Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy
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Restaurants
573 within 5 kms
Attractions
88 within 10 kms
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- Dutch-MikeyLe Havre, France1,146 contributionsBiggest attraction for the cityApart from the old town, the lake is the center of all attractions. It’s very scenic with plenty of things to do and see all year round. There are many restaurants, pubs, water activities and a long promenade around a big part of the lake as well as a clearly marked bicycle path.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 March 2023
- Cathy Y4 contributionsVery beautiful!Old Annecy and the surrounding area was absolutely beautiful. Loved the historical buildings, shops and restaurants. We also rented bikes and road around the lake as well as visited the towns along the way. We would love to return to this area.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 May 2023
- lawgoddess1960New York City, New York139 contributionsCharming town with wonderful outdoor marketThe lake was beautiful as was the town. We went when the outdoor markets were open and the food was spectacular. We purchased cheeses and sausages that were made in the area and they were amazing. We went on a boat ride that was kind of lame and since it was crowded at the beaches we felt like the best part of the town was the outdoor market. They close down by 1 so best to go early.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 June 2023
- Ashvin KarunagaranLuxembourg City, Luxembourg94 contributionsStunning lake 😍Lake Annecy claims the Europe’s cleanest and clear lake! The lake is surrounded by the French Alps and give a great view 😍 There are plenty of activities in the lake that you could do such as swimming 🏊♂️, paddle boat, kayaking, boat rides etc. The water is a bit cold for a swim but during summer it’s manageable! Highly recommended!!Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 July 2023
- VanessaLytham St Anne's, United Kingdom3,334 contributionsAbsolutely Stunning Place!Just stunning! When you see it for the first time, it's breath taking! We arrived on a Saturday, so it was busy with people of all ages, swimming, boating, paddle boarding and just having fun in and around the lake. There are boat tours, boats for hire and plenty to do around the lake. Ice Cream vendors and bars for refreshments. We took a dip as it was so hot thinking the water would be cold, but it's warm and crystal clear! We loved the lake and will definitely be returning for a holiday soon!Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 July 2023
- Explore40367107291Brighton, United Kingdom5 contributionsNot to be missedWe camped nearby and cycled into Annecy. The lake is beautiful - clear and turquoise and wonderful to swim in from the many parts around the lake which were accessible for swimming The town is quaint with cobbled streets and filled with restaurants and shops! Not to be missedVisited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 July 2023
- katiemarooMelbourne, Australia113 contributionsClear, sparkling waters.Sparkling clear waters were a joy to behold in this world where so much is polluted by us humans. It was wonderful to see that the life on Lake Annecy is such a part of the daily lives of those who live there and by visitors too. The Lake is actively used by boaters, swimmers, sight seeing and water sports. The water was incredibly clear. As a visitor it was a pleasure to just observe the activities, look at the mountains and enjoy the old town of Annecy. Lake Annecy is magnificent!Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 July 2023
- Tracey B3 contributionsAmazing viewsAmazing place… beautiful views. Great for family trips. Visited the City of Annecy, the outskirts are much nicer than the main city. Nice buildings and beautiful views of the lake. Stayed on a campsite on the lake which was amazing… plenty of swims and paddle boarding.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 31 July 2023
- johnhouston2Knaresborough, United Kingdom5,121 contributionsA beautiful lake with lots to do.Lake Annecy is beautiful and on a sunny day with the water a beautiful blue and the mountains as a backdrop, it is a photographer’s dream. As well as the main town of Annecy, there are several other villages situated around the lake, and if you don’t want to drive I believe that you can use a free bus service. In Annecy you can take advantage of all the lakeside facilities such as pedallo and boat hire, bike hire, boat trips etc. Best of all however is to be able to walk along the well-kept promenades or the various parks.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 September 2023
- Ali921Edinburgh, United Kingdom1,411 contributionsBeautiful sceneryThere is a choice of what type of Lake trip that you want to do. They are very popular and need to be booked on arrival we suggest. We did the one which takes you all around but you do not get off. It took about 2.5 hours. It was relaxing and the views are great. What we found tiring was the amount of information of facts and figures that the guide kept quoting. After a while we could not take any more information in ! Better to sit back and relax.Visited August 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 20 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
6,998 reviews
Excellent
5,509
Very good
1,339
Average
114
Poor
22
Terrible
14
clangirl
Scotland51 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Lovely place with lots of little shops and places to eat. Unfortunately, we were only there for a few hours and the weather was dreadful so we didn't see as much as we would have liked.
