10 unmissable things to do around Lake Annecy

Whether you’re planning a short city break, or a mountain adventure for a week or more, there’s an incredible variety of things to do around Lake Annecy, France. Here are my tried-and-tested recommendations for activities that’ll delight all your senses and help you uncover the very best alpine gems.

If you’ve read my guide to Why you should visit Lake Annecy: France’s best-kept secret you’ll know that this beautiful region of alpine France is one of my favourite places to visit in all of Europe.

What makes it worth returning to? Aside from the awe-inspiring scenery, it’s the sheer variety of things to do. Whether you fancy a city break day or a mountain day, you’ll never be bored here. And it feels authentic too. Lake Annecy may attract its fair share of holiday makers, but it’s also a vibrant region that many locals call home. The city bustles throughout the year, and you’re best off taking inspiration from those who live and work here when it comes to enjoying the joie de vivre in this part of the world.

So I’ve assembled my ultimate list of ten of the best things to do around Lake Annecy. Consider it a guide to the unmissable and the downright beautiful. Plus, they’re activities you realistically should be able to pack into your stay. Let’s be real, most of us aren’t jumping off mountains on a summer getaway – so throw away any guides suggesting this is the best this region has to offer. I promise you there is so much more.

There’s no AI here! Every post on Travels with a Saddle Bag is written by myself and based on my own travels. This post was last updated in November 2024, and based on dozens of visits to Lake Annecy, most recently in 2022.

1. Head to Col de la Forclaz for the best panoramic views

There are stunning and ever-changing views all around Lake Annecy. But if you really want to get a feel for the area there’s no place better than Col de la Forclaz, perched at the southern end of the lake above Talloires.

Here, at the top, the vista unfolds to include the whole lake, city of Annecy in the distance and Massif des Bauges to the south. You’ll find a couple of café-restaurants, a working alpine dairy farm and a whole lot of cyclists and paragliders at the Col. It’s a mecca for sporty types who like going up mountains, and for those who like jumping off them. There’s a fabulous spot for watching paragliders set sail, and if you’re a keen cyclist there are serious cycle hire centres that can kit you out for the 10km climb from the lakeside. I’ve tackled it once – and it was breathtaking in every sense of the word! It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it’s an irresistible climb if you’re a two-wheeled enthusiast.

2. Take to the water on Lake Annecy

Locals here live for the water. It might not be the first place you’d think of for a beach break but let me persuade you otherwise. Lake Annecy is Europe’s cleanest lake and is home to some of the most idyllic swimming spots I’ve ever found.

If you’re here between June and September, follow the locals and head to the lake the moment the sun comes out.

You’ve got two options – settle down for the day at a beach, or rock up at the side of the lake (quite literally wherever you fancy) and go for a dip. This is what you’ll spot the locals doing.

You’ll find a beach in almost every town and village around the lake, with some well-maintained parks with sandy beaches between the old town of Annecy, Sevrier and Saint-Jorioz on the west side of the lake. On the east side, make a beeline to Talloires. You’ll have to pay a few Euros to enter la plage but it’s more than worthwhile for the extraordinary settling. Imagine a large, shaded park running down to the water, mountains ahead and behind, and a vast expanse of deep blue water opening out ahead of you. It’s pretty darn perfect. There’s a nice little bar in the chalet at the back of the park, lifeguarded swimming, a diving board and shaded children’s paddling pool – so it’s popular with families and all ages.

Watersports are also a big deal around here. Paddleboarding is hugely popular as the warm, gentle waters of the lake provide the perfect place for beginners and adventurers alike. If you’ve got your own board, simply pitch up wherever you see others along the lakeside. Alternatively check out one of the many hire shops you’ll find nearby. Boat and kayak hire can also be found around the lakeside. I highly recommend the bay of Talloires and Roc du Chere for more experienced paddlers, and the shallow turquoise waters near Sevrier if you’re finding your feet for the first time.

3. Explore Annecy by night

Sometimes it’s all about the timing, and I think the evening is hands down the best time to explore the old town of Annecy.

