11 reasons to visit Lake Annecy
France's third-largest lake effortlessly brings together some of the most appealing things to do on a French holiday.
Looking to explore an exquisite and historic town on the shore of Lake Annecy? Wander through tranquil nature reserves, or delve into history in a gorgeous hilltop château? Or perhaps get active on the water by kayaking, swimming or just lazing on the lakeshore.
However you want to enjoy the city of Annecy* and all the pleasures its lake brings you, here are a few things not to miss.
Getting to Annecy: you'll find a range of great value holidays to beautiful Annecy with specialist TUI Lakes & Mountains*.
Explore Annecy's old town
Annecy's cobbled lanes and canal-lined streets are a joy to visit. Start at the Pont des Amours (Lovers' Bridge), which sits at the top of the tree-lined Canal du Vassé and leads to the leafy Jardins de l'Europe by the lake.
Wander through the park to the Thiou Canal and you'll come to Annecy's most distinctive landmark, the Palais de l'Île, a medieval prison that's now an evocative museum on its own little island.
Once you've explored the narrow passageways and crossed the old bridges festooned with flowers, head uphill to Annecy Castle to see the works of art within its galleries and take in views of the town's terracotta rooftops.
You can save money by buying a combined ticket to both the Palais and the castle. Afterwards, take your pick from the many waterside cafés and restaurants and feast on Savoyard dishes and delectable grilled lake fish.
Take to the skies
Discover why Lake Annecy is one of Europe's premier places to go paragliding. Take off from one of the designated departure points and soar across the lake and the surrounding mountains.
The views are spectacular as you get a bird's-eye look at the sparkling lake, pretty waterside villages and forest-covered mountains before landing safely in a meadow. Try a tandem flight with a professional for an unforgettable experience.
Go for a swim
All around the shores of Lake Annecy are beaches where you can dive into the clear waters of this impossibly blue Alpine lake.
There are about a dozen official beaches, ranging from grassy shores to sandy stretches. The two closest to Annecy, Impérial and Albigny, both have grassy edges and easy access to the water.
If you've rented a bike, you'll easily be able to reach some of the loveliest beaches on the southern side of the lake, such as Talloires and Douss'plage.
Get sporty on the water
With Lake Annecy's calm and clean waters, it's little wonder that it's become a magnet for fans of paddleboarding and kayaking. Head to the lakeside town of Angon on the south-eastern side where you can rent a clear kayak and see the vivid marine life right beneath you.
The lake also attracts freedivers, sailors and waterskiers, and there's also old-fashioned fun to be had on pedalos in many of the beach areas.
Hop on a boat
If you want to explore the lake by water but want to let somebody else do all the work, join one of the excursions that leave from Annecy. Compagnie des Bateaux du Lac d'Annecy runs regular excursions on the lake, from an hour's circuit to longer trips that include lunch or dinner.
If you want something a bit more bespoke, there are private taxi boats that will give you a guided tour of the lake.
Go for a hike
Whether you're a keen hiker looking for a challenge or a leisurely rambler in search of breathtaking views, you'll find walking and hiking trails all around Lake Annecy.
Start gently with an easy walk around the Marais de l'Enfer (Marshes of Hell; although they're not remotely hellish) at St Jorioz, which you can access only by foot.
For something a bit tougher, get some altitude when you take the circular route to the Montviard waterfalls from the village of Bluffy.
Cycle around the lake
If you've got at least three hours to spare, longer if you want to make a few stops, follow the 26-mile Voie Verte circuit around the lake and prepare to be captivated by the views.
It's mostly flat, but there is one section near Talloires that requires a climb if you go clockwise around the lake. Rent an electric bike if you're not certain you can handle the ascent.
Stroll around a peaceful nature reserve
Serenity rules at Lake Annecy's southernmost end at the Bout du Lac Natural Reserve. Wander along its wooden walkways that wind their way past the lake's two sources and wildlife-filled marshland.
An educational trail shows you what flora and fauna to look out for, and eventually leads you to a squat medieval tower and some lovely views.
Dive into a thousand years of history
For nearly a millennium, a castle has stood guard over Lake Annecy from the lofty position of the fairy-tale-looking Château de Menthon Saint-Bernard near the eastern shore.
Astonishingly, 23 generations of the same family have owned the château since the first structure was built in the 10th century, and you can take tours of the castle from April to November. Its surroundings are just as impressive and include vineyards that cling to the hillsides.
Visit the Roc de Chère Nature Reserve
Rising from the lake up to 601 metres above sea level just north of the attractive village of Talloires, the Roc de Chère Nature Reserve is packed with walking trails leading to wonderful views.
In this relatively small area, there's a huge variety in the geography, limestone peaks, forested trails, flowery meadows, marshland and sandstone ridges, along with its own microclimate. Birdwatchers will want to keep an eye on Roc de Chère's rich birdlife, including peregrine falcons.
Play a round of golf
With views of the lake and the mountains, Lake Annecy Golf Club has one of the best positions if you want a fabulous backdrop to inspire your game.
Set in the heart of the Roc de Chère Nature Reserve, it's been going since 1953 and welcomes non-members to its 18-hole course and restaurant.
Weather in Annecy
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The above guide shows the weather in Annecy. Find out more about conditions across the country in our complete guide to the weather in France.
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