With its crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountain peaks, Lake Annecy is the ideal playground for water-based adventures this summer, and a far cry from the often unbearable heat of the Mediterranean.
Discover secret coves in a kayak, dive into the depths to discover the lake’s hidden treasures, hoist the sails for a breezy trip across the water, or climb the cliffs overlooking the shore….
We tell you all about the 10 best water activities to enjoy on Lake Annecy this summer, and recommend some of the best places to go and the companies you can trust.
Where to stay on Lake Annecy
1. Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding (or SUP) is one of the trendiest water sports around, and it’s easy to see why. Just grab a board and a paddle and glide across the calm waters at your own pace.
It’s a perfect activity to share with the kids on a family day out. And if you like yoga, you can even test your balance with a paddleboard yoga class for a unique experience on the water!
Where to hire a paddleboard on Lake Annecy
A number of local companies offer paddleboard hire around the lake.
NCY SUP, based in Sevrier, offers rentals from €10 an hour, with boards to suit all levels. The Cercle de Voile in Sevrier also offers boards for one person at €14 an hour, or giant paddles for 5 to 7 people at €55 an hour. For a more sociable experience, Stand Up Annecy offers group rates from €12.50 per person for one hour.
There are plenty of places to practice around the lake, particularly in Sevrier, Doussard and Annecy, where you will find a variety of landscapes and calm waters, ideal for relaxation and exploration.
Advice for paddleboard beginners
Paddleboarding is a fun and accessible experience, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines. Choose sheltered areas such as the bay of Talloires or Sevrier, and pick a day with no wind to take advantage of calm water that’s easier to navigate.
Start on your knees to find your balance before rising slowly to your feet. Keep your feet parallel and aim straight ahead for greater stability. Finally, wear a life jacket and have fun exploring this exceptional setting!
2. Sailing
Nothing says summer like a sailing trip on the lake with family or friends! Glide across the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, take in the breathtaking mountain views and drop anchor at your leisure.
If you already know how to sail, it’s easy to hire a boat and explore the lake. If not, you and your children can take a sailing course to learn the basics. You’ll discover how to read the wind and weather while working as a team.
Sailing clubs and schools around the lake
There are several clubs dotted around the lake, including these:
- The Société des Régates à Voile d’Annecy offers summer courses for young people aged from 10 to 15, with prices ranging from €60 to €135 depending on the number of participants.
- The Cercle de Voile in Sevrier offers private lessons of an hour and a half for two people from €120.
- UNCA organises adult courses during the week, costing €154 for a total of 12 hours.
- Base Nautique de Doussard offers sailing courses for 10-14 year-olds for €160.
- Finally, l’Internautique in Saint-Jorioz offers sailing courses and hire of a range of water sports equipment, including catamarans, dinghies, windsurfing boards, paddleboards and kayaks.
The best times for sailing on Lake Annecy
Sailing on Lake Annecy is best enjoyed between May and October, when the temperatures are pleasant and the winds favourable. Spring and autumn offer the best conditions, with fewer crowds and steady breezes, perfect for learning and excursions.
Note that the wind changes very frequently on Lake Annecy, due to the surrounding mountains and atmospheric pressure. It will therefore be necessary to adjust the boat regularly, according to its location and direction.
3. Wakeboarding, wakesurfing and water-skiing
Looking for excitement outside the ski season? Put your skills to the test by trying your hand at wakeboarding, or rediscover the thrills of slalom on water skis.
Wakesurfing, inspired by surfing, skateboarding and wakeboarding, is a gentler alternative. Without bindings and closer to the boat, falls are slower and reduce the risk of injury. It’s the perfect activity for those looking for a safe introduction to water sports.
Centres offering supervised sessions
A number of centres offer wakeboarding, wakesurfing and water skiing sessions to suit all levels. Most of these schools offer 15-minute lessons at €50, with some offering reduced rates for children.
Ski-wake.com and MT Ski Nautique can be found in Sevrier, while Spot Annecy is based in Veyrier-du-Lac. Skiwake74, in Doussard, offers individual lessons and courses in a range of water sports, including baby skiing for children aged 4 and over.
Equipment and safety instructions
A suitable lifejacket is compulsory to ensure buoyancy, and a neoprene wetsuit may be useful, depending on the water temperature. A helmet is recommended, especially for wakeboarding beginners. It’s important to use a board or skis suited to your level and weight.