A very disappointing Christmas market.
A very disappointing Christmas market.
Written 5 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
louiseallison2009
Ponteland, UK3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Fabulous views and lovely old town , fantastic market and lovely restaurants , many places to visit !
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JKfromNCC
Sydney, Australia18 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We hired bikes and rode around the bikes paths. Didn't get into Annecy as the scenery was breathtaking. A very hot day. We stopped off at a "beach" and spent most of the day there. It was very suprising that the water wasn't freezing but pleasantly refreshing. A magnificent experience!
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ali921
Edinburgh, UK1,411 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
There is a choice of what type of Lake trip that you want to do. They are very popular and need to be booked on arrival we suggest. We did the one which takes you all around but you do not get off. It took about 2.5 hours. It was relaxing and the views are great. What we found tiring was the amount of information of facts and figures that the guide kept quoting. After a while we could not take any more information in ! Better to sit back and relax.
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip C
York, ME588 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
It doesn't get any better than this. Grab some sandwiches, find a bench, don't leave till the sun sets. Then stroll into town.
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnhouston2
Knaresborough, UK5,121 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Lake Annecy is beautiful and on a sunny day with the water a beautiful blue and the mountains as a backdrop, it is a photographer’s dream. As well as the main town of Annecy, there are several other villages situated around the lake, and if you don’t want to drive I believe that you can use a free bus service.
In Annecy you can take advantage of all the lakeside facilities such as pedallo and boat hire, bike hire, boat trips etc. Best of all however is to be able to walk along the well-kept promenades or the various parks.
In Annecy you can take advantage of all the lakeside facilities such as pedallo and boat hire, bike hire, boat trips etc. Best of all however is to be able to walk along the well-kept promenades or the various parks.
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan C
Basildon, UK12 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Annecy is a wonderful holiday destination for couples, families, friends and solo travellers because there is so much to see and do. We got the idea to come to Annecy from watching a Bettany Hughes travel programme when she visited! Here are my top tips:
1. First, go to the tourist office and get the ‘Mobil Ete’ guide to public transport in Annecy. Public buses are FREE in July and August for tourists and locals alike so it’s worth travelling into the mountain hot spots by public bus, which is fast, frequent and comfortable. Pick up guides to all the local places at the tourist office.
2. Take a bus into the mountains on both the east and west side of the lake, where there are numerous walking trails on top, or down from the mountain. Talloires and the Chateau du Methon are well worth a visit on the east side of the lake, while Semnoz is a must on the west side. If you have rented a bike, you can take your bike on the buses to Semnoz and ride down! It is always best to board the buses from the bus station to guarantee a seat.
3. Have a good stroll around the historic centre of Annecy. The Castle and Basilica are worth seeing but the I’sle Museum in the middle of the river is not because everything is in French!
4. Have breakfast (or tea) at Philippe Rigollot Patisserie Shop. His cakes are to die for. So light and airy, you could eat two easily without being full. We ate here 5x in a row to try out as many cakes as possible ( in my case, ten). You will know what I mean when you see the cakes!
5. There are three markets a week in the old town in Annecy on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Food is sold on Tuesday and Friday while there is a flea market on Saturday.
6. Take the short bus trip to Annecy-le-Vieux further up the lake, where it’s quieter. Alternatively, you can walk there in 45 mins to an hour. Just follow the lake around to your right.
7. Hire an electric bike and cycle around Lake Annecy. It’s only 24 miles around the whole lake, but the east side is hilly, while the west side is generally flat. Hence, the need for an electric bike at 40 Euros a hire. Of course, it can be done with a normal bike as well.
8. Visit Chamonix for the day by Flix Bus. Get the first bus at 6.40 am and a return at about 8.10 pm because you will want to do one excursion up the mountain and walk around the town, as well as have dinner, so you will need all day there. The bus journey is only 1 hour 20 minutes. Buy your bus tickets online using your phone. Dead easy. Avoid going to Chamonix by train because it’s more expensive and much slower!
