Lake Annecy
One of the purest lake in France
Maybe the most famous of the four great lakes, lake Annecy is often described as the most beautiful lake in France, encircled by stunning mountains, reflected in crystal-clear waters.
Some of the finest hotels in France have bagged prime locations along its eastern bank, notably in stunning Veyrier-du-Lac and Talloires.
Between these two rises the most famous castle on the lake, the Château de Menthon St-Bernard, a castle to inspire Walt Disney. The western side has family-friendly resorts, and gentler sandy beaches with equally good mountain views.
The splendid city of Annecy is the main point of departure for boat trips on the lake (Bateaux Dupraz or La Compagnie des Bateaux du Lac d'Annecy) but from the enchanting village resorts all around, sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing are possible, not forgetting pédalos!
Beaches around lac d'Annecy
(watched over by lifeguards)
Annecy, Annecy-le-vieux, Doussard, Duingt, Menthon-St-Bernard, Sevrier, Talloires, Saint-Jorioz, Veyrier-du-Lac.
Posh little ports around lac d'Annecy
Annecy, Annecy-le-Vieux, Doussard, Duingt, Menthon-St-Bernard, St-Jorioz, Sevrier, Talloires et Veyrier-du-lac.
A Speciality of Savoie Mont Blanc: "the leisure trails"
A leisure trail is a route dedicated to non motorised traffic: cycling, inline skating, walking, jogging... they provides safe routes for families. Cycling on the lake's west bank from Annecy is absolutely fantastic giving you a spectacular view of the toothy mountains opposite.
Golf courses around lake Annecy
Two fantastic 18 wholes golf courses on the shore of lac d'Annecy: one in Talloires on the Roc de Chère nature reserve with a panoramic view on the lac Annecy, and on the Château de Menthon and one in Giez facing both lac d'Annecy and the Mont Blanc.
Belvederes overlooking the lake
Contact the tourist office of Annecy for directions: + 33 4 50 45 56 66
- Col de la Forclaz
- Top of the Semnoz
- Top of the Mont Veyrier
- Calvaire of Notre Dame du Lac in the village of Duingt
- The Roc de Chère in Talloires
Cultural Heritage
Annecy is a chocolate-box of a city with old quarters dating back to 12th Century. Often referred as 'The Venice of the Alps', as the Thiou river flows through the old town. Designated an 'Art and History' city enjoy the visit of the old town with a guide or pick up a leaflet of suggested walking routes from the tourist office
Take the time to visit the musée de la Cloche in Sevrier and the Ecomusée du lac d'Annecy.
Where to eat
- La Maison de Marc Veyrat in Veyrier-du-Lac- 3 stars in the Guide Michelin
- Auberge du Père Bise in Talloires - 1 star in the Guide Michelin
- Le Clos des Sens in Annecy-le-Vieux - 2 stars in the Guide Michelin
- Le Belvédère in Annecy - 1 star in the Guide Michelin
- La Ciboulette in Annecy - 1 star in the Guide Michelin
Where to sleep
- Rive Plein Soleil du lac d'Annecy: east bank of the lake from Annecy: Talloires, Veyrier-du-Lac, Menthon-St-Bernard, Bluffy.
- Rive Gauche du Lac d'Annecy: west bank of the lake from Annecy: Sevrier, St-Jorioz, Duingt, St-Eustache, Leschaux, Entrevernes, La Chapelle-St-Maurice.
- Les sources du lac d'Annecy: Pays de Faverges
