Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy


Swim in this very clean lake in the picturesque valley of the Rhône-Alpes region.

Lake Annecy is a scenic body of water in a mountain valley. Among the largest lakes in France, it is known for its cleanliness due to strict environmental regulations. Swim or participate in watersports in this natural oasis.

See the villages and towns surrounding the vast lake. Doussard at the southern end of the lake is very popular for paragliding. Visit Annecy for its quaint buildings and shops bordering the water. Stroll along its canals and stop at the Annecy Castle, where the Counts of Geneva once lived. The town’s highlight is the Island Palace, an intriguing 12th-century structure in Old Town overlooking a Venice-like canal. Shaped like a ship, it is the historic home of a courthouse, mint and prison. See its historical and architectural exhibits.

Rent a small boat to go out on the lake to enjoy serene tranquility. Capture photos of the stunning background of mountains looming over the water. Dive into the fresh water for a swim.

Cycle along the 24-mile (38-kilometre) path circling around the lake. Wakeboarding, waterskiing and sailing are popular on the pretty blue waters. Rent equipment from several shops in Annecy and surrounding towns.

Travel to the Gorges du Fier west of Annecy. Amble through the narrow canyon and cross natural bridges above the cascades of the river.

Lake Annecy was formed naturally 18,000 years ago, by the melting of large alpine glaciers. Small rivers from the nearby mountains continue to feed it. View the lake to see how it inspired Paul Cézanne’s 1896 painting called The Blue Lake.

The northern end of the lake is just 26 miles (42 kilometres) south of Geneva, Switzerland. Fly into Geneva International Airport and drive to the lake in less than an hour. Annecy also has a railway station linking it to the major cities of France. The region has warm, sunny summers and cold winters, with snow capping the backdrop of mountains.

Visit Lake Annecy for marvellous canals, colourful buildings, water sports and refreshing swims in the clean water.

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel de la Croix Fédérale

Tours & day trips

See all 39 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 15 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 4 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

L'Impérial Palace

L'Impérial Palace

4 out of 5
Allée de L'Impérial, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
L'Impérial Palace
Comfort Aparthotel Les Hauts d'Annecy

Comfort Aparthotel Les Hauts d'Annecy

3 out of 5
16, Rue du Champ de la Taillée, Annecy
Comfort Aparthotel Les Hauts d'Annecy
Le Pélican

Le Pélican

4 out of 5
20 rue des Marquisats, 101, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Le Pélican
Palace de Menthon

Palace de Menthon

5 out of 5
665 route des bains, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Haute-Savoie
Palace de Menthon
Moxy Annecy

Moxy Annecy

3 out of 5
5 Avenue du Thiou, 19, Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Moxy Annecy
Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare

Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare

3 out of 5
37 Rue Vaugelas, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Campanile Annecy Centre - Gare
Rivage Hôtel & Spa Annecy

Rivage Hôtel & Spa Annecy

4 out of 5
33 Avenue du Petit Port, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Rivage Hôtel & Spa Annecy
Novotel Annecy Centre

Novotel Annecy Centre

4 out of 5
1 Place Marie Curie, ancienne 1 avenue Berthollet, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Novotel Annecy Centre
L'Aurore du Lac

L'Aurore du Lac

3 out of 5
428 Route Des Mongets, Sevrier, Haute-savoie
L'Aurore du Lac
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy promises an exhilarating escape for adventure enthusiasts, offering activities such as biking, swimming, and indulging in relaxing spa treatments. Whether you seek an adrenaline rush or a chance to explore the stunning surroundings, there are plenty of adventure opportunities awaiting you. With an adventure park nearby, your active holiday will be filled with excitement and unique experiences that make Lake Annecy a perfect destination for those craving adventure.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, the Ferney-Voltaire Market, located 43.5km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with local goods and city vibes. Closer to home, the Centre Commercial Courier, just 6.4km from Lake Annecy, features a variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Lake Annecy Golf Course offers a scenic golfing experience just 3.2km away, with lush greenery and stunning views. Giez-Lac d'Annecy Golf, located 14.5km away, provides a challenging course amidst beautiful landscapes. For family fun, the Aravis Aquatic Park, 20.9km away, boasts thrilling water activities and relaxation by the pool.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of La Clusaz Ski Resort, located 20.9km from Lake Annecy, where you can ski amidst breathtaking alpine scenery. For aerial excitement, try Les Passagers du Vent, a mere 3.2km away, offering exhilarating air sports. Alternatively, embark on the scenic Footpath of Les Roselieres, also 3.2km away, for a delightful hike.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Lake Annecy with a visit to Théâtre Bonlieu, a cultural gem 4.8km away, offering romance and entertainment. For thrilling fun, Max Adventure Park, situated 33.8km away, has exciting activities. Don’t miss Le Phare, another charming theatre 24.8km away, perfect for family vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy offers a delightful blend of attractions, from stunning castles and picturesque beaches to breathtaking mountains. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture or indulge in outdoor adventures, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and excitement. Whether you're exploring historical sites or enjoying the scenic beauty, Lake Annecy promises a memorable experience filled with diverse activities.

  • Annecy Castle: Perched on a hill, Annecy Castle offers stunning views over the lake and the town. This historic fortress, with its romantic architecture and rich cultural heritage, transports visitors back in time, making it a must-see for history buffs and lovers of picturesque landscapes.
  • Palais de l Ile: This iconic building, located on an island in the Thiou River, showcases fascinating architecture and a profound cultural history. Once a prison, it now houses a museum, providing insight into Annecy's past while offering stunning views of the surrounding canals.
  • Amours Bridge: A charming pedestrian bridge, renowned for its picturesque views and romantic atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for couples, offering a lovely backdrop for photos and a serene place to enjoy the scenic beauty of Annecy's canals.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Annecy

To save money on your trip to Lake Annecy, consider visiting in April or October to November when prices are lower. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays can be more expensive. Use Expedia to filter accommodations by budget and eco-certification for sustainable options. Combining hotel bookings with flights and activities can also yield savings. Explore free activities around the lake and utilise local public transport for affordable travel. Keep an eye out for deals on affordable hotels and best rates to maximise your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake Annecy are April and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake Annecy is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake Annecy is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation for Lake Annecy with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.