9. If you want to see Mont Blanc in Chamonix, take the Aiguille du Midi cable car up the mountain. It’s a two-stage journey. The first leg will take you to the Plan de l'Aiguille (2,317m). The second stage will then take you up the North Face of the Aiguille du Midi at the top station (3778m). A footbridge connects the cable car top station with the Central Piton terrace. An elevator inside the rock will take you to the final 42m to the top terrace at an altitude of 3,842m. The trip is 75 Euros per person but on a hot and sunny day is well worth it. Plan your trip in advance by checking the daily weather conditions.
From the terraces of the Aiguille du Midi, there is a further departure point for the Panoramic Mont Blanc cable car, the highest cable car in the world, which connects France to Italy. The 5km journey goes across the Mont Blanc Massif, from the Aiguille du Midi to Point Helbronner. From Point Helbronner, the Funivie cable car line descends into the La Palud area of Courmayeur, Italy. The Italian top station is a nice place to visit, with a sunny terrace with 360 degree views of the Mont Blanc massif, and a different perspective of the mountains. The cost is 38 Euros per person and again is well worth doing. Again, check that it is a clear day.
10. If this is too expensive, there are loads of alternative trips out from Chamonix. A funicular train to Montenvers Glacier (completely melted in the summer) to see an ice cave and alternative cable car rides. On a day trip, you will only have time to do one thing and see the town.
11. Go to Aix Les Bain for the day by train. About a 40 minute journey. Walk up to the town in front of the station (8-10 mins), but get Bus No 1 to the Grand Port at the lake in front of the railway station (about 9 stops). Lake Bourget is too far to walk from Aix Les Bain railway station.
12. When you get to the lake, have a lovely stroll about and get a boat to HAUTECOMBE ABBEY on the other side of the lake. 17.50 Euros return with a commentary in French across the lake. 4.50 Euros to get into the abbey itself inclusive of an audio guide.
13. Take the bus - BlaBla or Flix - to the university town of Chambery. Nice stroll around the historic centre and good shopping. BlaBla Bus is the cheapest and cost 10 Euros return. Book tickets online using your phone. Dead easy!
14. If you have more time in Annecy, a day trip to Grenoble is also possible by train or bus.
1. First, go to the tourist office and get the ‘Mobil Ete’ guide to public transport in Annecy. Public buses are FREE in July and August for tourists and locals alike so it’s worth travelling into the mountain hot spots by public bus, which is fast, frequent and comfortable. Pick up guides to all the local places at the tourist office.
2. Take a bus into the mountains on both the east and west side of the lake, where there are numerous walking trails on top, or down from the mountain. Talloires and the Chateau du Methon are well worth a visit on the east side of the lake, while Semnoz is a must on the west side. If you have rented a bike, you can take your bike on the buses to Semnoz and ride down! It is always best to board the buses from the bus station to guarantee a seat.
3. Have a good stroll around the historic centre of Annecy. The Castle and Basilica are worth seeing but the I’sle Museum in the middle of the river is not because everything is in French!
4. Have breakfast (or tea) at Philippe Rigollot Patisserie Shop. His cakes are to die for. So light and airy, you could eat two easily without being full. We ate here 5x in a row to try out as many cakes as possible ( in my case, ten). You will know what I mean when you see the cakes!
5. There are three markets a week in the old town in Annecy on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Food is sold on Tuesday and Friday while there is a flea market on Saturday.
6. Take the short bus trip to Annecy-le-Vieux further up the lake, where it’s quieter. Alternatively, you can walk there in 45 mins to an hour. Just follow the lake around to your right.
7. Hire an electric bike and cycle around Lake Annecy. It’s only 24 miles around the whole lake, but the east side is hilly, while the west side is generally flat. Hence, the need for an electric bike at 40 Euros a hire. Of course, it can be done with a normal bike as well.
8. Visit Chamonix for the day by Flix Bus. Get the first bus at 6.40 am and a return at about 8.10 pm because you will want to do one excursion up the mountain and walk around the town, as well as have dinner, so you will need all day there. The bus journey is only 1 hour 20 minutes. Buy your bus tickets online using your phone. Dead easy. Avoid going to Chamonix by train because it’s more expensive and much slower!
