Top 10 activities around Annecy

Discover the best activities around Lake Annecy to do with your family.

1) The lake

You can simply walk along the #lake.

For example, you can start your walk from the Paquier (the huge lawn by the lake) and walk along it on the right to the

(the huge lawn bordering the lake) and walk along it on the right to the Europe gardens. Following this

this route, you will pass by the obligatory passage in Annecy, the Pont des Amours with its

with its padlocks. On the other side, you can go to the gardens of the Impérial

Palace, Annecy's grand hotel, located on the edge of Annecy le Vieux.

Take advantage of the beaches around the lake (from Annecy to the end of the lake, passing by #Sevrier, #SaintJorioz, #Angon, #Talloires, ...)

Rent a pedal boat (about 12 € per 1/2 hour), a boat with or without a licence (from 30

30 per half hour)

Treat yourself to a mini-cruise with the Compagnie des bateaux or board the Libellule

(restaurant boat with 2 departures per day: 12pm or 8pm from Annecy)

Original idea: Hire Segways to see the banks of the lake in a different way.

2) The old town of Annecy (not Annecy le vieux)

The old town is crossed by a canal (the Thiou), hence the nickname of Venice of the Alps

You will find :

Numerous restaurants offering you Savoyard specialities (Tartiflette, Fondues,

Diots, and many lake fish)Souvenir shops, regional products (grocery, delicatessen, cheese shop, ...).The Alps ice cream parlour, recognised as one of the best in France with over 45 flavours. Visit the castle of Annecy from the town centre (entrance fee - 6 € per adult).

3) The cycle track

Possibility to cycle around the lake (about 42 km of cycle track)

If you are not equipped, you can rent bicycles in many rental points

4) The Gorges du Fier

Very narrow and deep gorges, which can be visited thanks to the footbridges built 25 metres above the river

#lesgorgesdufier Open from 15 March to 15 October

5) The secret gardens

An exotic walk over 7000 m². Gardens, galleries, patios, ...

Allow 1 to 2 hours for the visit. Possibility of a guide

#secretgardens Open from mid April to early October

6) The castle of Menthon St Bernard

A marvellous 12th century castle run by the same family for 23 generations

Between the magnificently preserved secular architecture and exceptional furniture, come and discover the half-timbered gallery, the kitchen with its 15-metre long pass-through dug into the rock, the library containing 12,000 volumes dating from before the Revolution of 1789, the grand salon, the mistress of the house's bedroom with its walls covered in Aubusson tapestries and the pilgrims' room.

#lechateaudementhon Open from April to November

7) The Talloires adventure course

Different courses of accro branches: adults, juniors, children from 1 m.

Treasure hunt, forest of the senses, orienteering, ...

You can also see the paragliders take off

#leparcoursaventure Open from April to October

8) The Forclaz pass

A must-see view of Lake Annecy at an altitude of 1150 m.

Accessible by car (30 minutes from Annecy) or on foot from the end of the lake

Departure point for paragliding flights

Several Savoyard restaurants and some souvenir shops

#lecoldelaforclaz

9) The nature reserve at the end of the lake

Located in the commune of Doussard.

One of the few walks without a difference in altitude, accessible to all (except dogs)

Discovery of the fauna and flora as well as the beaver houses

For the enjoyment of the general public, the development of an educational trail, accessible to the public with reduced mobility and the visually impaired, allows you to discover this nature. This makes it an ideal walk for the whole family.

#lareservenaturelle

10) La Sambuy

Summer / winter resort ideal for families and on a human scale

View of Mont Blanc and Lake Annecy

Ascent to the summit by chairlift

4 season sledging, trampolines, hiking, Tubby Jump, Via Ferrata, climbing, paragliding,

Ski resort in winter

On your way, stop at the caves and waterfall of Seythenex and visit the fort and the Abbey of Tamié.

#lasambuy