All this should be provided by the school you choose. Before each session, check the equipment and listen carefully to the safety instructions given by the instructor.
4. Scuba diving
Dive into the depths of Lake Annecy and discover an astonishing underwater world. The lake is home to a wide variety of fish and other fascinating marine creatures, as well as the wreck of a paddle-steamer that ran aground in the lake in 1971.
Try scuba diving for the first time or, if you’re already certified, explore the seabed with a local guide who will show you this hidden world.
Popular diving sites on Lake Annecy
One of the most popular dive sites in Lake Annecy is the wreck of the France, an old steamer resting near Sevrier. The Balmette site, near Talloires, is renowned for its diverse aquatic fauna.
Bredannaz, near Doussard, offers diving on an impressive drop-off, ideal for fans of underwater features. Finally, Le Roc de Chère, a nature reserve between Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires, offers dives along submerged cliffs.
Clubs and qualifications
Several diving clubs offer training for various scuba-diving certifications.
Annecy Plongée Nautisme and the Club Subaquatique Annecy (CSA) offer first dives and courses leading to levels recognised by the FFESSM and SDI, opening the door to worldwide diving opportunities.
In Talloires, Evolution 2 Annecy offers training for all levels, from first dives to advanced courses, as well as introductory courses in freediving, while Profil Plongée is accredited by PADI, the world leader in diving instruction.
5. Canyoning
Looking for an adrenalin rush in the great outdoors? Canyoning involves following a river through the ups and downs of its natural geological features. This activity is generally open to those aged 13 and over, and is supervised by a professional instructor.
Test your courage by jumping into natural pools and climbing slippery rocks to reach secret waterfalls. At the same time, you’ll discover breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and mountains.
Gorges and canyons near Annecy
Canyoning enthusiasts will find an exceptional playground of dizzying waterfalls, natural slides and crystal-clear basins in the Annecy area.
The Angon canyon, with its impressive waterfalls and vertical abseils, is a must for experienced adventurers. The more accessible Montmin canyon offers a fun descent, ideal for a family experience.
For a little more challenge, the spectacular Pont du Diable canyon, in the Chablais massif, guarantees technical challenge in a wild setting.
Organisers and trips for all abilities
A number of organisers offer canyoning trips in the Annecy area, to suit all levels:
- Canyoning Annecy offers courses such as Ternèze (1h30, easy) at €40, and Pont du Diable (1h30, medium) at €45.
- Annecy Canyoning offers the TyroCanyon® (2h, €59) for beginners, and the UltraCanyon® (3h, €79) for the more experienced.
- Terréo Canyoning offers Discovery courses at €57 and Sensations courses at €60 and €70, suitable for families and groups.
- Activ’Annecy offers sessions from €50, with levels ranging from beginner to expert.
6. Psicobloc at Roc de Chère
Psicobloc is a form of free climbing in which you climb without a rope, using the water below you as a natural mattress in the event of a fall. Lake Annecy provides an idyllic setting for this activity, with its limestone cliffs plunging directly into the turquoise waters.
Although there are few official sites, it’s a magical experience for climbing enthusiasts in search of adrenalin and unspoilt nature!
Introduction to the Roc de Chère site
The Roc de Chère, a natural gem overlooking Lake Annecy, offers an exceptional setting for rock climbing. Its limestone cliffs, accessible by boat or paddleboard, allow seasoned climbers to test their mettle above the crystal-clear waters.
With holds sculpted by time, each climb ends with a refreshing plunge into the lake. This wild, little-developed site will appeal to lovers of free climbing, for a unique adventure between rock and water.
Safety regulations
Psicobloc is an exhilarating sport, but safety is paramount. Before climbing, warm up to prevent injury and check the depth of the water to avoid any risk of impact in the event of a fall. Choose high tides or high water levels.
Make sure the rock is solid and free of fragile holds. Climbing in pairs means help is on hand if necessary. Finally, it’s a good idea to clear the way in and out of the water before your session, to avoid any problems after a fall.
7. Pedalos
For a relaxing day out enjoying the water and the sunshine, head to the shores of the lake for a family outing on a pedalo. Available for 2 to 6 people, they are suitable for all groups, and some even come with slides.
Pedalo hire on Lake Annecy
A number of companies offer pedalo hire so you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Lake Annecy. Les Frères Coin Coin, GreenBoat Annecy and V-Boat are based in Annecy, while Ponton Déronzier is in Doussard, on the other side of the lake.
