For one week every June the Annecy International Animation Film Festival turns the town into the de facto world capital of the form. Studios from Pixar to Studio Ghibli premiere new work; thousands of independents screen shorts in three competition sections; the lakefront fills with industry parties.
For the casual visitor, the public screenings on the Pâquier — free open-air evening shows projected on a giant screen with the lake behind — are the easiest way to take part. Accommodation in the city is booked solid a year ahead during festival week, but the satellite venues in Annecy-le-Vieux and Cran-Gevrier usually have late availability if you are flexible.