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
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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

Basilique de la Visitation

Basilique de la Visitation

One of Annecy’s most famous landmarks, this beautiful church makes for a striking sight whether seen from afar or up close.

Basilique de la Visitation
Jardins de I'Europe

Jardins de I'Europe

Explore the great outdoors at Jardins de I'Europe, a lovely green space in Annecy. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Jardins de I'Europe
Amours Bridge

Amours Bridge

Learn about the local history of Annecy when you spend time at Amours Bridge. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.

Amours Bridge

Plage Municipale de Menthon Saint Bernard

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Plage Municipale de Menthon Saint Bernard during your travels in Menthon-Saint-Bernard? Stroll along the area's lakeside or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Plage Municipale de Menthon Saint Bernard

Sevrier Municipal Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Sevrier Municipal Beach during your trip to Sevrier? Amble around the area's lakeside or seek out its cycling trails.

Sevrier Municipal Beach

Sevrier Church

After visiting Sevrier Church, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Sevrier. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.

Sevrier Church

Top Lake Annecy Hotel Deals

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
L'Impérial Palace

L'Impérial Palace

4 out of 5
Allée de L'Impérial, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
L'Impérial Palace
Le Pélican

Le Pélican

4 out of 5
20 rue des Marquisats, 101, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Le Pélican
Palace de Menthon

Palace de Menthon

5 out of 5
665 route des bains, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Haute-Savoie
Palace de Menthon
Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare

Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare

3 out of 5
37 Rue Vaugelas, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare
Moxy Annecy

Moxy Annecy

3 out of 5
5 Avenue du Thiou, 19, Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Moxy 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
L'Aurore du Lac

L'Aurore du Lac

3 out of 5
428 Route Des Mongets, Sevrier, Haute-savoie
L'Aurore du Lac
Black Bass Hotel

Black Bass Hotel

5 out of 5
921 Route d'Albertville, Sevrier, Haute-Savoie
Black Bass Hotel
See all 4,015 properties in Lake 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

Discover the enchanting Lake Annecy with an array of activities such as mountain hiking, bike rentals, and refreshing swimming opportunities. Enjoy scenic bike rides along the lake or unwind at a local spa. In winter, explore nearby ski slopes for an exhilarating experience. Lake Annecy offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for all types of travellers.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Aushopping Grand Epagny, a vibrant shopping centre 11.3km from Lake Annecy, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, visit Ferney-Voltaire Market, 211.3km away, where you can experience local produce and crafts amidst a lively atmosphere.

Recreation

The Lake Annecy Golf Course, located 3.2km from the lake, offers a refreshing outdoor experience amidst scenic views. Giez-Lac d'Annecy Golf, just 14.5km away, provides a tranquil atmosphere for golf enthusiasts. For family fun, Aravis Aquatic Park, situated 20.9km from Lake Annecy, features vibrant pools and activities.

Adventure

The Crete Blanche Ski Lift offers exhilarating skiing experiences with breathtaking mountain views, located 17.7km from Lake Annecy. For a vibrant ski atmosphere, visit La Clusaz Ski Resort, 20.9km away, boasting excellent slopes and sports activities. For aerial excitement, Les Passagers du Vent, 3.2km away, provides thrilling air sports adventures.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Théâtre Bonlieu, just 4.8km from Lake Annecy, where culture and romance blend beautifully. For family-friendly fun, Max Adventure Park, located 33.8km away, offers exciting entertainment options. Don't miss Le Phare, 24.8km away, for an enchanting evening filled with artistic performances.

*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 cultural, beach, and outdoor experiences for travellers. Key attractions include the historic Château d'Annecy, the picturesque Plage d'Annecy, and the scenic banks of Lake Annecy, providing stunning views. Whether you seek relaxation by the water or exploration in the surrounding mountains, Lake Annecy is sure to enchant every visitor.

  • Palais de l Ile: Nestled on the Thiou River, this historic monument offers a glimpse into Annecy's medieval past. Its striking architecture and picturesque setting make it a must-see, and you can immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore its exhibitions.
  • Col de la Forclaz: A stunning mountain pass, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding Alps, ideal for hiking, paragliding, or simply soaking in the natural beauty.
  • Prison d'Annecy: This former prison, dating back to the 12th century, showcases the region's rich history. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into its past while the charming architecture adds to its cultural significance.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Annecy

To save money during your visit to Lake Annecy, consider travelling in April or October to November when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are the most affordable days to stay, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare hotel deals and arrange flights and activities together for potential savings. Additionally, explore free activities around the lake, such as walking or cycling along the scenic paths. For public transport, make use of the local bus services, which are economical and efficient.

  • 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 your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you wish to stay in. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation at Lake Annecy with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.