Prices generally range from €16 to €22 for an hour’s hire, with a supplement for larger models, those with deckchairs and those with slides.
Best routes for a pedalo trip
For a breathtaking view of the old town, set off from Plage des Marquisats, near Annecy-le-Vieux, and follow the shoreline towards Le Pâquier. Looking for nature? Head for the Roc de Chère reserve, where cliffs and forests are reflected in the crystal-clear water.
From Talloires, make your way to the bay of Menthon-Saint-Bernard and admire its majestic castle. Finally, for a swim break, set course for the beach at Duingt and its wild atmosphere. A magical moment of relaxation and breathtaking scenery!
8. Kayaking and canoeing
Gliding over the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy in a kayak or canoe is a great way to get close to nature. Between secret coves, majestic Alpine landscapes and the crystal-clear waters of Europe’s purest lake, every stroke of the paddle reveals an enchanting setting.
Whether you’re a fan of peaceful trips or looking for a more sporting adventure, these activities are ideal for exploring the lake at your own pace, in complete freedom.
The differences between kayaks and canoes
Although similar in appearance, the experiences offered by kayaking and canoeing are quite different.
In a kayak, a double paddle is used to paddle on either side, in a seated position with legs extended, for speed and manoeuvrability. Canoeing, on the other hand, is done kneeling or sitting on a bench, with a single paddle, offering greater stability and space for equipment.
The kayak is perfect for dynamic adventures in white or calm water, while the canoe appeals to those looking for a peaceful ride or an excursion in nature.
Recommended lake tours
For a leisurely paddle, set off from Albigny beach in Annecy and follow the banks of the Pâquier river as you admire the old town. The more adventurous can paddle to the Roc de Chère reserve, between cliffs and wild forests.
From the village of Talloires, head for the bay of Menthon-Saint-Bernard for views of the castle. Finally, the tour of the Duingt peninsula and the south coast towards Doussard offer an unspoilt natural setting.
9. Beaches and swimming
There are enough beaches along Lake Annecy’s 32km coastline for you to discover a new one every day of your stay.
Most have snack bars, equipment hire shops and lifeguards to ensure your safety while swimming. Others are more isolated and wilder.
Lake Annecy’s landscaped and untamed beaches
The Albigny beach in Annecy is one of the most popular, with its vast expanse of grass and free access. The fine sand of Saint-Jorioz beach is also very popular with families with children.
The Bout-du-Lac nature reserve in Doussard offers swimming in a lush natural setting. The Roc de Chère offers discreet coves, accessible via a short hike.
Tips for safe swimming
To enjoy swimming in Lake Annecy in complete safety, you need to take a few precautions. If you’re visiting with children, choose supervised beaches such as those at Albigny or Saint-Jorioz.
Before entering the water, adjust gradually to the temperature to avoid sudden changes in temperature. Observe the buoys marking the bathing areas, keep an eye on the weather conditions and avoid swimming alone, especially away from the shore.
10. Boat trips
Sailing on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Annecy, surrounded by mountain scenery, is an experience you should have at least once in your life. There are several options available, depending on your group’s interests and your budget.
You can book a skippered motorboat for a few hours or a whole day, take a guided boat tour, or simply take the local ferry, which visits several villages.
Sightseeing cruises on the lake
The Compagnie des Bateaux du Lac d’Annecy offers 1h or 1h30 guided cruises, from €18 per adult. They also operate the only restaurant boat on the lake, the Libellule, where you can enjoy lunch or dinner.
For a more intimate experience, companies such as Annecy Lounge Boat and Blue Diamond Taxi Boat offer private excursions with pilot-guides and on-board catering, ideal for a trip around the lake tailored to your interests.
Charter a boat for a special event
Annecy Location Bateaux has licensed and non-licensed boats for up to six people, with prices starting at €40 for 30 minutes. Le Ponton de l’Embarcadère, in Saint-Jorioz, has prices starting at €180 for 1 hour for five people.
For a more luxurious experience, The Boat offers several private cruise packages, such as the 2-hour discovery cruise at €250 for six people. You can also hire the services of Annecy Lounge Boat and Blue Diamond Taxi Boat for a stag or hen party.
You are now ready for an unforgettable water holiday for all the family on Lake Annecy. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking to relax, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.
Don’t waste any more time and book your accommodation near Lake Annecy now!
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