The most beautiful places around Lake Annecy

Dernière mise à jour de cet article le 15 July 2025

During the festive season, we rented a chalet in a village near Annecy in Haute Savoie. We took the opportunity to discover some of the enchanting places around Lake Annecy, including medieval castles and picturesque villages.

So, in this article, we’d like to show you the must-see places around Lake Annecy. And of course, at the end of the article, you’ll find Kiki’s opinion.

Introducing Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy is located in the heart of France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Its surface area covers 27.5 square kilometers. It is one of the largest natural lakes in France. What’s more, it’s renowned for its exceptionally clear water.

The crystal-clear lake is surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Alps. It offers an idyllic setting where nature and culture blend harmoniously.

After this quick introduction, find out what to visit around Lake Annecy. In fact, if you’re feeling sporty, you can take the Annecy greenway. This is a cycle path running alongside Lake Annecy. It offers an excellent opportunity for cyclists, joggers and walkers to enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Visit Annecy, the Venice of the Alps

We start with a must-see tour of Annecy.

Annecy’s old town

Annecy is known for its medieval charm, canals and the Palais de l’Isle. On a previous trip, we had the opportunity to visit Annecy, a city ideal for cultural and gastronomic exploration.

Gardens of Europe

In Annecy, the Jardins de l’Europe are located along the lake. An ideal spot for a leisurely stroll.

Annecy le Vieux

We recommend that you go to Annecy le Vieux and enjoy an incredible view of Lake Annecy and the mountains. It’s magnificent, especially at sunset!

Our advice? Walk from Annecy le Vieux to Annecy, along the lake, for a very pleasant stroll.

Discover Talloires, the most beautiful village around Lake Annecy

Talloires is a picturesque village and one of the most beautiful places around Lake Annecy. We’ve been there several times and have been charmed every time.

You can stroll along the shore or simply enjoy the cafés and restaurants.

A perfect stopover for a peaceful getaway on the shores of Lake Annecy.

See Menthon-Saint-Bernard castle

The commune of Menthon-Saint-Bernard offers a breathtaking view of the lake.

This commune is also famous for the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard.

The gardens and view of Lake Annecy are magnificent.

Finally, you can enjoy a guided tour inside the castle at certain times of the year.

A stop in Menthon-Saint-Bernard is a must on any tour around Lake Annecy!

Walking in Saint-Jorioz

Saint-Jorioz is a town on the shores of Lake Annecy. It offers a beautiful promenade along the shore. There’s also a beach for swimming. In fact, even in winter, some people swim in the lake!

We really enjoyed this walk along Lake Annecy.

Walking in Doussard at the end of Lake Annecy

Doussard is a small commune at the end of Lake Annecy, where you’ll find a beach for swimming in summer.

You can also explore the Bout du Lac nature reserve.

One of the most beautiful towns around Lake Annecy!

Getting to Duingt

Duingt is a commune on the western shore of Lake Annecy. It is best known for its castle, Château de Duingt, which sits on a small peninsula on the lake.

There’s even a picnic area on the shores of Lake Annecy!

We found this place very pleasant.

To the top of Col de la Forclaz

The Col de la Forclaz is a must-see spot around Lake Annecy, especially for outdoor sports enthusiasts. This mountain pass, at an altitude of around 1,150 metres, offers spectacular panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. And there’s plenty of hiking to be done.

On reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Lake Annecy on one side and the Alps on the other. It’s a magnificent place to be!

If you’re a paragliding enthusiast, the Col de la Forclaz is also a renowned site for this sport.

You can find more information on the official website of theLake Annecy tourist office.

Where to stay around Lake Annecy?

There are plenty of campsites and hotels around Lake Annecy. However, prices are very high, especially in high season, so book as early as possible.

Where to eat around Lake Annecy?

There are many restaurants around Lake Annecy. You can enjoy Savoyard specialties such as tartiflette or fondue.

During our various stays in the Annecy region, we can only recommend one restaurant in Annecy, namely “Le Vieil Annecy”. You’ll find many local specialities and traditional dishes.

Don’t forget to check out the reviews on Google before you go, as there are a lot of touristy restaurants, especially in Annecy, where the quality isn’t up to scratch.

Kiki’s opinion

When you think of Annecy, you expect much more than the enchanting town on the shores of the lake of the same name. For Kiki, this region is undoubtedly a place to which he always returns with pleasure. In fact, this is the third time he’s been here, and each time, the magic of the place seems to captivate him anew.

Look around you: where else can you find a lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains in winter? That’s right, in charming Switzerland! So it’s no surprise that Kiki feels right at home here, as regular readers may already know.

After finally finding the time to explore the lake thoroughly, he fell even more in love with this picturesque region. As well as one of the most beautiful towns in France, there are charming villages, impressive castles and plenty of opportunities for relaxation, including idyllic walks along the lake. It’s even possible to cycle around the lake, but Kiki preferred to leave that to one side.

One thing’s for sure: Kiki will be back. Maybe next time to explore one of the countless campsites? The anticipation for the next adventure in Annecy is already palpable.

Other ideas for getaways in Haute Savoie?

• Around Lake Geneva
• Visiting Chamonix