Holiday in Lac d'Annecy

Lake in France — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇫🇷

Country

France

Type

Lake

Best time to travel

May–September, swimming season June–August

Budget/day

100–170 €

Getting there from Germany

Flights to Geneva (35 km) or Lyon (140 km). TGV Paris–Annecy in 3 hours 40 minutes.

About Lac d'Annecy

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.

Nature
100
Relaxation
93
Families
80
Romance
80
Safety
80

Top 5 highlights in Lac d'Annecy

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Cycling Tour around the Lake (42 km)

The completely paved, car-free cycling path around the lake offers a new breathtaking view of turquoise water and Alpine peaks every few kilometers.

2

Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard

The fairy-tale castle on the rocky spur above the lake is said to have inspired Walt Disney for Sleeping Beauty.

3

Plage d'Albigny

The largest and most popular beach in Annecy offers fine gravel, sunbathing areas, water temperatures up to 26 °C in summer, and a dream view.

4

Talloires

The small village on the eastern shore with its bay is considered one of the most beautiful places by the lake – with Michelin-starred restaurants and hidden swimming spots.

5

Paragliding at Col de la Forclaz

The launch site above the lake offers one of the most spectacular paragliding flights in Europe – tandem flights for beginners starting at €90.

Hotels in Lac d'Annecy

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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Lac d'Annecy

Recommended travel time

May–September, swimming season June–August

Summer

Warm, 20–28 °C, water temperature up to 26 °C

Winter

Cold, -3–5 °C, snow in the mountains

How much does a holiday in Lac d'Annecy cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

50–75 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

100–170 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

200–450 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

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5 travel tips for Lac d'Annecy

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

The cycling path is very crowded on summer weekends – it's more relaxed during the week.

Stand-up paddling (SUP) on the crystal-clear lake is a magical experience – rentals available at several locations.

The ferry across the lake from Annecy to Talloires and Menthon offers beautiful perspectives.

For the best photos: sunset from the eastern shore (Talloires) with a view of the Tournette.

The market in Annecy on Sunday mornings offers Reblochon, Tome des Bauges, and Savoy sausage.

Food & drink in Lac d'Annecy

These specialties you must try!

Tartiflette
Fondue savoyarde
Reblochon cheese
Féra du lac (lake whitefish)
Diots au vin blanc (sausages in white wine)
Roussette de Savoie (white wine)
Suitable for:LakeCyclingSwimmingAlpsNatureWater sportsParaglidingPanorama

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