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Parc de l'Imperial
A 5-hectare public garden on the shore of Lake Annecy, next to the Casino Impérial Palace: flower beds, a rose collection, a perennial border and a remarkable aviary form a landscaped setting extended by the Impérial beach.
Photo: Vivek Doshi on Unsplash
At a glance
Type
Public park · Garden
Access
Open · Free
Duration
30 min to 1 h 30
Best season
Spring and summer (flowering) · Year-round
Parking
Paid Impérial / Hôtel de Ville car parks nearby
Animals
Allowed on lead
Town
Annecy
What is Parc de l'Imperial
The Parc de l'Imperial, officially Parc Charles Bosson, is a five-hectare public garden set on the northern shore of Lake Annecy, right next to the Imperial Palace, the Casino and the Imperial beach. Laid out on a former Belle Epoque lakeside estate, it extends the Pâquier along the lakefront and forms one of the largest green walking spaces in central Annecy.
Visitors enjoy a collection of roses, a perennial border, flower beds renewed each season by the city gardeners, shaded lawns and an aviary that delights families. Flat, accessible paths dotted with benches and orientation tables open onto the Tournette and the Semnoz before leading out to the Imperial beach (paid in summer), the harbour and the casino.
The site is part of Annecy's Ville d'art et d'histoire label, with interpretive panels and a direct link to the Jardins de l'Europe. It is a natural stop between the old town, the lake and the avenue d'Albigny — and just a short walk from the Pont des Amours and the canals district.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Parc Charles Bosson, avenue d'Albigny, 74000 Annecy View on map
Coordinates
45.903592° N — 6.143566° E
Telephone
City of Annecy — 04 50 33 89 45
Official website
annecy.fr
Opening hours
Free entry year-round, every day (park open 24/7).
Prices
Free
Access / Parking
Paid Impérial / Hôtel de Ville car parks 2-5 min on foot. Sibra bus stops Impérial / Hôtel de Ville. Avenue d'Albigny on foot from the Pâquier.
Visit duration
30 min to 1 h 30 depending on your walk
Pets
Allowed on lead
Accessibility
Flat, stabilised paths, accessible to strollers and wheelchairs
On-site catering
Brasserie du Parc in the Impérial building · beach and kiosks in season
Access
How to get there
Nearest stops
- IMPERIAL · SIBRA · 5, 13, 26 · 207 m
- Albigny · Cars Région Haute-Savoie / SIBRA · 5, 13, 26, Y62 · 358 m
- ALBIGNY · SIBRA / Cars Région Haute-Savoie · 5, Y62 · 412 m
- SIBRA · Fare : 1,50 € (carte) · 2 € (appli/SMS) · 2,50 € (à bord, 2026) · Official fares & timetables →
- Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Official fares & timetables →
Transport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)
Nearby
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Gallery
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the Parc de l'Imperial in Annecy paid?
No. Access to the Parc de l'Imperial (officially Parc Charles Bosson) is free year-round. Only the adjoining Impérial beach (in season) and some neighbouring leisure facilities are paid.
What are the opening hours of the Parc de l'Imperial in Annecy?
The Parc de l'Imperial is a public garden open year-round, accessible 24/7, with no fence or closing times. Municipal services and the Brasserie du Parc keep their own hours.
Can you swim at the Parc de l'Imperial in Annecy?
Not directly in the park, but the Impérial Annecy beach adjoins it: a municipal beach supervised in summer, with paid access in high season. The Parc de l'Imperial extends to the lawns of the beach.
How do I get to the Parc de l'Imperial in Annecy?
The Parc de l'Imperial is on avenue d'Albigny, a 10-minute walk from the Pâquier. By public transport: Sibra bus, Impérial stop. By car: paid underground car parks Hôtel de Ville and Impérial nearby. By bike, the Lake Annecy greenway runs along the foot of the park.
Are dogs allowed at the Parc de l'Imperial in Annecy?
Yes, dogs are allowed at the Parc de l'Imperial provided they are kept on a lead, as in all Annecy's municipal parks. Please pick up after them.
When is the best season to visit the Parc de l'Imperial?
The Parc de l'Imperial is pleasant all year, but the rose garden and beds are in full bloom from May to September. Summer pairs the park with the Impérial beach and lake cruises, while autumn and winter offer a quieter walk.
How long should I plan to visit the Parc de l'Imperial?
A simple stroll through the Parc de l'Imperial takes 30 to 45 minutes. Allow 1 h to 1 h 30 if you take time to see the aviary and the rose garden and enjoy a lakeside break — or longer if you extend the visit to the beach and the Pâquier.
Sources
Sources & verification
- Office de tourisme du Lac d'Annecy
- Ville d'Annecy — Parcs et jardins
- Haute-Savoie Tourisme — fiche 115689
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
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