Annecy may be inseparable from its lake, but the surrounding area is no slouch when it comes to aquatic treasures. Here are the 11 best places to swim around Annecy
One of France’s most beautiful towns, Annecy is a dream asylum, a nest of water and greenery set in the mountains. This Eden, alternately flowery and snowy, offers an idyllic landscape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. In summer, the landscape unfolds in an infinity of fragrant bushes, emerald pines and carpeted lawns.
But even more characteristic of the summer season: the region’s blue waters, their enchanted shores, the laughter of bathers, the boats that glide along and leave happy furrows. For yes, Annecy and Savoie are synonymous with crystal-clear waterways of fascinating brilliance. So we’ve put together a short, but not exhaustive, list of places to swim around Annecy.
1. Lake Annecy
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Manow17
It’s hard to list the best places to swim around Annecy without mentioning its eponymous lake. Its waters, ranging from azure to emerald, are encircled by magnificent beaches. Natural or urban, grassy or sandy, wild or developed, there’s something for everyone.
Most of the time in summer, the crowds try their hand at pedal-boating, paddle-boating, sailing and rowing. These gently sloping beaches are a true paradise for novice freshwater sailors.
2. Lac du Bourget
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mira Arnaudova
The Bourget, a huge lake in the Annecy area, is less than an hour from the Venice of the Alps. This beautiful body of water of glacial origin was born of the clash of the elements. Lac du Bourget boasts the largest natural lake in France. It beats all records: almost twenty kilometers long, up to three and a half kilometers wide, with a maximum depth of one hundred and forty-five meters.
Despite its altitude of 240 m, its temperature hovers around 25°C in summer. Another strong point is that the lake has been awarded the « France Station Nautique » label: a guarantee of excellence in terms of facilities, welcome, accommodation and leisure activities (sailing, rowing, canoeing, fishing, diving, water skiing, wakeboarding or scuba diving).
3. Lake Aiguebelette
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jonathan Meddings
Among the best places to swim around Annecy, Lac d’Aiguebelette has nothing to be ashamed of when compared to the larger lakes of Savoie and Haute-Savoie. Nestling at an altitude of three hundred and sixty metres, hemmed in by the peaks of the Epine and bordering the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park, it is a true natural treasure.
No boats breaking the silence, warm waters, fish-filled areas, an international rowing base: Lac d’Aiguebelette is a nugget for leisurely and sporty swimmers alike. What’s more, it’s just forty minutes from the little Venice of the Alps.
4. Lake Barterand
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Jean-Yves LOTTIN
This natural lake of glacial origin, just over an hour from Annecy, is ideal for swimming in summer and fishing in winter. From one season to the next, Lac de Barterand transforms from an isolated lake space to a little corner of the French Riviera. Swimming is supervised in July and August. Lac de Barterand has been awarded the « ENS » label for sensitive natural gems whose biodiversity requires special attention.
In fact, this site has a high ecological value, with its patchwork of natural environments and animal species. In addition to swimming, the lake offers a seven-kilometer hiking trail. A very pleasant and accessible walk.
5. Flumet lake
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Kateryna_Moroz
Dotted with trees at the foot of the village of Flumet, this lake has retained its wild mountain lake feel. Its grassy beaches, country-style picnic tables, crown of authentic chalets and terrace bars add to its charm. Swimming is supervised and this lovely spot is only an hour’s drive from Annecy.
6. Lake Virieu
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Lac de Virieu-le-Grand boasts a long, sandy beach that’s both pleasant and well-equipped. With its picnic area and children’s playground, it’s a big hit with families who want to spend some recreational time in the open air. With a snack bar on site and a campsite around a kilometer away, visitors can stay for a day or several days.
This friendly, shady corner of the lake is just an hour and a quarter from Annecy on average. On the way, we recommend stopping off at the Cerveyrieu and Clairefontaine waterfalls.
7. Chatillon beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – SYLVAIN FELTEN
This pretty bathing beach near Annecy stands out for its breathtaking views. It’s set amidst the mountains, in a breathtaking green setting. The beach offers everything visitors need to enjoy themselves: children’s games, pedal-boat, canoe and no-license boat rentals. In July and August, you can swim under the watchful eye of lifeguards.
8. Motte Longue lake
Photo credit: Shutterstock – MORENO01
Lac de Motte is just forty-five minutes away. Soak up the sun in the heart of Haute-Savoie. Nestled in the Mont Blanc massif, this high-altitude lake is surrounded by idyllic wilderness. You can easily plan to spend the day here: picnic areas and barbecue areas are available.
You can even rent a canoe. Lac de Motte Longue also has areas strictly reserved for fishing. Because of its shallow waters, diving is prohibited.
9. Lac des Ilettes
Photo credit: Flickr – bulbocode909
Sallanches doesn’t do things by halves. The village, nestled between mountain ranges, boasts no fewer than three lakes. Each has its own specificity, but one thing is certain: they are all real gifts for water lovers. The first lake is reserved for fishermen and the third for windsurfers.
The one we’re interested in is the second, designed for bathing. A true mountain oasis. Lac des Ilettes boasts a wide range of sports and leisure facilities. It’s just an hour’s drive from Annecy.
10. Biotope pond
Photo credit: Flickr – Bernard LARGE
The biotope lake in the town of Combloux boasts an incomparable view of Mont Blanc. In addition to its breathtaking panorama, it proudly holds the title of France’s first ecological lake open to bathing. The water is naturally regenerated by thousands of aquatic plants. Well exposed, the temperature of this natural pool rises to 26°C in summer.
As part of an eco-responsible approach, the site is limited to seven hundred entries per day. This way, the ecosystems are protected and have time to do their incredible maintenance work. So, a word of advice: make the hour’s journey from Annecy early in the morning to be sure of making the most of it.
11. La Fillière
Photo credit: Flickr – Guilhem Vellut
The Fillière is a small river that flows about twenty minutes from Annecy. Great for walking and fishing, it also offers a number of ideal swimming spots. However, this activity can quickly become dangerous if the water rises. So stick to areas that are suitable for swimming, and in bad weather, stay away.