Things To Do
in Rumilly
Rumilly is a charming market town in Haute-Savoie, set in the foothills of the Alps. It blends a relaxed village atmosphere with easy access to the lake and surrounding mountains. The old town center features pastel facades, a lively market, and welcoming locals.
Its convenient position near Annecy and Lac du Bourget makes it a perfect base for exploring the region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Rumilly and check into your cozy accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets and start your exploration with a delightful breakfast at a local café. Enjoy the fresh pastries and savor a cup of French coffee while reflecting on the day's adventures ahead.
Visit the beautiful Church of Saint-Pierre, which boasts stunning architecture and intriguing historical significance. Afterward, take a short walk to the nearby Parc de la Charmette, where you can relax and enjoy the serene natural setting. Consider a picnic lunch amidst the greenery for a memorable midday break.
In the evening, dine at a traditional French bistro where you can indulge in regional specialties and local wines. Enjoy the ambiance and perhaps join some locals for a lively conversation. Wrap up the day by taking a peaceful evening stroll along the canal, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Start your day with a visit to the historic Old Town, where narrow streets and vibrant buildings create a picturesque backdrop. Take your time to wander and discover quaint shops and artisan boutiques. Don't forget to stop for a traditional breakfast at a patisserie, treating yourself to a buttery croissant.
Join a guided walking tour to learn about the rich history and culture of Rumilly. Visit the town hall and admire its architecture, then stop by the local market to experience the flavors and aromas of fresh produce and regional delicacies. Enjoy a light lunch at one of the food stalls offering regional specialties.
For dinner, seek out a restaurant featuring a farm-to-table concept, offering dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. After your meal, enjoy live music at a nearby venue for a relaxed evening atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the local culture by mingling with fellow visitors and residents.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| 🥖Bakery item and coffee | $4-7 |
| 🧀Local cheese platter | $8-15 |
| 🚌Public transport ticket (one ride) | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel night | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming market town with easy access to lakes and mountains
- Relaxed pace and friendly locals; great base for day trips
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Smaller selection of high-end dining compared with larger towns
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est le marché?" - Where is the market?
- "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does it cost?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît." - The check, please.
- "Pouvez-vous recommander un restaurant?" - Can you recommend a restaurant?
Places to Visit in Rumilly
Visit one of these nice places.
Quaint streets and pastel facades around the market square provide classic photography subjects, especially in morning light.
Shaded paths and reflective water with the town’s bridges offer serene composition opportunities.
A short climb from the town center yields panoramic views across Rumilly and the surrounding Alps.
Expansive lake views with distant mountains; great for sunset shots.
Food in Rumilly
Rumilly Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bubbling pot of melted cheeses (usually Gruyère, Beaufort or Comté, and Emmental) served with chunks of bread for dipping.
Must-Try!
A comforting bake of potatoes, onions, lardons, and Reblochon cheese baked until creamy and golden.
Melted cheese scraped onto potatoes, pickles, and cured meats; a classic cold-weather staple.
Small diamond-shaped pasta cooked with cheese or in hearty stews, often served in local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering cheeses, charcuterie, breads, pastries, and seasonal produce in the town square.
Crepes, artisanal pastries, and snack stalls around market days; a good place to taste local cheeses and breads.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a Bonjour when entering shops; a polite, friendly tone goes a long way.
Respect in markets; queues are common and patience is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Rumilly
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is included in many restaurants; if not, a small 5-10% tip for good service is appreciated in tourist areas.
Cards are widely accepted; cash is handy for small markets. Contactless payments are common; carry some euros for small shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Milder days and blossoming orchards; showers are common, so bring a light rain jacket and sturdy footwear for walks.
Warm days with long daylight. Perfect for lake outings and outdoor dining; occasional thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Cooling temperatures and vibrant foliage; markets stock autumn produce and cheeses; layers recommended.
Cold conditions with potential snow in the surrounding hills; cozy cafés and hearty meals dominate; some trails may be icy.
Rumilly at Night
Hiking in Rumilly
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Flat to gentle lakeside hikes with seasonal viewpoints and picnic spots.
Extensive network of forest and ridge hikes with alpine scenery.
Moderate climbs offering views across the valley and toward the Alps.
Airports
How to reach Rumilly by plane.
Major international airport about an hour’s drive from Rumilly; good rail connections via Geneva and Annecy.
Smaller regional airport offering several European routes; 45–60 minutes by road to Rumilly.
Large international hub; about 2.5–3 hours by road/train to Rumilly.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly French families and retirees who have lived in the area for generations.
Visitors during spring to autumn and weekenders seeking lake and mountain access.
People commuting to Annecy or Chambéry for work or study.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in the nearby Alpine areas during winter months.
Both road cycling and mountain biking are common in the region.
Extensive trail networks in the Bauges and surrounding hills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rumilly.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Savoyard dishes center on cheese and vegetables. Look for vegetable-forward plates, mushroom or squash dishes, and cheese options. When in doubt, ask for a cheese fondue sans meat or a simple salad with local cheeses.