The picturesque shores of Lake Annecy create a peaceful destination that beckons both beach lovers and mountain enthusiasts alike. And with numerous beaches dotted along the water’s edge, you’re never too far from a swimming spot.
Boasting crystal-clear water, which reaches up to 24°C and has been deemed the cleanest in Europe, plus stunning backdrops, there’s no better place to relax in the heart of nature. In this post, we highlight some of the best beaches on Lake Annecy and what they have to offer.
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Key facts/rules about the beaches on Lake Annecy
- The beaches are not dog friendly;
- Barbeques are not permitted;
- Some beaches charge an admission fee at certain times of the year;
- You may need to pay for parking, which may be a short walk from the beach itself.
The top beaches in Annecy
Albigny Beach (Plage d’Albigny)
🚗 Closest parking: Parking Impérial, Av. d’Albigny, 74000 Annecy, France (500m)
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏻 Ideal for: Families with young kids, novice swimmers
Albigny Beach is the largest beach on the lake, located close to the main road. There is a large grassed area with floral borders and a pier and is home to the rowing club. It’s ideal for families with young children as the lake bed here is gently sloping and covered in sand. Additionally, there are places where you can rent stand up paddlebords to explore more of the water.
Bear in mind, however, that due to its immense popularity, the beach gets incredibly busy throughout the summer. This means there’s limited space, especially in the shade, and it can become quite noisy with lots of kids around. If you’re looking for a quiet spot, we recommend heading further away from the centre.
Lifeguards are on duty in July and August, and there are showers, restaurants and car parks.
Imperial Beach (Plage de l’Impérial)
🚗 Closest parking: Parking Impérial, Av. d’Albigny, 74000 Annecy, France (400m)
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏻 Ideal for: Families, groups of friends
Now free of charge, this spot is popular with groups of all ages. Adults enjoy lounging by the water’s edge with a drink from the bar, young kids can be entertained in the dedicated children’s pool and teens love making the most of the water slide.
Parking is available nearby and it’s easily accessible by bus. Just be aware that the water is quite deep here and there are usually many people diving in, so it’s better suited to confident swimmers.
Marquisats Beach (Plage des Marquisats)
🚗 Closest parking: Parking Marquisats, 54 Rue des Marquisats, 74000 Annecy, France (70m)
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏻 Ideal for: Families, groups of friends
With a sandy beach and a wide grassy area, this spot is popular with both locals and tourists all summer. As a result, it can get crowded, but it’s free of charge and close to the city.
It’s easier to find shade in the grassy areas, which tend to be slightly quieter and are perfect for picnics. However, access to the water is a little trickier as it’s deeper and quite rocky. Therefore, if you’re visiting with kids, you might want to stick to the sandy beach.
Marquisats Beach is close to the sailing, canoe and kayak and rowing clubs, as well as bus stops and the cycle path.
Sévrier Beach (Plage Municipale, Sévrier)
🚗 Closest parking: Parking de la plage de sévrier, Rte de la Plage, 74320 Sévrier, France (300m)
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏻 Ideal for: Families, people with restrcited mobility
Between 26th June to 29th August, Sevrier Beach welcomes visitors from 10:15 am to 5:45 pm under the watchful eye of lifeguards. There are convenient facilities such as showers and toilets, and you can also buy snacks and meals on-site.
The breathtaking views of Dents de Lanfon and La Tournette make it a perfect spot for sunbathing. Additionally, the beach caters to those with restricted access, providing a ramp and floating chair for easy water entry.
The sailing club and canoe club are in close proximity, and cyclists can directly access the beach from the nearby bike path.
Parking rates for Zone A – Port area/Zone C – Beach car park are as follows:
- 2,00€ per hour: from 15 May to 30 June and 1 to 15 September
- 2,20€ per hour: July and August
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Saint-Jorioz Beach (Plage Municipale, Saint-Jorioz)
🚗 Closest parking: Parking, Rte du Laudon, 74410 Saint-Jorioz, France (130m)
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏻 Ideal for: Families with young kids, groups of friends, people with restricted mobility
Nestled in a natural setting, this beach boasts soft sand and a host of amenities to cater to all ages. There’s a children’s pool and games area for the little ones, while the more adventurous can enjoy the diving board. There’s ample space for relaxation on the lawn, plus pétanque and beach volleyball courts.
Free parking is available nearby and there’s a snack bar and restaurant on-site to ensure you won’t go hungry. In July and August, a fee applies which is monitored by the lifeguards on duty.
The beach is well catered to all, including those with restricted mobility, who can use the ramp and floating loungers available.
Duingt Beach (Plage Municipale, Duingt)
🚗 Closest parking: Parking Public Eglise Duingt, 25 Pass. Grenette, 74410 Duingt, France (600m)
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏻 Ideal for: Adults, families with older children
Admission to Duingt Beach is free and during the months of July and August, lifeguards are on duty for added safety.
