Located in Haute-Savoie in France, Lake Annecy is a must-see for anyone planning to visit the area around the town of Annecy.
Its reputation precedes it thanks to the cleanliness of its waters, a feature which it owes to the fact that Lake Annecy is fed by mountain springs, including Eau Morte, Ire and Laudon.
With a length of 14.6 kilometres and a surface area of 27.59 kilometres, the lake is bounded by wonders which are waiting to be discovered on foot or by bike.
So we’re going to tell you everything you need to know and compare these two different ways of exploring a lake whose beauty is second to none.
The advantages of walking around Lake Annecy
It’s easy to walk around Lake Annecy, especially during the summer months, as during this period the various paths you can take will be fairly dry, which makes walking easier and more enjoyable. What’s more, walking around Annecy allows you to be much more mobile and flexible than you would be on a bike, so it’s easier to get off the beaten track and see the area around the lake in your own way.
Itinerary for the tour of Lake Annecy on foot
There are a number of different paths you can take around Lake Annecy, depending on where you want to start your walk or hike; since 2013, the Tourist Office and SILA (Syndicat Mixte du Lac d’Annecy) have developed a walking route around the lake. A 43-kilometre route is waiting for you to enjoy the diversity of the natural and urban landscapes around the lake. On the itinerary are fields and marshes, nature reserves and landscaped parks.
To go into a little more detail about this park, more precisely it is a walk which follows the lake while sticking as close to the shore as possible. It is straightforward and mostly flat, except for a few sections which have a certain gradient, notably the part between Talloires and Veyrier. It’s worth noting that 10 kilometres of this route are suitable for people with reduced mobility, and that there are 12 kilometres of paths and 30 kilometres with tarmac. As you will have realised, this tour of Lake Annecy doesn’t start or end in any particular place, and will not be difficult for anyone. That said, you can expect it to be busy, with more than 1,000 users on sunny days.
For hikers looking for a big challenge, there’s the Tour of Lake Annecy via the summits. This trek can be completed in 6 or 7 days, depending on your pace. The route takes hikers through forests, mountain pastures and limestone peaks, all with a breathtaking view of the lake. If you’re interested, we suggest you do your research on this trek, whose charm is unmatched.
The advantages of cycling around Lake Annecy
Cycling is still a great way to combine outdoor sport with a trip around Lake Annecy; thanks to the tarmac roads which encircle the lake and the dedicated cycle path, cycling is a great way to explore the length and breadth of Lake Annecy. You also have the option of hiring a bike from the Lake Annecy Tourist Office if you’re unable to take your own with you. It’s an easily accessible and non-polluting activity for the whole family!
Route for the tour of Lake Annecy by bike
To encourage people to explore the lake environment, SILA has set up a number of facilities around the lake to make cycling easier, including two cycle paths:
- The Lake Annecy Greenway: on the west bank of the lake, between Annecy and Chaise. It offers a well-maintained site of almost 33 kilometres with magnificent views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
- The Véloroute: unlike the greenway, this is located on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy. It links Annecy-le-Vieux and Doussard and is intended to boost tourism in the lake area and to encourage sustainable travel.
Note that these two routes are linked, allowing more experienced cyclists to cycle unhindered around the lake and enjoy this magnificent location.
Breathtaking viewpoints around the lake
Lake Annecy is bordered by peaks and plateaux which are home to wonders such as the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard; it is possible to take in the sights of this exceptional place, even for just a few seconds. There are several we can recommend to you, as long as you’re not afraid of getting up high:
- The Parmelan (1856 metres): you can get the perfect photo from this viewpoint’s superb limestone plateau and pavement, as it allows you to see not only Lake Annecy, but also the Alps.
- The Col de la Forclaz (1147 metres): if you’re looking for somewhere which is easy to get to, then the Col de la Forclaz is the place for you! Walk up to where the paragliders take off and enjoy the azure waters of the lake – you won’t be disappointed.
- The Plateau des Glières (1450 metres): just 45 minutes from Annecy, the Plateau des Glières offers a guaranteed change of scenery and a panoramic view between the Auges and Frêtes mountains. What’s more, if you climb up to the Chalet des Auges and the weather conditions are right, you may even catch a glimpse of the Mont Blanc massif.
Pont de l’Abîme: for a breathtaking panorama, head to the Abîme Bridge: 64 metres long and suspended 96 metres above the Chéran, it offers you the opportunity to appreciate the rivers, cliffs and small waterfalls which surround Lake Annecy.
Come and tour Lake Annecy with us!
Whether you’re travelling on foot or by bike, Lake Annecy is the perfect natural setting, with breathtaking scenery for a solo or family holiday, whatever the season. If you love both mountains and swimming, it’s the ideal compromise, and our rentals are available to help you find the accommodation which best suits your needs. Visit our site and come and enjoy an enchanting place!
