Discovering Lake Annecy, panorama of activities

Lake Annecy is one of the most beautiful panoramas in Haute-Savoie, and there are plenty of activities to choose from, whether you come with someone or not. Discover the history of the region and its magnificent landscapes, go hiking or cycling, take a paragliding flight, go on a cruise, do a via ferrata, do water sports, take a hot-air balloon ride, go to the beach… There really is something for everyone!

Cultural activities Lake Annecy

1 – Visit Annecy’s old town

The delightfully colourful pastel facades of the medieval old town add to its undeniable charm, as do its cobbled streets. The “Venice of the Alps” owes its nickname to its canals overhung by arched bridges.

2 – The Palais de l’Isle

The galley-shaped house was once a prison, then a courthouse and finally an administrative centre. Today, this highly original monument houses exhibitions on the architecture and heritage of the Annecy region.

3 – Coin wing

Former monetary workshop from the 13th to the 14th century.

4 – Annecy Castle

Its medieval defensive style, to which was later added the particularly elegant style of the châteaux of the Ile-de-France region, gives it a unique charm. A wide variety of exhibitions are on show, as well as medieval, regional, archaeological and contemporary collections.

The Queen’s Tower

Like a sentinel, it has watched over the castle since the 13th century, with its 4-metre thick walls and archways.

The old house

A testament to the daily life of the Counts of Geneva, this dwelling still contains many period features: a vaulted kitchen, the column room, a great hall and the coffered ceiling.

Le logis neuf

Built by Charlotte d’Orléans’ son, it later housed the guards before becoming a barracks.

5 – The Art and History Conservatory

It brings together various collections from the département, archaeology, the Second World War, an exhibition on animated films…

Sporting activities on Lake Annecy

1 – Baptism of the air

What better way to discover the breathtaking beauty of these landscapes than from the air? Flying over Lake Annecy in a paraglider, hang-glider, microlight or helicopter is simply magical! The topaz blue of the waters, the green of the Alpine mountains, the remarkable sites… It seems that everything is more beautiful from above!

2 – Boat rental on Lake Annecy

From a small fishing boat for 2/3 passengers, to a private boat for 10 people, everything is possible. Whether you want to fish, swim, find a small uncrowded beach or try your hand at water sports, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

3 – Water sports activities available

• Wakeboarding: you are towed by a boat,
• Wakesurf, you surf on an artificial wave,
• Wingfoil, you gain speed using an inflatable wing that you hold in your hands, the board is equipped with a large fin,
• Water skiing,
• Stand up paddle.

4 – Mountain biking

The descent of the Semnoz is a very popular downhill course, suitable for all levels.

5 – Bike hire

Mountain bikes, light bikes with baskets, classic bikes or electric bikes – hire a bike to discover the cycle path around the lake at your own pace and explore Annecy and the surrounding area.

6 – Snowshoe hikes

Half-day or full-day hikes to breathe in the fresh Alpine air, follow enchanting snow-covered trails, enjoy the peace and quiet and take in the breathtaking views over Lake Annecy.

7 – Gyropod or segway ride

Once you’ve got the hang of it, visiting the old town or touring the lake is great fun on this electric minivan.

8 – Other sporting activities on Lake Annecy and the surrounding area

• Climbing: there are numerous clubs to suit all levels,
• Via-Ferrata (Thônes site),
• Canyoning,
• Canoeing and kayaking,
• Diving,
• Sailing,
• Pedalos,
• Skiing,
• Hot-air balloon flight…

Religious sites

There are many religious buildings to visit around Lake Annecy.

1 – The Basilica of the Visitation

Built in the early 20th century in the neo-Romanesque style, the structure is made of reinforced concrete. Inside, the Savoy blue marble columns and the mosaic of Venetian and Briare enamel contrast with the sober exterior.

2 – Notre-Dame-de-Liesse church

Built in the 14th century to house the tombs of the counts of Geneva, the magnificent choir in front of the building was destroyed during the French Revolution, and a neoclassical style was adopted when it was rebuilt in the 19th century.

3 – St Peter’s Cathedral

This former chapel of the Cordeliers convent, built in the 16th century, is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Worth seeing: the 2 carved wooden altars, the rose window and the organ with its 2,000 pipes, both imposing and majestic.

4 – Saint-François-de-Sales church

On the banks of the Thiou, this 17th century church is Baroque in style. The interior is simple, but bathed in light. The graves of Sainte Jeanne de Chantal and Saint-François-de-Sales, 2 eminent religious figures in Savoie, lie in this church.

Regional specialities

There are plenty of tasty dishes to choose from: Reblochon and Tome de Savoie cheeses, dry and flavoursome charcuterie, crozets with Beaufort cheese, and how can you spend a holiday in Savoie without enjoying a tartiflette or fondue accompanied by a good Savoie wine: Apremont, Roussette… And to digest all this, there’s nothing like a glass of génépi! The restaurants also offer dishes based on fish caught directly in the lake – it doesn’t get much fresher than that.

Events on Lake Annecy

1 – Annecy’s Venetian carnival

It’s not just the canals that make Annecy the Venice of the Alps. Its carnival, in March, also contributes to this, and with good reason: hundreds of people in their finest finery, dressed in costumes and wearing colourful masks, stroll along the podium in the Jardin de l’Europe, along the canals and along the shores of the lake… A mysterious and refined spectacle to be seen at least once, and what’s more, it’s free!

2 – The International Animation Film Festival

A festival well known to fans of animated films: cartoons or films created with characters made of modelling clay or paper cut-outs… It’s the ideal place to discover new talent and new techniques, and to attend a world premiere in June.

3 – The Landscape Festival

Each year in July, you can discover the artistic works and plants created by young students. Annecy becomes an open-air museum.

4- La Fête du Lac

On the first Saturday in August, the Bay of Albigny offers a sumptuous fireworks display overlooking Lake Annecy, the largest lake in Europe.