Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy


Swim in this very clean lake in the picturesque valley of the Rhône-Alpes region.

Lake Annecy is a scenic body of water in a mountain valley. Among the largest lakes in France, it is known for its cleanliness due to strict environmental regulations. Swim or participate in watersports in this natural oasis.

See the villages and towns surrounding the vast lake. Doussard at the southern end of the lake is very popular for paragliding. Visit Annecy for its quaint buildings and shops bordering the water. Stroll along its canals and stop at the Annecy Castle, where the Counts of Geneva once lived. The town’s highlight is the Island Palace, an intriguing 12th-century structure in Old Town overlooking a Venice-like canal. Shaped like a ship, it is the historic home of a courthouse, mint and prison. See its historical and architectural exhibits.

Rent a small boat to go out on the lake to enjoy serene tranquility. Capture photos of the stunning background of mountains looming over the water. Dive into the fresh water for a swim.

Cycle along the 24-mile (38-kilometre) path circling around the lake. Wakeboarding, waterskiing and sailing are popular on the pretty blue waters. Rent equipment from several shops in Annecy and surrounding towns.

Travel to the Gorges du Fier west of Annecy. Amble through the narrow canyon and cross natural bridges above the cascades of the river.

Lake Annecy was formed naturally 18,000 years ago, by the melting of large alpine glaciers. Small rivers from the nearby mountains continue to feed it. View the lake to see how it inspired Paul Cézanne’s 1896 painting called The Blue Lake.

The northern end of the lake is just 26 miles (42 kilometres) south of Geneva, Switzerland. Fly into Geneva International Airport and drive to the lake in less than an hour. Annecy also has a railway station linking it to the major cities of France. The region has warm, sunny summers and cold winters, with snow capping the backdrop of mountains.

Visit Lake Annecy for marvellous canals, colourful buildings, water sports and refreshing swims in the clean water.

Reviews of Lake Annecy

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
61
5 - Excellent 77%
4 - Good
18
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely boat trip on the lake. Could have hired bikes at the station- great route around the lake. Canals and old town delightful.

5/5 - Excellent

Dillan

Beautiful location by the lake. The town is well worth a visit.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Le Pélican

Le Pélican

4 out of 5
20 rue des Marquisats, 101, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Le Pélican
Comfort Aparthotel Les Hauts d'Annecy

Comfort Aparthotel Les Hauts d'Annecy

3 out of 5
16, Rue du Champ de la Taillée, Annecy
Comfort Aparthotel Les Hauts d'Annecy
Palace de Menthon

Palace de Menthon

5 out of 5
665 route des bains, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Haute-Savoie
Palace de Menthon
L'Impérial Palace

L'Impérial Palace

4 out of 5
Allée de L'Impérial, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
L'Impérial Palace
L'Aurore du Lac

L'Aurore du Lac

3 out of 5
428 Route Des Mongets, Sevrier, Haute-savoie
L'Aurore du Lac
Moxy Annecy

Moxy Annecy

3 out of 5
5 Avenue du Thiou, 19, Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Moxy Annecy
Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare

Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare

3 out of 5
37 Rue Vaugelas, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare
Auberge de Jeunesse HI Annecy

Auberge de Jeunesse HI Annecy

Route du Semnoz, Annecy
Auberge de Jeunesse HI Annecy
Rivage Hôtel & Spa Annecy

Rivage Hôtel & Spa Annecy

4 out of 5
33 Avenue du Petit Port, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Rivage Hôtel & Spa Annecy
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy offers a variety of activities for all types of visitors, from biking and swimming to relaxing at a spa. Adventure seekers can explore an adrenaline park or partake in aquatic activities. Don’t miss the renowned Annecy International Animated Film Festival and the beautiful châteaux itinerary that showcases the area's rich history. Whether you’re after thrills or leisure, Lake Annecy has something for everyone.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Lake Annecy, visit Centre Commercial Courier, a vibrant shopping centre only 6.4km away, offering entertainment and family-friendly options. La Fromagerie du Cruet, 8.0km away, is perfect for cheese lovers. If you're up for a drive, check out the Ferney-Voltaire Market, located 43.5km away.

Recreation

At Lake Annecy Golf Course, enjoy stunning views while playing a round of golf amidst lush landscapes, only 3.2km away. Giez-Lac d'Annecy Golf offers a similar outdoor experience 14.5km from the lake, while Aravis Aquatic Park, located 20.9km away, provides family-friendly fun in a vibrant pool setting.

Adventure

At La Clusaz Ski Resort, experience exhilarating skiing on pristine slopes, located 20.9km from Lake Annecy. For air sports enthusiasts, Les Passagers du Vent, merely 3.2km away, offers thrilling paragliding adventures. Alternatively, hike the scenic Footpath of Les Roselieres, also situated 3.2km from the lake, for breathtaking views.

Nightlife

In Lake Annecy, the Théâtre Bonlieu offers a charming cultural experience, perfect for a romantic night out. For those seeking thrills, Max Adventure Park provides exciting entertainment options, while Le Phare showcases captivating performances, making it ideal for family fun and enjoyment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy offers a delightful blend of attractions for every traveller, from historic castles and serene beaches to breathtaking mountains. Whether you seek cultural experiences, relaxing by the water, or engaging in outdoor activities, this picturesque destination in Haute-Savoie has something for everyone, ensuring a memorable holiday filled with natural beauty and rich heritage.

  • Annecy Castle: Perched on a hill, Annecy Castle offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the lake. With its fascinating history dating back to the 12th century, the castle embodies romance and culture, featuring beautifully restored rooms that transport you back in time.
  • Palais de l Ile: A symbol of Annecy, Palais de l Ile is a striking historic site located on an island in the Thiou River. Its unique architecture and cultural significance make it a captivating visit, showcasing exhibitions that reflect the region's rich heritage.
  • Amours Bridge: This charming historic bridge is not only a picturesque spot but is also imbued with romantic legends. A favourite for couples, Amours Bridge offers delightful views of the canals and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a photo opportunity.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Annecy

To save money during your visit to Lake Annecy, consider travelling in the cheaper months of April or October to November, avoiding the peak seasons of February and July to August. Tuesdays are the most cost-effective days to stay, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly, eco-certified accommodation and organise your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for added savings. Additionally, take advantage of the scenic walking paths around the lake, which offer free outdoor enjoyment and stunning views.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake Annecy are April and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake Annecy is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake Annecy is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Lake Annecy with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.