The 11 best places to swim around Annecy

If Annecy is inseparable from its lake, its periphery is not avary of aquatic treasures. Here are the 11 best places to swim around Annecy

A city among the most beautiful in France, nestled with water and greenery in the mountains, Annecy is a dreamy asylum. This Eden, in turn bloomed and snowy, offers an idyllic landscape to nature lovers and outdoor escapades. In the summer, the landscape unfolds in an infinity of fragrant bushes, emerald pines and grass carpets.

But even more characteristic of the summer season: the blue waters of the region, their enchanted edges, the laughter of the swimmers, the boats that slide and leave happy furrows. For yes, Annecy and Savoie laughs with clear watercourses with a glitter that fascinates. We have therefore drawn up a small, non-exhaustive list of places to swim around Annecy.

1. Lac d’Annecy

Difficult to list the best places to swim around Annecy without mentioning its eponymous lake. Its waters, ranging from azure to emerald, are surrounded by beautiful beaches. Natural or urban, grassy or sandy, wild or well-appointed, there are for all tastes.

Most of the time, in the summer, the crowd tried to the joys of pedalo, paddle, veil and rowing. These beaches on soft slopes are real paradise for sailors of fresh water neophytes.

2. Lac du Bourget

Immense lake where you can swim around Annecy, the Bourget is located less than an hour Venice of the Alps. This beautiful water plan of ice origin was born from the confrontation of the elements. Lake Bourget can pride itself on being 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 forty-five meters.

Despite its two hundred and forty meters of altitude, its temperature oscillates around the 25 °C in the summer. Another highlight is the "France Nautical Station" labeled lake: the gage of excellence in terms of layout, hospitality, accommodation and leisure (car, aviron, canoe-kayak, fishing, diving, waterskiing, wakeboard or diving).

3. Lake Aiguebelette

Among our best places to swim around Annecy, Lac d’Aiguebelette does not have to rogue in front of the larger lakes of Savoie and Haute-Savoie. Jonched at three hundred and sixty metres above sea level, buried in the summits of the Epine and adjacent to the Chartreuse Regional Natural Park , it is a true natural treasure.

No boats that break the silence, hot waters, fishy areas, an international base of rowing: the lake of Aiguebelette is a nugget for quiet swimmers as sportsmen. In addition, it is located only forty minutes the small Venice of the Alps.

4. Barterand Lake

This natural lake of glacial origin, located a little over an hour from Annecy , allows to swim in summer and practice fishing in winter. From one season to another, Barterand Lake has a small, isolated lake space at the edge of French Riviera. Swimming is monitored in July and August. Lake Barterand has the "ENS" label that rewards sensitive natural gems whose biodiversity requires special attention.

Indeed, this site presents strong ecological issues with its patchwork of natural environments and animal species. In addition to swimming, the lake offers a seven-kilometre hike. An accessible and very pleasant ride.

5. Flumet Water Plan

Amid trees, at the foot of the village of Flumet, this water plan was able to preserve its mountain wild lake allure. Her grassy beaches, her country tables for picnic, her crown of authentic chalets and her terrace bars add a crazy charm. Swimming is monitored and this nice place to swim is found only one hour’s drive from Annecy .

6. Lake Virieu

Lake Virieu-le-Grand licks a long sandy beach very pleasant and well-appointed. Thanks to its picnic area and children’s games, families who want to spend a leisure time in the open air are fans of it. Its snack on site and campsite located about a kilometre allows visitors to stay on the spot during the day or several days.

This lacustrine, friendly and shaded corner is located an hour and a quarter of Annecy on average . On the way, we advise you to stop at the Cerveyrieu and Clairefontaine waterfalls.

7. Catillon Beach

This beautiful beach where to swim near Annecy stands out by its breathtaking view. It is planted in the middle of the mountains, in a breathtaking green setting. The beach offers everything necessary to entertain its visitors: games for children, paedo rentals, canoes and boats without permits. In July and August you can swim under the watchful eye of saviors.

8. Lake Motte Longue

It's enough. forty-five minutes to reach Lake Motte. The feet in the water, enjoy a sunbath in the heart of Haute-Savoie. Lové in the massif of Mont Blanc , this lake of altitude bathes in an idyllic and wild setting. You can expect to spend the day there: picnic areas and barbecue corners are available.

You can even rent a canoe-kayak. Lake Motte Longue also has areas strictly reserved for fishing. Because of its shallow waters, every dip is forbidden.

9. Lake of the Ilettes

Sallanches doesn't do things halfway. The village, nestled between the mountain ranges, has no less than three lakes. Each to its specificity but one thing is sure, they are all real gifts for water lovers. The first lake is reserved for fishermen and the third for windsurfers.

The one who interests us is the second, for swimming. A real little mountain oasis. Lake Ilettes has many sports and relaxation facilities. It's enough. one hour drive from Annecy to come and swim.

10. Biotope Water Plan

The biotope water plan, troubling the city of Combloux, enjoys an incomparable view of Mont Blanc. In addition to its stunning panorama, it proudly holds the first place of ecological water open to swimming in France. Water naturally regenerates thanks to thousands of aquatic plants. Well exposed, the temperature of this natural pool climbs up to 26 °C in the summer.

In a responsible eco approach, the place is limited to seven hundred admissions per day. So ecosystems are protected and have time to do their incredible maintenance work. So, little advice, do it time from Annecy early in the morning to be sure to enjoy it.

11. The Girl

The Daughter is a small river that flows about 20 minutes from Annecy . Suitable for walking and fishing, it offers some ideal places for swimming. However, this activity can quickly become dangerous in the event of rising water. Stay well in the welcoming areas for swimming and, in case of bad weather, pass your way.