Tailor-made summer holidays in Annecy

Lake Annecy and its activities

Lake Annecy covers about 27 km² and is the second-largest natural lake entirely within France, after the Lac du Bourget. It is around 14.6 km long, set at 447 m and framed by mountains such as the Tournette and Mont Veyrier. The lake is regularly monitored and is described by the body that manages it as one of the purest lakes in Europe in an urban setting, which gives it its famously clear water.

In summer the water usually reaches 18 to 26 °C, warm enough for swimming from public beaches such as Albigny and the Marquisats in Annecy and from the lakeside villages. You can hire paddleboards, pedal boats and small motorboats, sail, windsurf, waterski or dive, and boat cruises leave from the centre of Annecy for a tour of the lake, some with lunch or dinner on board.

Annecy for families

Annecy is an easy, varied destination for families. Supervised beaches, calm water, pedal boats and short boat trips suit young children, while teenagers can try paddleboarding, wakeboarding or a tandem paragliding flight. Cycling the flat lakeside path is a good family outing, with plenty of places to stop for a swim or an ice cream.

The old town is compact and largely pedestrian, and the gardens along the lakeside, such as the Jardins de l’Europe, give children space to run around between visits.

Where to stay around Lake Annecy

Staying in Annecy itself puts you within walking distance of the old town, the lakefront and the train station, ideal if you prefer to travel without a car. The western shore, around Sévrier and Saint-Jorioz, is close to the cycle path and has a relaxed, family feel. The eastern shore, with Veyrier-du-Lac, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires, is quieter and more scenic, with mountain views and lakeside restaurants.

Accommodation ranges from apartments and holiday homes to hotels by the water. Summer is busy, so it is worth planning early if you want to be close to the lake.

Getting to Annecy

Geneva Airport is about 44 km away, around 45 minutes by road, depending on traffic, which can be heavy on summer weekends. Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport is about 125 km away, roughly 1h30 by road. Annecy has its own station, with direct TGV services from Paris taking about 3h40, and regional trains and coaches link it to the rest of the Alps.

Beyond the lake in Annecy

The old town is the heart of Annecy, with its canals, flower-lined bridges and the Palais de l’Isle, a former prison set in the middle of the Thiou canal. Markets, cafés and terraces fill the narrow streets, and local cheeses such as reblochon are never far away.

Around the lake, the Col de la Forclaz above Talloires is one of the best-known paragliding sites in France, with tandem flights for first-timers. You can hike or cycle on the Semnoz, visit the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard or explore villages such as Talloires and Duingt. The lake circuit is about 40 km, much of it on a dedicated cycle path along the western shore. Mountain resorts such as Chamonix are within reach for a day trip.

When to go to Annecy

June to September is the main season for swimming and water sports. July and August are the warmest and liveliest months, but also the busiest, with heavier traffic around the lake. June and September are calmer, often still warm, and well suited to cycling, hiking and paragliding.

Your Annecy holiday with AlpAway

We put together tailor-made Annecy holidays: accommodation in town or by the lake, activities such as boat trips, paragliding or bike hire, and transfers from Geneva or Lyon. You can also combine Annecy with a few days in the mountains as part of our summer holidays. Send us a request with your dates and wishes, and we will prepare a proposal.