9. If you want to see Mont Blanc in Chamonix, take the Aiguille du Midi cable car up the mountain. It’s a two-stage journey. The first leg will take you to the Plan de l'Aiguille (2,317m). The second stage will then take you up the North Face of the Aiguille du Midi at the top station (3778m). A footbridge connects the cable car top station with the Central Piton terrace. An elevator inside the rock will take you to the final 42m to the top terrace at an altitude of 3,842m. The trip is 75 Euros per person but on a hot and sunny day is well worth it. Plan your trip in advance by checking the daily weather conditions.
From the terraces of the Aiguille du Midi, there is a further departure point for the Panoramic Mont Blanc cable car, the highest cable car in the world, which connects France to Italy. The 5km journey goes across the Mont Blanc Massif, from the Aiguille du Midi to Point Helbronner. From Point Helbronner, the Funivie cable car line descends into the La Palud area of Courmayeur, Italy. The Italian top station is a nice place to visit, with a sunny terrace with 360 degree views of the Mont Blanc massif, and a different perspective of the mountains. The cost is 38 Euros per person and again is well worth doing. Again, check that it is a clear day.
10. If this is too expensive, there are loads of alternative trips out from Chamonix. A funicular train to Montenvers Glacier (completely melted in the summer) to see an ice cave and alternative cable car rides. On a day trip, you will only have time to do one thing and see the town.
11. Go to Aix Les Bain for the day by train. About a 40 minute journey. Walk up to the town in front of the station (8-10 mins), but get Bus No 1 to the Grand Port at the lake in front of the railway station (about 9 stops). Lake Bourget is too far to walk from Aix Les Bain railway station.
12. When you get to the lake, have a lovely stroll about and get a boat to HAUTECOMBE ABBEY on the other side of the lake. 17.50 Euros return with a commentary in French across the lake. 4.50 Euros to get into the abbey itself inclusive of an audio guide.
13. Take the bus - BlaBla or Flix - to the university town of Chambery. Nice stroll around the historic centre and good shopping. BlaBla Bus is the cheapest and cost 10 Euros return. Book tickets online using your phone. Dead easy!
14. If you have more time in Annecy, a day trip to Grenoble is also possible by train or bus.
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey B
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Amazing place… beautiful views. Great for family trips. Visited the City of Annecy, the outskirts are much nicer than the main city. Nice buildings and beautiful views of the lake. Stayed on a campsite on the lake which was amazing… plenty of swims and paddle boarding.
Written 31 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
souldancer2
Minneapolis, MN367 contributions
Jul 2023
Absolutely gorgeous! Our day in Annecy sealed the deal, as a world traveler Annecy is on my top 10 cities! Beautiful lake and too we loved the boat tour!
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
katiemaroo
Melbourne, Australia113 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Sparkling clear waters were a joy to behold in this world where so much is polluted by us humans. It was wonderful to see that the life on Lake Annecy is such a part of the daily lives of those who live there and by visitors too. The Lake is actively used by boaters, swimmers, sight seeing and water sports. The water was incredibly clear. As a visitor it was a pleasure to just observe the activities, look at the mountains and enjoy the old town of Annecy. Lake Annecy is magnificent!
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lojewo
Whitley Bay, UK6 contributions
I’ve seen a few comments about the west side of the lake being in shade in the afternoon, due to Semnoz. I’m planning visiting in August. Is it better being on the east coast or west coast (family of 4: 12&9yo: kayaking and cycling holiday).
Sam W
1 contribution
You are right, we were staying at Talloires and had the sun in afternoon. It would depend on how much you are sun lovers. In June we had temperatures of 32 to 34. The other side of the lake was very pleasant - and a lot flatter cycle lanes compared with the side we were on. Talloires is certainly a cycling challenge!
hope you enjoy the lake as much as we did
Sam
Bing850
Llantwit Major, UK168 contributions
Does anyone know where you are able to paddle board with your own paddle board not to hire one?
We want to travel to the lake early august. We are not sure if we need a mobil home with an AC or not.
How are the temperatures at night in early august?
