Stop flying to Venice as 'fairytale' holiday hotspot just as beautiful without the crowds

People have been captivated by the enchanting beauty of an underrated city, so picture-perfect it looks like it could have been taken straight from the pages of a storybook.

As summer approaches and , perhaps it is time to consider a break from the everyday grind in favour of a holiday abroad. Rather than heading to the usual hotspots - think sun-soaked beaches or bustling capital cities renowned for sightseeing and culinary delights - this lesser-known "hidden gem" could offer a refreshing alternative.

The beautiful spot is sometimes known as the 'Venice of the Alps' thanks to its charming canals. It also boasts a stunning lake, Mediaeval old town and plenty of activities. It is particularly perfect for those who love exploring old towns, quaint restaurants, and watersports.

This amazing place was highlighted on social media - and people cannot believe how beautiful it is, insisting they are adding the spot to their bucket lists.

The post shared on - a viral travel page which has 7.6million followers on - explained why Annecy a great travel spot, and said: "Did you know this hidden gem exists in France? Annecy is an alpine city 1 hour away from and is known for its beautiful lake, medieval old town, and outdoor activities like paragliding and boat rides."

"Such a cute town," commented one. "It's so beautiful there, still haven't forgotten about it," added another.

One individual who has booked to visit, said: "Looks amazing! I'll be visiting here in November." "This place has been on my bucket list for a few years, hopefully I can there this weekend."

"Now that looks beautiful," said another. "I love Annency," said a previous visitor.

Looking out beyond the beautiful flowers and buildings overlooking the canal, you will see Annecy's main attraction is the Palais de L'Isle. This iconic structure was first a prison, then a courthouse, and now a historic monument. Located in the middle of the River Thiou and separating the water into two canals, you can now take tours of the infamous building.

Stop for some french bread, a pastry at the fresh market, or enjoy the various restaurants lining the canal. Lots of visitors take a bike or bike ride to Lake Annecy, where you will see it is busy with kayaks, boats and paddles.

Getting to Annecy

The most popular way to get to Annecy from the UK is via the Eurostar and the TGV (high speed train). The Eurostar will take you to Paris, and then you need to get on the TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon, which is said to be a scenic journey.

Rail Europe reports that the prices for this route, for a single journey, start from £87.60.

If you would prefer to fly, you can fly into Geneva or Lyon then take a train or bus into the city. Skyscanner states: "No airlines currently offer direct flights between London and Annecy Airport. Most routes have one or more stops."