Turquoise water surrounded by mountains, with beaches, boat rentals and cruises.
Address: Lac d'Annecy, 74000 Annecy (Pâquier and Jardins de l'Europe on the town shore)
Lake Annecy was formed when Alpine glaciers retreated about 18,000 years ago. By the 1950s it was badly polluted, so the towns around it built one of the first sewage collection rings in France in the 1960s. Today it is known as one of the cleanest lakes in Europe.
The lake is about 14 km long and surrounded by mountains like La Tournette and the Dents de Lanfon. Villages like Talloires, Duingt and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, with its fairy-tale castle, line the shore.
June to September for swimming; the water reaches about 22–25°C in summer.
Evening for golden light; early morning for still water.
The Fête du Lac with a huge firework show takes place in early August.
Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.
Yes, there are many beaches, and the water is clean and warm enough in summer.
A short tour lasts about 1 hour; a full lake tour about 2 hours.
Yes, a dedicated bike path runs along much of the west shore, and quieter roads complete the loop.
