An exceptional destination in the heart of Haute-Savoie, Lake Annecy is the ideal place to enjoy the fresh air in the depths of the mountains. With its portal map decor, it offers incomparable landscapes of astonishing beauty in both winter and summer. Perched at an altitude of 447 metres, it is overlooked by the summit of La Tournette, which looks down on the blue of its water from its 2351 metres. Several municipalities border the waters of the lake, starting with Annecy of course, but also Veyrier-du-Lac, Sévrier, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Saint-Jorioz, Talloires-Montmin, Duingt, Entrevernes or Doussard. From snow-covered mountains to heavenly beaches, Lake Annecy makes you dream with its thousand faces: whether you are on foot, by bike, by motorcycle, in a "Water Taxi" or on board a legendary 2CV ("2 horses"), here are some ideas to keep you in touch.
On the west bank, it is certainly where the panoramas are most magnificent at sunrise. In February, between the Massif des Bauges and the lake, you will be dazzled by its view of the lake from its small beach. Be careful if you want to go there, you will have to do it early in the day since this last one, very popular, attracts many people when summer comes. The Saint-Jorioz pier and its postcard decor will allow you to admire one of the most beautiful views of the lake over the Tournette and the Dents de Lafon. If you like hiking, we can only recommend that you visit the panorama of the Boucle du Laudon: breathtaking! The medieval village of Duingt, opposite the Roc de Chère, marks the separation between the "small" and the "large" Lake Annecy: near the bay of Talloires and the castle of Ruphy, we guarantee you that you will love the landscape. Do not hesitate to climb the heights of the city for a splendid overview of the Duingt peninsula and its castle, made famous by the brushstrokes of Paul Cézanne, who immortalized it in 1896. For those who love climbing, they can admire the lake from Taillefer Mountain: a delight for the eyes!
Le Bout du Lac will delight adventurers and nature lovers: with its mountain landscapes and generous nature, the Bout du Lac Nature Reserve is well known for its hiking trails and its beautiful Doussard beach, appreciated for its spot of water sports. On your way to Talloires, Angon beach and its immeasurable beauty will not escape you: wild, protected, this beach, highly appreciated by holidaymakers, offers a view to be damned on the blue lagoon and the mountains that surround it. For more tranquility, we recommend that you take your stroll a little further along the shores of the lake to find smaller, calmer coves, perfect for long days in the sun.
The shoreline is the most "coastal" of the lake, certainly thanks to the splendid village of Talloires. Invited by artists and celebrities such as Winston Churchill and Paul Cézanne, Talloires impresses first of all by its rich architectural heritage. Its abbey in particular, as well as its beautiful Marina, attract a good number of visitors each year. If its "bling-bling" side (all measures kept) does not seduce you, do not abandon this extraordinary city so quickly, and give it a chance to conquer you thanks to its wonderful beach facing the castle of Duingt, or with its Natural Reserve of the Roc de Chère. Well known for its incomparable beauty, it offers many hiking trails that will take you to its famous rock, from which many photographers have immortalized the lake. Just next door, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and its imposing 13th century castle will be a perfect holiday destination for holidaymakers looking for charm and authenticity. With its marina and small beach, Menthon-Saint-Bernard is highly appreciated for its setting that is ideal for water sports. In its extension, Veyrier-du-Lac overlooks the lake from the slopes of Mont Veyrier: a paradise for walkers, climbers and sports enthusiasts, this dynamic resort is certainly the greenest of all those surrounding Lake Annecy.
Finally, Annecy is the most essential destination for anyone wishing to discover the splendours of the lake. With its pont des Amours, its European gardens, its carnival, its Palais de l'Isle, its old town dotted with flowered canals, its château de Novel, its beaches, its typical restaurants, its pontoons on the lake and its welcoming atmosphere, Annecy is definitely one of the most beautiful cities on the lake.
Wonderful playground for lovers of water sports, Lake Annecy will allow you to discover or rediscover a good number of sliding sports during your stay: sailing, water skiing, family pedal boats, but also stand-up paddle, diving in Talloires and Veyrier-du-Lac, canoeing, wakeboarding, bodyboarding, kayaking to go around the lake with your arms... The choice is wide! In winter, sledging, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and cross-country skiing will be on the menu at the Montmain Nordic domain, the Plateau des Glières and the Semnoz Nordic domain in Viuz-la-Chiésaz. Finally, paragliding is a good choice to discover the lake from above, as long as your stomach is well attached.