The soft twilight makes the stone buildings glow with jewel-like colours, and the canal twinkles with lights reflecting in the water from the restaurants and bars along its length. Whilst it can be a little challenging to escape the ubiquitous alpine offering of tartiflette (delicious, but not made for mid-summer) there are some great restaurants to be found, as well as old-fashioned bars that spill onto the street where you can people-watch and sip a cool beer as the sun goes down.

Take a stroll around town, grab an ice cream from the Glacier des Alpes (an institution that’s been in business since the 1960’s, and that I’ve frequenting since the early 90’s – it’s that good), and walk down the waterside to enjoy the lights glittering over the lake.

4. Enjoy village life

The city might be at the heart of this region, but to really experience Lake Annecy don’t miss exploring some of the smaller towns and villages that punctuate the lakeside.

People have been living and working by the lake for centuries, and these lovely little towns reflect the changing lives of the communities over the past half millennium. You’ll find everything from historic abbeys to contemporary marinas, ancient alpine churches to breathtaking bays. It’s a little bit French, a lot alpine and an awful lot friendly.

On the côte ouest, the town of Saint-Jorioz has a glorious terrace that sweeps down from the rustic creamy-coloured stone church to a fantastic turquoise-blue expanse of water, with the jagged peaks of La Tournette ahead and the elegant little château at Duingt to your right.

On the côte est, Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard have a special place in my heart – they were the places I first explored as a child. In Talloires, ancient stone buildings cluster around a spectacular natural bay, fringed with little boats and vibrant flowers. Menthon-Saint-Bernard has a small but lively village square with an unassuming bakery that’s been run by the same family since the 1940’s who make the most incredible artisan breads and pastries. However it’s the waterside here that’s best, where turn-of-the-century villas sit in rambling gardens running down to the lake. An Art Nouveau hotel looks down over a little patch of park where families and friends gather daily after work and every weekend over the summer, to picnic and pass the time (it also happens to be my favourite, free swimming spot).

5. Tackle the Tour du Lac

One of the best ways to get to know Lake Annecy is on two wheels.

This region is hugely popular with cyclists, but don’t assume they’re all here to tackle huge mountain climbs. The lakeside is home to a fantastic cycle path that’ll let you explore the villages along the lakeside. And, as a bonus, it’s beautifully flat.

Depending on your enthusiasm and legs, you can cycle the full Tour du Lac (around 40km and easily in a day at a leisurely pace for most active folks) or just explore sections. The main path or Voie Vert, is a converted railway line that runs from the centre of Annecy to Doussard at the southern end of the lake, and beyond. From Doussard, a new cycle path has been constructed in recent years, dramatically cantilevering out over the water in places. Bring a beach towel, as it takes you through yet more pretty villages and past some great swimming spots.

You’ll find a wide selection of cycle hire shops in Annecy, including some which offer road bike hire for keen cyclists wishing to head higher up in the mountains and explore some exciting Cols.

6. Delight all your senses at Annecy’s market

The old town of Annecy plays host to a market three times a week – on a Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

France is home to many great food markets, but Annecy has to be up there as one of the best. It’s a feast for all the senses; fragrant with fresh produce and cured meats, noisy and bustling with shoppers, cool and shady in the shadows of the narrow cobbled streets. The setting is atmospheric and lively, crowded largely amongst the narrow ancient streets of the old town and spilling onto the flower-draped bridges over the canal. And whilst you’ll hear plenty of international voices, don’t doubt the authenticity of Annecy’s market. You’ll find heaps of local produce and producers of the highest quality here.

The market is biggest and busiest on a Sunday. If you’re keen to discover and stock up on alpine produce try a weekday market and arrive early, before 10am, to shop with the locals and enjoy a bit of banter with the store holders. Don’t leave without field-fresh vegetables and Tomme de Montagne or Reblochon cheeses produced on the mountains around the lake.

7. Hike to your heart’s content

You could spend a lifetime walking and exploring the mountains, woodlands and villages around Lake Annecy and never bore of the ever-changing scenery.

