The 15 best places to swim around Annecy

Lake Annecy, nicknamed “the pearl of the Alps”, attracts thousands of visitors every year in search of fresh air and relaxation. But beyond the well-known official beaches, the region has many aquatic treasures where it’s good to cool off. From unspoilt mountain lakes to crystal-clear rivers and natural pools, here’s our selection of the 15 best places to swim around Annecy to escape the crowds and discover some authentic spots. Whether you’re looking for white-water adventure or the tranquillity of a secret cove, this region of Haute-Savoie is sure to seduce you with the diversity of its swimming spots.

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1. Lake Annecy and its iconic beaches

It’s impossible to talk about the best places to swim around Annecy without mentioning its eponymous lake. This Alpine jewel with its crystal-clear waters offers several exceptional swimming spots. Plage des Marquisats remains one of the most popular, with its large expanse of grass and uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains. The more intimate Albigny beach at Annecy-le-Vieux has a family atmosphere and shallow waters ideal for children.

To discover all the treasures Annecy has to offer, don’t hesitate to follow our guided itinerary, which will take you to the most beautiful viewpoints on the lake.

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Also read the Annecy guide :

• The 9 best walks to do around Annecy this winter
• Top 10 hotels to stay in Annecy
• Annecy’s most beautiful beaches
• Top things to do in Annecy
• The best activities in and around Annecy

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2. Angon beach in Talloires

Nestling in a green setting, Angon beach in Talloires is one of the most beautiful places to swim around Annecy. This pebble beach offers a wild and unspoilt setting, far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist spots. The water is particularly clear and the view of the surrounding mountains absolutely magnificent. Swimming is supervised during the summer season, and picnic areas are available to extend the pleasure of a day by the lake.

3. The secret beaches of Doussard

At the southern end of Lake Annecy, Doussard hides a number of small coves and less-frequented beaches. These natural spots offer the perfect alternative for those seeking tranquillity. Doussard’s municipal beach offers a wide area of fine sand with panoramic views of the Aravis mountain range, while the small coves hidden along the shore make it easy to find your own personal corner of paradise.

4. Lac du Bourget

Less than an hour from Annecy, Lac du Bourget is one of the best places to swim in the region. France’s largest natural lake has particularly warm waters in summer, easily reaching 25°C. The beaches at Aix-les-Bains are well equipped and offer a wide range of services, while the wild creeks on the western shore offer more intimate bathing. The lake has been awarded the “France Station Nautique” label, a guarantee of quality for water-based activities.

5. Lake Aiguebelette

Nicknamed “the blue pearl of the Alps”, Lac d’Aiguebelette is one of the secret bathing gems around Annecy. Just a 40-minute drive away, this lake, which is closed to motor boats, offers a peaceful setting and deep blue waters. Its many grassy beaches and warm waters make it a great place for families. The exceptional quality of its waters also makes it an internationally recognised rowing venue.

6. The River Fier

For a different kind of bathing experience, the Rivière du Fier offers a number of natural spots where you can cool off. This river, which flows through the region, offers numerous natural creeks and pebble beaches. Be careful, though, as swimming in the Fier requires a great deal of vigilance due to possible variations in the flow. The safest areas are near Annecy-le-Vieux, where the river widens to form attractive natural pools.

7. The Combloux biotope lake

Just an hour from Annecy, the biotope pool at Combloux is a genuine ecological innovation. This 2,900 m³ natural pool uses over 10,000 aquatic plants to filter the water naturally, without any chemicals. The water can reach 26°C in summer, and the view of Mont Blanc is breathtaking. Access is limited to 700 people a day to preserve the ecosystem, so it’s best to arrive early!

Download the audio tour to discover Annecy on foot and on your own

Take advantage of your stay to explore Annecy on our comprehensive audio tour. This 2.6 km tour will take you on a 1-hour tour of the must-see sights of the Venice of the Alps, from the old town to the canals and the Château d’Annecy. With 20 entertaining audio guides, let yourself be guided through the picturesque streets and discover the fascinating history of this medieval city at your own pace.

8. Lake Barterand

Located just over an hour from Annecy, Lac de Barterand offers an unspoilt setting for swimming in the mountains. This natural lake of glacial origin is patrolled in summer and offers a 7-kilometre walking trail around its shores. Designated a “sensitive natural area”, it is home to remarkable biodiversity. Its cool, crystal-clear waters make it a popular spot for lovers of authentic nature.

