Holiday in Lac d'Annecy

What makes Lac d'Annecy special as a destination?

Lake Annecy is considered the cleanest lake in Europe and enchants visitors with its bright turquoise water against the backdrop of snow-capped Alpine peaks. The 14.6-kilometer-long glacial lake in Haute-Savoie has been protected by strict environmental laws since the 1960s, which gives it exceptional water quality — visibility of over ten meters is not uncommon. Annecy itself, often referred to as the 'Venice of the Alps', delights with pastel-colored houses along the Thiou Canal, a medieval old town with arcades, and the iconic Palais de l'Isle, which sits like a stone ship in the middle of the river. The lakeside promenade and the Jardins de l'Europe invite leisurely strolls, while street musicians and ice cream parlors spread a Mediterranean atmosphere. The 42-kilometer cycling path around the lake is one of the most beautiful bike tours in the Alps, passing by swimming beaches, medieval villages, and the impressive Chateau de Duingt. In summer, the brave jump from Roc de Chere into the lake, stand-up paddlers glide over the mirror-smooth water, and paragliders launch from Col de la Forclaz with a view of the entire lake panorama. In October, Annecy celebrates the Festival of the Return of Alpine Cheese. The region also provides access to the Bauges Nature Park and the Semnoz ski area — Lake Annecy is a year-round dream destination.