The beach has a partially shaded grassy area, offering splendid views of the Chateau Ruphy and Talloires. Its convenient location near the cycle path, diving school, and sailing school allow for easy access to various activities. However, parking nearby is limited, so getting there by bike is the better option.
Talloires Beach (Plage municipale, Talloires)
🚗 Closest parking: Parking public payant (parcmètre), 233 Rte du Port, 74290 Talloires-Montmin, France (220m)
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏻 Ideal for: Families with young kids, active groups of friends, water sports enthusiasts
Talloires Beach offers a spacious lawn stretching 200m along the water’s edge, providing ample space to bask in the sun. Families will appreciate the children’s pool and beach volleyball enthusiasts can enjoy friendly matches on the sandy court.
With free parking and convenient amenities, such as a toilet block, snack bar, and the delightful restaurant “The Savoyard” known for its pizzas, visitors have everything they need for a relaxing day by the lake. There’s also a range of activities to enjoy, including scuba diving, kayaking, rowing, and windsurfing.
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Angon Beach (Plage d’Angon, Talloires)
🚗 Closest parking: Parking Cascade d’Angon, 548 Rte des Vignes, 74290 Talloires-Montmin, France (300m)
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏻 Ideal for: Groups of friends
Plage d’Angon in Talloires offers shaded picnic spots, parking, lifeguard supervision, and a convenient toilet block, with free access. A snack bar is also available on-site for a quick bite or refreshment.
If you’re feeling energetic, there are volleyball and pétanque facilities for some friendly competition. For eating and drinking, you’ll find options just a stone’s throw away and if you want some added comfort, you can also rent a sunbed or purchase a beach towel.
Menthon-St-Bernard Beach (Plage municipale, Menthon-St-Bernard)
🚗 Closest parking: Parking Gratuit, Rte du Port, 74290 Menthon-Saint-Bernard, France (800m)
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏻 Ideal for: Families, groups of friends
This beach offers plenty of shade, providing respite for those who want a break from the sun. With free entry throughout most of the year, except for July and August when it operates from 10 am to 6 pm, visitors can enjoy the tranquil surroundings at their leisure.
Convenient amenities include showers, toilets, a snack bar and a paddling pool, ensuring a comfortable experience. Safety is a priority, with diligent lifeguards on duty. For easy water access, pool-style metal steps are available, and adventure awaits with a pontoon perfect for diving into the refreshing waters.
La Brune beach (Plage de la Brune, Veyrier du Lac)
🚗 Closest parking: Chem. des Barattes, 74290 Veyrier-du-Lac, France (130m)
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏻 Ideal for: Families, people with restricted mobility
There is free access at this beach, but do note you will need to pay for parking. Lifeguards are on duty in July and August from 11 am to 7 pm and there are showers and toilets on site. Loungers are available free of charge for people with reduced mobility and there are restaurants nearby which can be easily accessed.
This spot is also ideal for families with kids as there is a gentle slope into the water.
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Plage du Plant, Veyrier-du-Lac
🚗 Closest parking: Parking, 31 Rte du Port, 74290 Veyrier-du-Lac, France (350m)
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏻 Ideal for: Adults, confident swimmers
Another wonderful choice is the Plage du Plant in Veyrier-du-Lac. This unsupervised beach offers free entry and is conveniently located near the sailing club. There is paid parking available nearby, making it easy to access and enjoy a day by the water.
Plage des Cassines (Plage d’Espace Lac)
🚗 Closest parking: Parking, 228 Rte du Ponton, 74290 Talloires-Montmin, France (280m)
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏻 Ideal for: Families with teenagers, adults
Plage des Cassines in Talloires welcomes visitors all year round and is supervised during the peak months of July and August. The beach provides a serene spot to relax by the water, with a convenient bar on-site to quench your thirst and provide refreshments. You’ll find ample parking facilities and access is free.
Douss’plage (Plage du Bout du Lac, Doussard)
🚗 Closest parking: Lake Parking, 855 Rte d’Annecy, 74210 Doussard, France (600m)
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏻 Ideal for: Families with young kids, people with reduced mobility
Douss’plage is open year-round, welcoming visitors daily with its diverse offerings. The beach not only provides a beautiful bathing area but also caters to families with a designated play area for children to enjoy.
The availability of a picnic area ensures you can take advantage of the stunning surroundings whilst you eat and the convenient paid parking facilities make group visits hassle-free. Douss’plage is also designed for inclusivity, being accessible for wheelchairs with assistance.
During the summer season, from July 1st to August 31st, the beach is supervised by lifeguards, guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable experience. It’s also located close to the Natural Reserve Bout du Lac Annecy, perfect for nature lovers.
We hope you’ve found this guide useful!
If you’re heading to Annecy on your next summer holiday, make sure to check our range of partner properties in the area. From lakeisde villas to city centre apartments, there’s something for everyone in Annecy!
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