Activities at Lake Annecy

From Cézanne’s paintings to reality, the magic of Lake Annecy has remained the same. Considered the purest lake in Europe, its turquoise and transparent water surrounded by the surrounding mountains makes it a dream setting where calm and serenity reign supreme.

Swan island, canals in the old town, nature reserves, castles overlooking the lake or on a peninsula, UNESCO-listed lake archaeological sites, mythical shipwrecks… You can’t imagine how much you can see at Lake Annecy!

Around the lake – Stunning scenery and a breath of fresh air

Walks: villages and nature reserves

Even if it is not the most common way to visit Lake Annecy, it is possible to walk around the lake via a 43 km walking route which takes about a day (some parts are a bit rough and are not equipped). You can also choose to walk directly to the ten or so communes around the lake to soak up the charm of the small villages of Haute-Savoie.

Lake Annecy also has two nature reserves:

The Roc de Chère reserve is located on the eastern shore between the villages of Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires-Montmin. You can discover 68 hectares of protected fauna and flora with remarkable panoramas.
The Bout-du-Lac reserve is located, as its name suggests, at the southern end of the lake, in the commune of Doussard. 80 hectares can be explored via an educational trail that is accessible to all – including people with reduced mobility. You can admire an exceptional ecosystem such as families of European beavers.

Cycling around the lake

A wonderful way to discover the lake and its surroundings! It takes about 3 hours to cycle around the lake and cover about 40 kilometres. Cycling facilities cover almost the entire route, although some sections on the eastern shore have not yet been developed. Don’t hesitate to take breaks on the beaches, in restaurants or simply to admire the landscape. For those who want the easiest version, we advise you to do this tour in a clockwise direction.

You can also take your rollerblades, scooter or skateboard out for some fun along the cycle path (voie verte, west bank side) which is not particularly difficult. Of course, you are requested to respect the rules of good conduct and the safety instructions.

On the lake – Because the landscape has a completely different look

Stand Up Paddling

Go for a ride on the water in an original way, standing on a paddle board! At your own pace, discover Lake Annecy in a completely different way: walk along the edge of a castle, discover a nature reserve, admire a magnificent sunset…

Canoeing and kayaking

Would you like to be closer to nature? Get on board a canoe and explore the banks and the sea bed, which are full of surprises! The little hidden caves always make an impact…

Sailing

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, taking up sailing means setting off on an adventure. Catamaran, dinghy, windsurf… choose the boat you want to sail and play with the wind!

Cruises

Commented cruise, on a catamaran, in a private boat… there are many ways to make an excursion on Lake Annecy! Depending on your wishes, find the formula that suits you best. Whatever your choice, sumptuous landscapes await you on the open sea.

Rowing

Discover the world of an outdoor sport: rowing! In complete safety, the qualified instructors will give you their best advice during an initiation in an exceptional setting. Be ready to challenge your endurance, your body strength and your motor coordination!

Pedal boats

Sail on the lake in complete relaxation with the power of your feet! With family or friends, it’s a great activity that allows you to go at your own pace, sunbathe, slide if you want, swim and easily climb back onto the boat using a ladder.

Wooden boats and canoes

Would you like to discover the lake in the most authentic way? Then head for the Pâquier and the Pont des Amours where you can board the Savoyard launches. The hundred-year-old wooden boats will instantly take you back in time…

Fishing

Try your hand at fishing at Lake Annecy and learn more about the diversity of fish in the lake while enjoying the beauty of the landscape. If you are on holiday, there are permits available to fish for a day, 7 or 15 days. If you already have your fishing licence, there are two types of fishing on Lake Annecy: shore fishing and boat fishing.

Motorboats

Renting a boat means freedom! With or without a licence, choose your model to discover Lake Annecy and enjoy some great moments. The boat allows you to go further afield to explore and find the best spot to swim.

Water skiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing

Put on your summer skis or a wakeboard and let yourself be towed by a boat to indulge in the joys of water sports! Adrenalin, laughter, splashing around, sensations, landscapes… water skiing, wakeboarding or wakesurfing at Lake Annecy are a great experience to learn how to tame the waves.

In the lake – A whole invisible world lies beneath the water

Snorkeling, freediving and scuba diving

Lake Annecy is perfect for exploring the sea bed! Whether it’s snorkelling, snorkelling or scuba diving.

Aquatic plants, shellfish and fish by the thousands such as pike, trout or arctic char, populate the lake and are part of its underwater beauty.

Its other wealth: archaeological lake sites which are in fact the ruins of ancient lake cities and other prehistoric villages still visible. 3 of these palafittic sites are classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Other wonders lie under Lake Annecy, such as the wreck of the France at a depth of 42 metres…

Water walking

Would you like to go for a walk with your feet in the water? Strengthen your immune system and detox your body with a water walk on Lake Annecy. This outing allows for cardiovascular and muscular strengthening thanks to the resistance of the water, without joint trauma. The evolution in the water provides a relaxing effect and allows you to evacuate stress.

Beaches

A dozen beaches border the lake for everyone’s enjoyment. In a protected and green environment, facing the mountains or the emblematic castles of the lake, with beach volleyball courts, deckchairs, slides, white sand, in the shade of the trees, with or without supervision… Take to the water!