9. The Flumet lake

At the foot of the village of Flumet, this man-made lake has retained its wild mountain charm. Surrounded by authentic chalets and forests, it offers grassy beaches and shaded picnic areas. Swimming is supervised and the mountain atmosphere is authentic. Just an hour from Annecy, it’s an excellent choice for a family outing in a typically Savoyard setting.

10. Lake Virieu

The lake at Virieu-le-Grand has a large sandy beach and family facilities. Located around 1h15 from Annecy, it offers children’s play areas, shaded picnic areas and an on-site snack bar. The quality of the water and the softness of the beach make it an ideal spot for families. Along the way, don’t miss the Cerveyrieu and Clairefontaine waterfalls, which add an extra touch of charm to this excursion.

11. Châtillon beach

Nestling in a green setting in the heart of the mountains, the Châtillon beach offers one of the most spectacular panoramas for swimming around Annecy. This family-friendly spot offers hire of pedalos, canoes and boats without a licence. Supervised swimming in summer and plenty of children’s games make it the perfect destination for a family outing in an exceptional mountain setting.

12. Motte Longue lake

Just 45 minutes from Annecy, Lac de Motte Longue sits in the heart of the Mont-Blanc massif in an idyllic, unspoilt setting. This high-altitude lake with its shallow waters prohibits diving, but offers a refreshing swim. Picnic and barbecue areas make it easy to spend a full day on site. Canoe-kayak hire adds a sporting dimension to this mountain getaway.

13. The Ilettes lake in Sallanches

Sallanches is home to three lakes with different functions, including the Lac des Ilettes, which is specially designed for swimming. This mountain oasis, just an hour from Annecy, offers a wide range of sporting and leisure facilities. The water is pleasant and the unspoilt setting offers a great alternative to the busier spots on Lake Annecy. The modern facilities and summer surveillance reassure families.

14. The Chéran gorges

For lovers of white-water swimming, the Chéran gorges offer a unique experience near Annecy. This river forms a number of natural pools ideal for swimming, particularly near Alby-sur-Chéran. The cool, crystal-clear waters meander between limestone cliffs in a wild setting. Some areas are easily accessible from the road, while others require a short walk but are rewarded by their secret character.

15. La Fillière

Just 20 minutes from Annecy, the Fillière river offers several swimming spots in a bucolic setting. This small river forms lovely natural pools that are perfect for a refreshing swim. Be careful, however, to choose calm areas and avoid swimming when the water rises. The shady banks and crystal-clear water make it a popular spot for locals to come and cool off on hot summer days.

In conclusion, the Annecy region offers an exceptional diversity of swimming spots to suit all tastes and desires. From the emblematic lake to wild rivers, not forgetting ecological innovations such as the biotope lake at Combloux, each spot has its own unique personality. To maximise your discoveries and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the wonders of the Venice of the Alps, don’t hesitate to follow our guided itinerary of Annecy, which will reveal all the secrets of this exceptional Alpine city. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, these 15 places to swim around Annecy promise unforgettable moments in the heart of the French Alps.

FAQ – Swimming around Annecy

What is the water temperature in Lake Annecy in summer?

In summer, the water in Lake Annecy generally reaches between 22°C and 24°C, making it one of the most pleasant lakes in the Alps for swimming. The hottest months are July and August.

Are there any supervised beaches around Annecy?

Yes, several beaches are supervised during the summer season, including the Albigny, Impérial and Marquisats beaches in Annecy, and the Angon beach in Talloires. Supervision generally runs from 11am to 7pm from July to August.

Can I swim for free in Lake Annecy?

Most of the beaches on Lake Annecy are free, including those at Les Marquisats, Albigny and Doussard. Only the Impérial beach in Annecy charges a fee, but offers additional services such as deckchairs and parasols.

Where are the best spots to avoid the crowds?

To avoid the crowds, opt for more remote lakes such as Lac d’Aiguebelette, Lac de Barterand or the Flumet lake. The little creeks of Doussard and the natural pools of La Fillière also offer more peace and quiet than the main beaches of Lake Annecy.