and seasonally inspired breads and desserts. We’ve even stopped here on our way through town back to Lausanne from elsewhere, just to grab a dessert or two (and a baguette for dinner at home later, of course).

Casual Dining

Our go-to favorite for a casual—and utterly delicious dinner—in Annecy has become L’Appart 17. Here you’ll find elegant yet relaxed service and fresh, delicious, and seasonally varying food that hasn’t yet once disappointed us. I now consider it a can’t-miss for each visit to town.

With more of a brasserie atmosphere—replete with a large outdoor terrace filled with cheerful beer drinkers—consider Chez Ingalls. Though the theme, centered on The Little House on the Prairie, disconcerted me a little (I mean, why?), the restaurant offers friendly service and tasty laid-back dishes.

Elegant Dining

Our favorite option for elegant dining in Annecy is lunch or dinner at the relaxed but still refined L’Esquisse. I highly recommend the prix-fixe, multiple-course menu with the day’s creations when you visit. Whether you dine for lunch or for dinner, you will not leave disappointed.

For a second option, consider Brasserie Irma. Though this restaurant—part of the Paul Bocuse culinary empire—has a better location than L’Esquisse that features a lake view and a wide, shaded terrace, the food doesn’t compare with what you’ll find at my top recommendation in this category—but you’ll still have a nice and relaxed meal, elegantly presented.

Ah, and worthwhile to note: Annecy has a causal vibe, so even at these more elegant options on my list, you won’t need to dress too formally.

Feast—and then Exercise it Off in Annecy

Why not treat yourself to all the culinary goodness in Annecy when you can then spend the rest of your time in town working it off in the lake or on the mountainous hiking trails and gorges?

Or heck, just treat yourself. Because when in France, you must eat the food!