Discover why the lake and mountains make the perfect holiday destination
Lake Annecy in summer is one of the most picturesque destinations in the world. The turquoise waters, surrounded by spectacular mountains make this stunning lake an idyllic holiday destination. Reported as being the cleanest in Europe, and with an abundance of activities on offer, Lake Annecy is the perfect setting for any summer holiday in the French Alps.
Lake Annecy is found at the foot of the French Alps in the Haute-Savoie region. Set on the shores of this beautiful lake is the equally picturesque town of Annecy known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’ due to its winding cobbled streets and meandering canals. Pastel houses with bright flower boxes line the streets making a simple amble through the Old Town with an ice cream in hand a joy.
Annecy itself is steeped in history and culture for you to explore and enjoy, all nestled between the lake and mountains. Set on an island in the old town, the Palais de l'isle is a museum and houses the Centre for Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage. In days gone by it was the city’s prison, mint, courthouse and a Lord’s residence. This historic site is one of France’s most photographed buildings and when you see it you’ll see why.
The Chateau d’Annecy which sits above the town is also worth a visit. Open to the public, the chateau regularly hosts art exhibitions so make sure to check what’s on. From its elevated position you can admire old town’s roofscape and the mountains beyond.
The Imperial Palace found right on the shores of the lake was built in the early 1900s. This spectacular hotel is a great spot for a relaxing spa day or fine dining beside the lake.
A holiday by the lake means sunny days chilling by the water. Take your pick from one of the many beautiful Lake Annecy beaches to while your day away at. Some of the beaches charge an entry fee though many are free. An OVO Network favourite is the Plage d’Angon near the gorgeous village of Talloires. This beach is great for families as there are plenty of shady spots and the beach is relatively shallow.
If you are looking for a sandy beach your best best is the plage at Saint Jorioz on the west shore of the lake. This is a lovely beach with a volleyball court, waterslide and restaurant as well as stunning views of the impressive La Tournette mountain opposite.
If a swimming pool is more your thing, head for the Piscine des Marquisats - this outdoor complex right by the lake has a sports pool and play pool as well as a paddling pool and gardens.
If you’re travelling with a four legged friend please be aware that not all of the beaches allow dogs so check ahead to avoid having to change plans. Explore our pet friendly chalets for perfect holidays with your pooch.
Lake Annecy is host to a myriad of watersports. With everything from sailing to stand up paddle boarding, wakeboarding to scuba diving there are activities to keep all of the family happy. With so much to choose from you can easily spend every day of your holiday in or on the lake.
A family favourite is to hire a pedalo from Menthon Saint Bernard and explore the cliffs of the Roc du Chêre. The kids will love discovering hidden coves with small cliffs, which are perfect for making a splash!
If you’re looking for a more hands off way to explore the lake hop on one of the ferries that visits most of the beautiful lakeside villages such as Veyrier du Lac and Duignt.
There is so much to do when on a Lake Annecy summer holiday. Cycling in Annecy has been developed considerably in recent years, with the extension of the cycle path which now goes the whole way round the lake. Families will love cruising along the smooth path with the summer sun over head, stopping off at the picturesque villages and beaches along the way.
More keen road cyclists can tackle any of the numerous cols in the area, and there is fantastic mountain biking to be found in the nearby Alpine resorts of Semnoz and La Clusaz.
The walking trails in the area are wonderful too, with great family friendly footpaths around the Roc du Chêre as well as more challenging hikes up to the mountains that dominate the lake. Read more on our hiking in Annecy page.
For a birds eye view of the lake contact one of the many tandem paraglide companies that fly from the Col de la Forclaz and Planfait. Soar above the lake with an instructor who will gently glide you back to the lakeside, but if you ask they will make it more of a roller-coaster ride! Also at Planfait is a fantastic treetop adventure course that adults and kids of all ages will love. Once finished monkeying around you can go and watch the paragliders taking off at the take-off point next door.
The small resort of Semnoz on the west side of the lake offers excellent fun for families with slightly older kids. There is a summer luge, an off road scooter ride called The Black Mountain, and the Runix - a motorised off-road go kart. Semnoz is also a great place to get spectacular views of Mont Blanc.
With so much on offer it can be difficult to choose what to do.
The first step to making your dream Lake Annecy summer holiday come true is to find a gorgeous property to spend it. Find the perfect base to make the most of a summer holiday in the French Alps today. Our Annecy properties come with their own parking space, or a space in a nearby car park - a great bonus in this popular city.