Where to find the best souvenir shops in Annecy?
Welcome to Annecy, the “Pearl of the Alps,” famous for its turquoise lake, romantic canals, and irresistible old town with cobblestone alleys. Surrounded by majestic mountains, colorful markets, and medieval façades, Annecy offers an idyllic setting that attracts millions of travelers from around the world each year.
And what better way to extend your stay than by bringing home a unique souvenir from Annecy? But be careful — between ultra-touristy shops and items manufactured on the other side of the world, it’s not always easy to know where to look.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to the best souvenir shops in Annecy, along with clear instructions on how to claim your VAT refund on your purchases.
Want to explore even more? Check out our complete shopping guide to Annecy.
In a nutshell
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Annecy is full of authentic souvenir shops: local crafts, exceptional chocolates, Savoy wines, alpine décor, and original creations.
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The best addresses are located in the old town, around Rue Sainte-Claire, Filaterie, Carnot, and Perrière, where artisans, chocolatiers, and wine merchants are concentrated.
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With Zapptax, you can easily recover a large part of the VAT on all your purchases in France.
The Best Souvenir Shops in Annecy: Our Top 10
1. Art Loc Hall
This gallery-shop brings together more than twenty local artisans: ceramics, leather goods, jewelry, décor, art pieces… The selection is extensive, authentic, and 100% handmade. Perfect for bringing home a unique gift or personal keepsake.
📍 6–8 Faubourg des Annonciades, 74000 Annecy
2. La Librairie Imaginaire
A charming independent bookstore in the heart of Annecy, ideal for finding a poster, postcard, local novel, or beautiful book about the region. The warm atmosphere and carefully curated selections make it perfect for an original cultural souvenir.
📍4 Rue de la Poste, 74000 Annecy
3. La Symphonie des Saveurs
A gourmet boutique offering a beautiful selection of regional products: artisanal jams, cured meats, biscuits, wines, génépi, and gift baskets. An excellent choice for visitors looking to bring home a truly local culinary experience.
📍26 Rue Carnot, 74000 Annecy
4. Aux Bouts de Bois
This small shop specializes in carved wooden objects: alpine decorations, boxes, utensils, and ornaments with a mountain touch. Great for a durable, authentic souvenir.
📍4 Rue Sainte-Claire, 74000 Annecy
5. Chocolaterie Patrick Agnellet
An exceptional address by Patrick Agnellet, a renowned pastry chef and chocolatier from the region. Chocolates, pâtisserie creations, and gourmet gift boxes make for a refined, high-end souvenir — the perfect sweet gift of rare quality.
📍15 Rue Président Favre, 74000 Annecy
6. Boutique Souvenirs du Lac d’Annecy
Located inside the Tourist Office, this boutique is perfect for finding original items inspired by Lake Annecy: water bottles, magnets, clothing, nautical accessories, and postcards.
📍 2 Place au Bois, 74000 Annecy
7. Cave de la Filaterie
A superb wine shop with a wide selection of Savoyard and French wines, carefully chosen by local enthusiasts. An excellent place to pick up a regional bottle or a gift set.
📍12 Rue Filaterie, 74000 Annecy
8. Rubataga
A colorful concept store combining artisanal creations, French-made décor, and handmade accessories. The perfect spot for a trendy, artistic, and local souvenir—always something unique, far from typical tourist gifts.
📍2 Place Ste Claire, 74000 Annecy
9. Le Brazza
Located on Rue Sainte-Claire, one of Annecy’s liveliest streets, this shop offers a wide variety of classic souvenirs: magnets, mugs, cards, decorative objects… A convenient address for quick, inexpensive souvenirs.
📍25 rue Sainte-Claire, 74000 Annecy
10. Rose
A charming boutique offering décor and gift items: ceramics, design pieces, home accessories, and items inspired by modern alpine style. An elegant place to pick up a chic, long-lasting souvenir.
📍8 Rue Président Fabre, 74000 Annecy
How to Get a VAT Refund on Your Souvenir Purchases in Annecy with Zapptax
Good news for travelers who are not residents of the European Union: your souvenir purchases in Annecy can cost you less thanks to tax-free shopping.
With Zapptax, you can recover up to 90% of the VAT paid on your purchases in France — as long as you follow the right steps.
- Shop wherever you like: in physical stores or online (delivery must be made to an address in France: your hotel, vacation rental, friends’ address, in-store pickup, etc.).
- At checkout, request an invoice including VAT issued in the name of Zapptax (details available in the app).
- Upload your invoices to the app.
- Once you reach €100 total, Zapptax generates your tax-free form (bordereau de détaxe).
- Before leaving the EU, validate the form at a PABLO kiosk or with a customs officer.
- Receive your refund directly into your bank account.
Only physical products that are still new and unused (in their original packaging) are eligible. Services such as hotels and restaurants do not qualify.
Conclusion
Every souvenir shop in Annecy offers a piece of the city: the softness of the lake, the authenticity of its artisans, the richness of Savoyard flavors.
And with Zapptax, your purchases come with an added benefit: you easily recover part of the VAT, without stress or complications.
Meaningful souvenirs, a refund that makes travel easier… and a little bit of Annecy that stays with you long after you’re home.
FAQ
1. What souvenirs should you buy in Annecy?
Annecy offers a wide range of souvenirs: handcrafted wooden objects, artisan chocolates, illustrated posters and postcards, alpine textiles, gourmet products (génépi, jams, biscuits), and items inspired by the lake. The old town shops are ideal for finding an authentic, local gift.
2. What souvenirs can you bring back from Haute-Savoie?
In Haute-Savoie, the most popular souvenirs include gastronomic specialties (cheeses, cured meats, chocolates, liqueurs), mountain crafts (carved wood, pottery), and accessories inspired by alpine life. These are typical gifts that perfectly reflect the identity of the region.
3. What is Annecy famous for?
Annecy is famous for its cheeses (tomme, reblochon, abondance), artisanal chocolates, Savoyard biscuits, génépi, and many mountain specialties. The city is also known for its local craftsmanship: wooden objects, alpine décor, and artisan creations.
