Outdoor
Lake Annecy’s bike path enjoys a new upgrade
A breath of fresh air for those who love to explore the lake and use their legs to get around
Good news for those who love to pedal, walk, or skate around Lake Annecy: the bike path has entered a new era!
In 2024, SILA, the area’s water authority, launched an ambitious project to modernize the legendary loop around the lake, receiving unwavering support from the Haute-Savoie General Council, the Greater Annecy Area, municipalities along the lake, and the national government.
Given the bike path’s overwhelming popularity, with more than 1.5 million visitors every year, the goal of the project is to make the path wider, safer, and more sustainable for all users.
© SILA / The Lake Annecy bike path
A bike path designed for everyone
The bike path, a victim of its success, needed to grow a little, to expand, if you will. Current construction serves to widen the path and create a designated lakeside pedestrian lane on the lake facing side. This will provide enough space for cyclists, pedestrians, inline skaters, and people with reduced mobility to comfortably share the bike path together. The first section, inaugurated in Sevrier in April 2025, set the tone: a smoother, more enjoyable experience perfectly integrated into the landscape.
“This project embodies an exemplary approach where proper dialogue leads to well-thought-out infrastructure to ensure comfort and safety for all users,” highlights Mr. Prud’homme, SILA’s Vice President in charge of infrastructure and facilities around and on the lake.
Places to rest, marvel, and ponder
This project focuses on more than just a simple makeover; it serves to create new spaces to take a break. Two rest areas were recently inaugurated:
- Le Fartot: a warm and welcoming rest area with benches, bike stands, and a soon-to-be operational eco-counter that will display the number of people passing by.
- The water-skiing launch area: transformed into an overlook with stunning views of the lake.
And this is just the beginning! The long-term goal is to provide a rest area every 550 meters, offering users an alternative way to enjoy the lake and creating an experience that blends effort and contemplation.
© SILA / Water skiing area
Sustainable construction
More than a simple construction project, SILA has take the time to source sustainable materials: a plant-based pavement mix called Végécol, which reduces carbon emissions by 70%, aggregate from Salève Peak for seamless integration into the surrounding landscapes, and 30 new trees planted for every individual tree cut down!
New levees and other related infrastructure make it easier to manage rainwater and protect the natural environment. This construction project is clearly moving in the right direction.
Sharing is key
The bike path acts as the lake’s central artery for families, athletes, pedestrians, vacationers, and so many more. For everyone to feel comfortable on any excursion, SILA asks that people use common courtesy as their guide as well as remain aware that they share the trail with others. Educational information signs will soon be installed to remind everyone of the recommended etiquette for a smooth, safe, and enjoyable bike-path experience.
This bike path lends itself to every style of riding! Whether hopping on an old bike that you just pulled out of the attic, a brand-new model rented from Roul’ Ma Poule or Vélo du Lac in Old Town, or even a self-service e-bike, everyone can enjoy riding at their own pace to explore the lake in their own way.
© SILA / Le Fartot area
What’s next?
The second phase of construction, already underway in Sevrier, covers an additional 2.5 kilometers on the way to Saint-Jorioz, Duingt, and Doussard. A new section will be renovated every year through 2032, to ensure the same incredible experience around the entire lake.
SILA, overseeing the entire project
Since 2024, SILA has been managing all infrastructure for the loop around the lake. With the Department and local governments working hand-in-hand, every section of the bike path will provide a more consistent and high-quality experience.
In the end, local authorities are working together on an environmentally friendly project that looks to the future, ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy Lake Annecy at their own pace on a bike, on foot, or even on a kick scooter.
About SILA
On January 1, 2024, SILA expanded the scope of its authority in the area of Land planning and protection of Lake Annecy.
While continuing the partnership approach to ensure consistency in policies on both sides of the lake, as well as to make it easier for users to circulate, local authorities, municipalities around the lake, and the Haute-Savoie Department decided to entrust SILA with the job of overseeing the entire loop around the lake, officially referred to as the Voie Verte (Bike Path).
A governance charter has been created. It specifies the operational aspects of this new role and outlining how SILA will now work with the signatory partners to maintain an open dialog and a cooperative mindset.
Another story
Top of page photo credit:
- © SILA
Journalist: Aude Pollet Thiollier
Translation : Darin Reisman