Why go around Lake Annecy?

Nothing is more poetic than a city on the edge of a lake. Annecy is discovered in the mists of the end of the year, when the gray colors of the lake waters and the morning fogs are brightened by the yellow or red tones of the trees in their autumnal coats, but also in the middle of summer when you walk along the turquoise waters surrounded by slopes in different shades of green.

But what about a stroll in spring, when the last snows, which cover the heights of the Tournette in white, serve as a backdrop to the flowering trees that line the roads of the lakeside.

And what a wonder in winter, when the snow surprises by covering everything in white, from the banks of the lake to the top of the peaks, with all this candor framed by the azure blue of a winter sky and the deep blue of the waters of the Annecy lake.

It's hard to say whether it's more romantic than its neighbor in Bourget, or more chic than its neighbor Geneva, but it is clear that the Annecy lake is extremely photogenic both from its banks and from the peaks that surround it.

Annecy, a town in the mountains… on the edge of a lake!

The old town of Annecy — The quays along the Thiou in Annecy (photo ©Thibaut – stock.adobe.com)

When from the city streets you can see reliefs covered with forests in summer and snow in winter, when in less than half an hour's drive you can be walking well above 1000 m altitude on the Semnoz or Mont Veyrier side, and when in less than an hour you find yourself at the foot of the slopes of the Aravis ski areas (La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Manigod) or Sambuy, then, yes, we can say thatAnnecy is clearly a mountain town.

But, in addition, when in summer you have the choice between hiking on the outskirts of the city or swimming a few meters from the city's monuments, you realize the happiness that a vacation in this region can provide in any season!

Annecy is also a very pretty town, with its small, narrow medieval streets at the foot of the castle, and its quays along the Thiou - the river that leaves the lake to join the Rhône - where it is difficult to find a way in summer when you share them with the café terraces. And of course we will not forget the shores of the lake : the garden of Europe, the Champ de Mars and the Pâquier from where you can see the entire length of the lake.

We will also take a photo in front of the Palace of the Island, or on the Pont des Amours, which make Annecy a sort of little Venice of Alpes.

The tour of Lake Annecy

AlpAddict in winter around Lake Annecy — Talloires Bay in winter (photo ©jasckal – stock.adobe.com)

Once we've toured the city, we're ready to start the lake tourThe West bank, sunnier in the morning, and the East bank, sunnier in the evening, each await you with their wonders and their landscapes.

The best thing to do in the summer is to sail on the lake to get a general view, especially between Annecy and Talloires. Indeed, after the promontory of Duingt, opposite Talloires, the Annecy lake becomes tighter and wilder, and its romantic side fades as it moves further away.

We will stop at the beaches from Sévrier, Saint Jorioz, Talloires or Menthon Saint-Bernard.

We will walk under the castles of Duingt - which cannot be visited - and of Menthon Saint-Bernard – which can be visited – and we will stroll through the streets of Talloires before having a coffee on the banks of the lake.

The more athletic will undertake hikes or cycle climbs on the Semnoz, Mont Veyrier or the Col de la Forclaz to enjoy the panoramas enjoyable that they can enjoy upon their arrival. But the less sporty will also have the right to admire the same landscapes by going there very quickly (a few minutes) by car.

and montains ?

For adventurers who want to discover the lake all the way, and arrive at the place called "the end of the lake", they can continue towards the Sambuy massif above Faverges, on the road to Albertville. And why not try the thrill of a four-season sled that hurtles down six hundred meters of rails! In winter, they can ski in the small family ski resort of Sambuy.

Also, the same adventurers will be able to discover the southern foothills of the Aravis massif, near Serraval and Bouchet, or even better climb the summit of La Tournette, emblem of the Annecy lake.

And around Annecy?

AlpAddict on the shores of Lake Annecy, towards the Col de la Forclaz — Lake Annecy from the Col de la Forclaz (photo ©jasckal- stock.adobe.com)

AroundAnnecy, many discoveries are available to you.

The discovery of wallows, this preserved Savoyard region where chalets are dotted in the valleys and along the wooded slopes of this mountain range between Annecy and Chambéry.

The Fier Gorges, which you can explore along suspended galleries clinging to the smooth rock walls between which the Fier River flows wildly.

The Aravis with its traditional mountain resorts: a village huddled around its church topped with a beautiful bell tower and wooden chalets that climb the mountain slopes to the forests. You will stroll in La Clusaz or Le Grand Bornand and discover the picturesque hamlets that surround them.

Finally, you won't miss the plateau of Glières, known for its Resistance exploits, but also for its magnificent cross-country ski trails and its wild landscapes of unspoiled mountains.

Annecy is the door of Alpes for many French tourists and visitors. Often they do not stop there, or stay just to take a few photos by the lake, but this region offers many opportunities to all those who love the mountains, old stones and beautiful landscapes, and who, in summer also want to taste the seaside pleasures in water at 24 degrees.