Annecy vs Marseille

Annecy

Annecy has a humid continental climate with strong alpine influence — warm, sunny summers (daytime 22–28°C, but cool evenings 14–17°C), cold winters with limited valley snow but heavy snow on the surrounding peaks (most ski areas above 1,500m are reliable December–April). The lake creates a "thermal pool" effect that keeps the city slightly warmer than surrounding hills in autumn and slightly cooler in summer. Annual rainfall ~1,150 mm, distributed across the year with a slight summer afternoon-storm peak.

Marseille

Marseille has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The Mistral wind can bring sudden cold, clear spells any time of year.

Annecy

Annecy is small, compact, and largely walkable — the Vieille Ville, lakefront, train station, and Champ de Mars are all within 1.5 km of each other. The Sibra urban bus network covers the suburbs and the lake-shore villages; there is no metro. For lake exploration, the Compagnie des Bateaux ferry network is the equivalent of a "lake bus". Cars are unnecessary in the city itself but useful for the surrounding alpine villages and the Tour de France climbs.

Walkability: Annecy is one of the most walkable medium cities in France — flat, compact, and almost entirely pedestrianised in the historic core. The lakefront promenade extends 5 km along the city shore (with continuous walking and cycling paths) and connects to the Voie Verte for further afield. The only "transit" most visitors really need is the lake ferry for Talloires and the bus for Mont Veyrier.

Marseille

Marseille has a decent metro and bus system. The city center around the Old Port is walkable, but the Calanques and some neighborhoods require a car or bus.

Walkability: Good around the Old Port and Le Panier but the city is hilly and spread out. Comfortable shoes recommended. The Corniche walk is beautiful but long (5 km).