A Summer trip to Lake Annecy

Fed by mountain springs, Lake Annecy is renowned for it’s clean, clear waters and is the third largest lake in France. Whether you prefer mooching around boutique shop, stretching your legs to experience stunning views or taking to two wheels for a lake tour there is something to suit everyone.

At it’s north end is the pretty medieval town of Annecy with it’s château, canals and bridges. We recommend a wander round the old town with it’s cobbled streets and beautiful old buildings, head up to the château for it’s views over the lake or sit in one of the many cafés lining the canals and watch the world go by. Annecy offers a mix of traditional and cosmopolitan shops from the finest cheeses to the most ‘a la mode’ fashion.

Take a water taxi or pleasure boat or even hire your own pedlo or motorized boat and explore the lake. The shores are lined with beaches and pretty medieval villages such as Talloires or Menthon-Saint-Bernard, dominated by its Château of the same name.

For the energetic, there are plenty of hikes on offer either around the lake shores or up into the surrounding mountains, affording magnificent views of the town and the lake. There is also a dedicated cycle path that goes round most of the lake with just a small section on the main road. The route is largely flat with just one small climb as you enter or leave the village of Talloires (depending on which way round you cycle!) There are numerous places to hire bikes in Annecy town or around the lake, including electric bikes. The route is 40km and takes about 2 -3 hours depending on your level of ability.

A trip to Lake Annecy wouldn’t be complete without lunch at one of the lakeside restaurants on the eastern shore where you feel as though you are in the French Riviera! The idyllic village of Talloires offers more than it’s fair share of great restaurants including Le Cottage, L’Abbaye de Talloires, or if you are feeling very extravagant, le Père Bise with it’s two Michellin stars. All offer views over the stunningly beautiful port and the sparkling waters for which Lake Annecy is famous.

Activities , Cycling

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A Summer trip to Lake Annecy

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