Franck C
Quimper, France3 contributions
Paddle sur le lac d'Annecy, une réglementation particuliére pour une randonnée autour du lac ? Zone interdite, régle, devoir ? Merci de vos réponses.
Julie P
Plainland, Australia32 contributions
Do the cruise or commuter boats run in April? Also are they wheelchair friendly?
Also are the buses wheelchair friendly?
Waill N
Jordan181 contributions
Yes boats run in April . Will be hard for wheelchair to get in boats (not wheelchair friendly). Will not be a problem for the buses. Wish you a nice trip
Lisa
Llandudno, UK610 contributions
How do you get to lake annecy from the uk. Do your operators go there or have hotels here thanks
tinaNtravel
San Jose, CA1,883 contributions
Hello,
I assume the easiest way from the UK is to fly to Geneva and then take a train, bus or tour to Annecy. (I took the train from Grenoble, France.) There are hotels in Annecy - check Tripadvisor.
sabzigak
London, UK6 contributions
Hi everyone,
I will be travelling to Lac d'Annecy with my family by car towards the end of October. Does anyone know how the weather usually is during October. And do people still play water activities during October?
Zoecal
Annecy, France136 contributions
The water is starting to get cooler but on a warm sunny day (it was 24C today) it’s tempting to swim. At the end of October most if not all of the boat hire places will be closed. The weather has been so good recently - fresh starts and chilly when the sun goes down. I see that rain is forecast to arrive soon. Usually late October into November the temperature cools down and it can be rainy.
Ho visto su Internet che è possibile fare un giro di un'ora sul lago con spuntio a bordo.
Orari?
Costi?
Dove si prende il battello?
Grazie
Marina
Ho visto in Internet che è possibile far un giro sul lgo di Annecy in battello aon piccolobuffet a bordo a mezzagiorno.
Quali sono gli orari ed il costo?
Dove ssi prende il battello?
Grazie
Marina
gragia88
Nichelino, Italy168 contributions
no.noi abbiamo girato il lago in bici
almipal
Worsley, UK71 contributions
We have never been before and have booked 5 nights in a hotel close to the old town. We are a couple in mid 40’s. Would like some suggestions of how to make the most of our stay, ‘must sees’ etc. We need to put together an itinerary.
Many Thanks
greenladytraveler
Jerusalem, Israel59 contributions
While Annecy has its many charms and good eating, I'd say don't miss a day trip on the local "commuter" boat (if it's running when you're there) to Talloires. Lovely little beach, good restaurants, picturesque old town and a free bus (again, it may only run during summer season in which case drive there yourselves) up the mountain to the gliders' station -- worth enjoying for the ride, the view and a trek at the peak if you'd prefer that to a gliding adventure. Ditto Semnoz park, high up and very popular with bikers and hikers (there's also a bus that goes there).
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Annecy
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Lake Annecy:
- Canyoning sensation of Angon on the shores of Lake Annecy (From ₹ 5,942.81)
- Geneva and Annecy Tour With Optional Lake Geneva Cruise (From ₹ 11,199.57)
- KTG371 - Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Half-Day Tour from Geneva (From ₹ 7,304.10)
- (KPG370) - Private tour to Annecy, the Venice of the Alps (From ₹ 29,832.44)
- Pérouges & Annecy Private Day Trip with Food Tasting from Lyon (From ₹ 84,111.37)
- Hotels near Lake Annecy:
- (0.16 km) CHALET 'les MARMOTTES'
- (0.20 km) Hotel Novel
- (0.19 km) Bright apartment crossing 6th floor 90m2
- (1.00 km) Hotel Clos des Sens
- (0.65 km) Hotel Restaurant Bellevue
- Restaurants near Lake Annecy:
- (0.22 km) La Mamma
- (0.63 km) Le Jardin de Punjab
- (0.75 km) Le Petit Prince
- (0.37 km) Domino's Pizza
- (0.36 km) Le Novel'R
- Attractions near Lake Annecy:
- (0.21 km) Grimpe et Eaux : Canyoning, escalade et via ferrata
- (0.13 km) Comas Motos
- (0.47 km) Olness
- (1.67 km) Secret Room - Escape Game
- (2.04 km) Monté Médio