Lake Annecy Tours and Activities

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-kilometer) 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 kilometers) 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 marvelous canals, colorful buildings, water sports and refreshing swims in the clean water.

Plan a trip to see Lake Annecy

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Grand Hotel Des Terreaux

Grand Hotel Des Terreaux

4 out of 5
Lyon City Centre
per person
13 Oct - 17 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Amsterdam (AMS) to Lyon (LYS)
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
Enjoyed our stay at Grand Hotel. Our room was amazing; nice, clean and big with a large bathroom. The A/C did not seem to cool down our room much - luckily it was a little rainy while we were there and opening the windows helped. Elevator is small and we had to carry our large suitcases up a small staircase to get to the room once on our floor. But nothing substantial that would deter me from staying here again. Great location - quick walk to Vieux Lyon and rue Merciere where there are a TON of restaurants (we recommend the pizza at Figlio). Highly recommend

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Villa Maïa

Villa Maïa

5 out of 5
Lyon City Centre
per person
13 Oct - 17 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Amsterdam (AMS) to Lyon (LYS)
9.8/10 Exceptional! (116 reviews)
Great hotel location not great for city access

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

Hotel Silky by HappyCulture

Hotel Silky by HappyCulture

4 out of 5
Lyon City Centre
per person
13 Oct - 17 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Amsterdam (AMS) to Lyon (LYS)
8.8/10 Excellent! (916 reviews)
A very convenient location. Unfortunately the cafe next door has closed and there’s rubbish been left. The service was excellent - a small issue with the room was fixed without delay and we received a food gift due to any convenience we may have had. Very friendly and helpful staff.

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

Tours & day trips

See all 38 activities
Annecy, Venice of the Alps from Geneva

Annecy, Venice of the Alps from Geneva

Activity duration is 4 hours and 45 minutes
8.6 out of 10 with 62 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$143 per adult
Annecy, Venice of the Alps from GenevaOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 4 activities
Annecy Food Tour – A Full French Meal Experience by Do Eat Better

Annecy Food Tour – A Full French Meal Experience by Do Eat Better

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$175 per adult
Annecy Food Tour – A Full French Meal Experience by Do Eat BetterOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 4 activities
Guided E-Bike Mountain Bike Tour at Mandallaz Mountain

Guided E-Bike Mountain Bike Tour at Mandallaz Mountain

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$142 per adult
Guided E-Bike Mountain Bike Tour at Mandallaz MountainOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit

Basilique de la Visitation

Basilique de la Visitation

One of Annecy’s most famous landmarks, this beautiful church makes for a striking sight whether seen from afar or up close.

Basilique de la Visitation
Jardins de I'Europe

Jardins de I'Europe

Explore the great outdoors at Jardins de I'Europe, a lovely green space in Annecy. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Jardins de I'Europe
Amours Bridge

Amours Bridge

Learn about the local history of Annecy when you spend time at Amours Bridge. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.

Amours Bridge
Church of St. Francis

Church of St. Francis

Find a moment of peace in this beautiful and historic Baroque place of worship, where members of Annecy’s Italian community come for Mass.

Church of St. Francis

Plage Municipale de Menthon Saint Bernard

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Plage Municipale de Menthon Saint Bernard during your travels in Menthon-Saint-Bernard? Stroll along the area's lakeside or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Plage Municipale de Menthon Saint Bernard

Sevrier Church

Learn about the local history of Sevrier when you spend time at Sevrier Church. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.

Sevrier Church

Top Lake Annecy Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Moxy Annecy

Moxy Annecy

3 out of 5
5 Avenue du Thiou, 19, Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Moxy Annecy
L'Impérial Palace

L'Impérial Palace

4 out of 5
Allée de L'Impérial, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
L'Impérial Palace
Le Pélican

Le Pélican

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

Palace de Menthon

5 out of 5
665 route des bains, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Haute-Savoie
Palace de Menthon
L'Aurore du Lac

L'Aurore du Lac

3 out of 5
428 Route Des Mongets, Sevrier, Haute-savoie
L'Aurore du Lac
Black Bass Hotel

Black Bass Hotel

5 out of 5
921 Route d'Albertville, Sevrier, Haute-Savoie
Black Bass Hotel
Novotel Annecy Centre

Novotel Annecy Centre

4 out of 5
1 Place Marie Curie, ancienne 1 avenue Berthollet, Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Novotel Annecy Centre
Le Pavillon des Fleurs

Le Pavillon des Fleurs

2 out of 5
Route du port, Menthon-Saint-Bernard
Le Pavillon des Fleurs
See all 4,084 properties in Lake Annecy
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 offers a range of enjoyable activities, including scenic bike routes around the lake, invigorating swimming spots, and relaxing spa experiences. Adventurous visitors can explore the hiking trails that weave through the stunning landscapes. Don’t miss the chance to float along the lazy rivers, making for a perfect day of leisure amidst the picturesque surroundings of Haute-Savoie.

Shopping

For great shopping in Lake Annecy, visit the Centre Commercial Courier, just 6.4km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Also, check out La Fromagerie du Cruet, located 8.0km away for delightful local cheese. If you're up for a drive, the Ferney-Voltaire Market is 43.5km away, featuring a lively city atmosphere.

Recreation

At Lake Annecy Golf Course, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by stunning landscapes, just 3.2km from the lake. For family fun, visit the Aravis Aquatic Park, 20.9km away, featuring thrilling water slides and relaxing pools. Alternatively, try Giez-Lac d'Annecy Golf, located 14.5km away, for a scenic golfing experience.

Adventure

At La Clusaz Ski Resort, located 20.9km from Lake Annecy, experience exhilarating skiing and a vibrant alpine atmosphere. For a thrilling aerial adventure, try Les Passagers du Vent, 3.2km away, offering exciting air sports. Enjoy stunning views along the Route des Ducs de Savoie hiking trail, just 1.6km from the lake.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Théâtre Bonlieu, just 4.8km from Lake Annecy, offering a delightful mix of entertainment and culture. For a thrill, visit Max Adventure Park, 33.8km away, or enjoy another performance at Le Phare, located 24.8km from the lake, perfect for family and romance.

*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, nestled in Haute-Savoie, offers an array of attractions, including stunning castles, picturesque beaches, and historic churches. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture while enjoying outdoor activities around the lake, such as exploring the scenic Annecy Lake and the charming old town. Don't miss the breathtaking views from Château d'Annecy and the serene atmosphere of Lac d'Annecy, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

  • Menthon Castle: Nestled 3.2km from Lake Annecy, Menthon Castle boasts stunning architecture and romantic vistas. Explore its beautiful gardens and learn about its rich history, all while soaking in the cultural ambiance of this fairy-tale setting.
  • Col de la Forclaz: Just 8.0km away, Col de la Forclaz invites adventure seekers with its breathtaking mountain scenery. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or simply taking in the panoramic views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding Alps, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Palais de l Ile: Located 4.8km from the lake, Palais de l Ile is a historic gem with a captivating cultural vibe. This iconic building, set on an island, offers insights into the area's history and architecture, making it a must-see for culture lovers.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Annecy

To save money during your trip to Lake Annecy, consider visiting in April or October to November for lower accommodation rates. Tuesdays are generally the least expensive days to book, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and sort by price for the best deals. Combining your hotel with flights and activities through a package deal can also yield savings. Take advantage of free activities around the lake and explore on foot to minimise transport costs.

  • 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 preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Lake Annecy hotel reservations with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.