Finding accommodation during the Annecy Festival

Much like its counterpart in Cannes, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival is a highlight of the French cinematic calendar every year. If you are looking for a place to stay during the Annecy Film Festival, we have just what you need. Our team has put together this guide to help you find accommodation and make the most of the festival.

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What is the Annecy Festival?

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival, more simply known as the Annecy Festival, takes place every year in June. It showcases an official selection of animated films across various categories. The Annecy Festival is an opportunity to celebrate different animation techniques. From traditional cartoons and claymation to cutting-edge 3D and stop-motion animation, all types of animated films are represented.

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There is no Palme d'Or at the Annecy Festival, but there is the Cristal, which rewards films in the official selection. Among the many films honored since the festival's inception, "Kirikou and the Sorceress" in 1999 and "Little Nicholas: Happy As Can Be" in 2022 are two animated films that have won the Cristal for Best Feature Film.

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How can you attend the Annecy Festival?

Just like the Cannes Film Festival, attending the Annecy Festival requires accreditation (a pass). However, accreditations are more accessible in Annecy. In addition to passes for professionals, film students, buyers, and the press, the Annecy Festival offers the general public the opportunity to obtain a pass.

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A general public accreditation costs 30 euros and provides exclusive access to festival events; the International Animation Film Market (Mifa) is not open to the public. Although access to festival events is marked as "limited," this pass still allows you to attend screenings of all films in the official selection.

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Only certain festival "Meetings" are not accessible with the general public pass, including the film masterclasses. It is the perfect accreditation for cinephiles and animation enthusiasts. Once you have your pass, an online account is created so you can book tickets for the various festival screenings.

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Furthermore, if you are a member or subscriber of one of the festival's partner organizations, you can benefit from a reduced rate of 18 euros.

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Where should you stay during the Annecy Festival?

Finding accommodation during the Annecy Festival can be tricky. On one hand, June marks the start of the summer season and the arrival of tourists coming to enjoy the lake; on the other, in addition to the general public, hundreds of film professionals flock to the Haute-Savoie town, making vacation rentals in Annecy highly sought after.

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Once you have your accreditation, don't wait to book your rental in Annecy. Whether you want a comfortable apartment in the heart of Annecy or near the lake, a magnificent chalet, or a large apartment with a terrace in the hills of Annecy or Veyrier-du-Lac, treat yourself! There are many accommodation options for your stay in Annecy during the International Animation Film Festival.

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Also, take advantage of your time at the Annecy Film Festival to discover or rediscover the Old Town, the Pont des Amours, the Jardins de l’Europe, the Île des Cygnes, or the Château d’Annecy. Beyond the monuments, the local cuisine alone is enough to justify a trip to the Venice of the Alps.

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