A lake surrounded by beautiful beaches, bustling ports and a vibrant city… It’s no wonder Lake Annecy is a hot spot for water sports in the summer. With an endless list of sports on offer such as stand-up paddleboarding, diving, wakeboarding, sailing and more you are spoilt for choice! Add crystal clear waters and water temperature reaching 25 degrees, we know you won’t take much persuasion to dive in.
Reported as being the cleanest lake in Europe, and with an abundance of activities on offer, Lake Annecy is the perfect setting for any summer holiday in the French Alps. Here are OVO Network’s top 10 Lake Annecy water sports to keep you busy this summer.
Stand up paddleboard
Stand up paddleboarding is one of the world’s fastest-growing watersports and it’s easy to see why. Just grab your board and paddle and cruise the calm waters at your own pace. It’s great with kids too, making it something the whole family can enjoy together. Boards are readily available to hire around the lake, so make sure you give it a go.
And if yoga is your thing, then why not test your balance by taking it to the water on a yoga SUP lesson?
Wakeboarding, Waterskiing and Wakesurfing
Still chasing the thrills of the winter ski season? Why not test your freestyle skills on the lake by giving wakeboarding a go, or enjoy the sensation of slalom on waterskis.
Wake surfing has its own distinct personality, taking inspiration from surfing, skateboarding and wakeboarding. It’s a great low impact option as there are no foot straps and you are closer to the boat than wakeboarding or waterskiing, meaning any falls you have are slower and less likely to cause injury.
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Sailing
Does anything say summer more than sailing around a lake with your family and friends? Take in the mountain views, cruise over turquoise waters and decide where to moor for lunch and a crisp glass of rose! If you know how to sail you can easily hire a boat to take out and explore.
Alternatively, take a sailing course on the lake – it’s a fantastic way to learn and great for getting the kids out on the water. You can enjoy being out on the lake, while learning all about reading the wind and weather, as well as working as part of a team, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Find out our best tips for turning any family holiday into a success in our blog post “Top 12 tips for the perfect family holiday”.
Pedalo
Why not spend a morning strolling around one of Annecy’s markets, pick up something for a picnic lunch and then head to the waterfront to rent a pedalo for the afternoon? With pedalos to rent for 2 to 6 people, there is something to suit all group sizes. There are even pedalos with slides!
Scuba diving
Take the plunge and explore the depths of the lake and discover what’s hidden under the water! The lake is home to a variety of beautiful fish and other creatures, as well as being the resting place for the wreck of the cruise boat ‘Le France’! You can take an introductory diving course, or if you already have a diving qualification go with a local dive master who can show you around this underwater world.
Canyoning
Test your inner thrill seeker by jumping into pools and scrambling over slippery rocks to find hidden waterfalls and views of the lake and mountains that are unrivalled!
Lake Annecy beaches
With so many beaches to choose from, why not take the chance to experience a different one each day of your holiday. Most of the beaches have snack bars and amenities, as well as lifeguards for your safety. Take a look at our Lake Annecy beaches page for more info.
If you want to get away from the crowds, take a walk through the beautiful Roc de Chere, and find your own private rock beach to swim from.
Boat trips
Looking to live the high life? Cruising over the pristine waters of Lake Annecy on your very own private boat comes pretty close! It’s possible to book a speedboat and driver for a couple of hours or a full day. Add a lunch or drinks package in to make the outing truly special.
Another way to explore the lake is on the local ferry. Stopping at many of the villages around the lake, you can hop on and off at different ports, making a fantastic day out. Find the lake Annecy ferry timetable and more information on our blog post about Lake Annecy Boat trips.
The first step to making your dream Lake Annecy summer holiday come true is to find a gorgeous property to stay in. Find the perfect base to make the most of a summer holiday in the French Alps today.
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