So here’s a starting point: some of my favourites that never fail to delight.

For an afternoon stroll: Explore the Roc du Chere between Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires. A protected nature reserve, this rocky outcrop is cool and shady in summer. There’s a secret path that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the bay of Talloires and a scramble down to the lakeside that’s more adventurous than it first looks.

For a mini-adventure: Discover the Cascade d’Angon. A perfect circular walk from Talloires, you’ll climb out of the village on the old road to the church of St Germain, paved in places and loose stone underfoot in others. It weaves through a few small hamlets and then woodland before emerging outside the church, where you’ll find panoramic views of the southern end of the lake. From here, return back to the lakeside through the village of Verel and a wooded path that’ll bring you to the Pont du Fer and cascade – a spectacular gulley of rushing water hewn into the rocky hillside that suddenly gives way to a crashing waterfall.

For the adventurous: Clamber up Mont Veyrier for a stunning view over Annecy itself. There are several routes to choose from, of differing difficulty and from diverse starting points. But all promise adventurous climbing and a spectacular moment that’ll take your breath away when you reach the viewpoint.

8. Hit the nearby pistes

You’re less than 30 minutes from Les Portes des Aravis ski area here – but don’t assume it’s just for winter visitors. The small but perfectly formed towns of La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand are well worth a visit at any time of year. Aside from the more modern snowsports infrastructure, you’ll find charming village squares, ancient alpine chapels and more mountain cheese than you can shake a stick at.

Spend the day walking amongst the wooded slopes above either towns, indulge all your senses at the Monday morning market in La Clusaz (not as big as Annecy, but featuring many of the same local producers) or head to Col des Aravis to be greeted by spectacular rock formations, glorious herds of grazing alpine cattle and a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc.

Tip: Try the ridiculously enjoyable summer luge in La Clusaz, which includes a trip up the mountain in a cable car (kids big and small will love it).

9. Eat by the waterside

This is a new addition since I first wrote this guide back in 2017. Because one of the most delightful things to have emerged in recent years around Lake Annecy is a proliferation of fantastic spots to eat and drink by the lakeside. This used to be the preserve of a handful of Michelin-starred venues that catered to a small number of exclusive guests. But the water’s edge has been democratised by some irresistible laid-back spots offering great food, great ambience and even better views.

Plage d’Angon is the unlikely location of two of the best. L’Aquarama brings Ibiza vibes to the lakeside with a superb outdoor terrace and outstanding food – but a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. We spent an evening here on our most recent trip in 2022 and it exceeded my high expectations. More relaxed still, often with live music on an evening and equally excellent food, is nearby Guinguette Les Cassines – a beach bar that punches well above its weight.

For future trips, I have my eye on La Terre de Bellevarde – near Duingt – which offers relaxed food and drink with a spectacular view from its elevated position. Le Pêcheur in Veyrier-du-Lac has features in a hit TV series and is an irresistible-looking traditional cafe-style bar and restaurant in an enviable location looking across the water towards Annecy’s waterfront.

10. Watch the sunset over Lake Annecy

Very much weather-permitting, my last recommendation is one of the simplest joys in the Alps. Watch the sun sink behind Annecy in a cacophony of colours. Because my goodness, it’s beautiful. Rather than find words to persuade you, I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Tip: The sun sets over the west side of the lake so the best views overlook Mt. Semnoz and Annecy itself. You’ll find great spots to watch the sun sink alongside the lake in Menthon St. Bernard and Veyrier.

Annecy, there’s much more to do

Of course there’s much, much more to this vibrant region than this list alone – from fantastic free events to curious château. But you’ve got to start somewhere, and these are great places to begin. Annecy, its lake and the surrounding region has more than enough to entertain for weeks. There’s good reason it’s lured me back time and time again.

Explore, eat, sleep, repeat – it’s a simple recipe to enjoying a stay on glorious Lake Annecy.

Now that you know what you want to do at Lake Annecy, check out my Essential guide to where to stay around Lake Annecy to pinpoint your perfect holiday base.