Annecy is just a 30-minute drive from La Clusaz, and it’s a favourite with the OVO team for a day out. Even the drive to the lake is special – as Janelle says: “I love the road down to the lake, just after the picturesque Chateau de Menthon, when you get the first hit of blue from the lake. Most of the mountain roads here are beautiful drives, but this is a favourite.”
Karen says: “When you visit Annecy you can sunbathe, eat, swim, dive, waterski, walk, cycle, windsurf, sail, run, paddleboard, listen to live music, shop - the list is endless.”
Here are some of our suggestions for things to do in this beautiful town, the "Venice of the Alps", and around the lake:
Shopping (Sylvie, Janelle) - Sylvie says: “There are some really nice high street shops as well as some typical small French boutiques that you won't find anywhere else. Go to the sushi shop by the cinema 4 Nemours for lunch then see a film.”
Janelle says: “It's just a good place to go. whether for shopping or just taking a stroll en famille up the boulevard along the shores of Lake Annecy, it's always a pleasure. There's so much to see in the city too, with the Palais de l'Isle, the Pont des Amours and the cobbled streets."
A day on the beach/ port at Menthon (Caroline, Karen, Louis,): Karen says: “The kids love to hire pedalos and have races with their friends – some come with slides and diving boards!”
Talloires beach (Janelle, Louis. Olga) - Janelle says: “My favourite beach, nice and big and grassy. The restaurant on the beach, The Savoyard, does really nice pizzas. There’s a jetty where you can jump into the water. It has a lovely holiday atmosphere and it's easy to spend the day just hanging out by the lake. There’s also an adventure park nearby, which has courses for all ages.”
Go wakeboarding with Grisette at Ponton 03 in Albigny (Caroline, Wendy) - Wendy says: “There are no words that can truly describe the tranquility of Lake Annecy on a warm summer's morning, when just a few other boats can be seen and the water is calm. Sitting in a boat while your mate is bouncing around on a wakeboard behind the boat is almost more fun than wakeboarding itself!”
Hire a boat from many places around the lake and go out into the middle (Caroline, Celine) - Celine says: “A boat is one of the best ways to enjoy the lake, while avoiding traffic jams. Hire a motor boat at Albigny (with or without a licence). Cross the lake and moor up in Talloires at Angon beach, at the Le Petit Paradis restaurant’s pontoon. Remember to book a table on the terrace, right on the edge of the lake. After your meal you can borrow the free paddle boards – unless you prefer a lazy afternoon on a deckchair in the huge garden!
Enjoy a swim in the lake (Caroline, Wendy) – Wendy says: “Swimming in Europe's reputed cleanest lake is an all-round positive experience. Take a snorkel to see the fish, or just watch the paragliders floating around the peaks around the lake. Ice cream is never far away, making waterfront activities such as petanque, sunbathing and picnicking even more inviting.”
Cycle around the lake (Caroline, Karen) – Caroline says: “Park up in Annecy le Vieux, hire a bike and cycle around the lake, perhaps stopping for a picnic”
Enjoy dinner and a cruise on the MS Libbellule (Sylvie)
Le Paquier (Louis) – Louis says: “This park is the place to hang out, right in the centre of Annecy, yet lakeside. There are loads of events there, too, all summer long.”
Enjoy a night out (Louis) – Try Brise Glace for live music.
