Lake Annecy, Natural lake in Haute-Savoie, France.
Lake Annecy extends over 27 square kilometers between mountains, featuring clear waters and eight surrounding municipalities including Annecy and Talloires-Montmin.
The formation of Lake Annecy occurred 18,000 years ago when alpine glaciers melted, creating a water basin with an average depth of 41 meters.
The lake hosts the International Animation Film Festival since 1960, gathering thousands of cinema professionals and enthusiasts each year in June.
A cycling path circles the lake shore, connecting multiple beaches and water sports facilities where visitors can rent boats, kayaks, and paddleboards.
The Boubioz, an underwater spring at 82 meters depth, continuously feeds the lake with fresh water, contributing to its exceptional water quality.
Location: Annecy
Location: Sevrier
Location: Saint-Jorioz
Location: Duingt
Location: Doussard
Location: Talloires-Montmin
Location: Menthon-Saint-Bernard
Location: Veyrier-du-Lac
Location: Haute-Savoie
Elevation above the sea: 446.9 m
Address: Lake Annecy, France
GPS coordinates: 45.85000,6.16667
Latest update: June 30, 2025 15:38
France offers diverse winter destinations spanning both urban and natural landscapes. The Alpine regions contain several ski areas, including Chamonix-Mont-Blanc at the base of Western Europe's highest peak, Les Trois Vallées with its extensive network of runs, and L'Alpe d'Huez at elevations above 5,900 feet (1,800 meters). The Aiguille du Midi provides access to high alpine views through a cable car system, while Lake Annecy presents a winter landscape within the Savoie Alps. Cities across the country display their historical architecture during the colder months. Strasbourg Christmas Market transforms the city center into a seasonal gathering place, Nancy presents the 18th-century Place Stanislas, and Paris maintains structures including Sainte-Chapelle and the Jardin du Luxembourg. Beyond the capital, Versailles Palace stands with its formal gardens, Château de Chambord occupies the Loire Valley, and the Palais des Papes remains in Avignon. The Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral shows 13th-century Gothic architecture, while Mont Saint-Michel stays accessible on its tidal island. Additional sites include the Roman-era Nîmes Arena, Pont du Gard, and the medieval fortress of Carcassonne. The Grotte de Lascaux displays prehistoric art, while Les Eyzies de Tayac holds archaeological sites. Southern regions such as the Calanques near Marseille, Gorges du Verdon, Grande Plage in Biarritz, and Cap d'Ail Beach provide access to Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, even during winter months.
France offers motorcyclists a diverse landscape, from Alpine peaks to Mediterranean coasts, including wine regions. The country is suitable for all riding styles, with demanding mountain roads, winding coastal routes, and rural paths. Key routes include the Col de la Bonette, reaching 2802 meters and connecting Ubaye to Tinée over 26 kilometers. The Gorges du Verdon feature 21 kilometers of rock-carved road, passing through tunnels and 700-meter-high cliffs. The Routes of the Great Alps cross 16 passes over 684 kilometers between Lake Geneva and the Mediterranean, with a total ascent of 15,700 meters. Mount Ventoux, accessible via three routes and standing at 1912 meters, passes through lavender fields and vineyards in Provence. Regions display striking contrasts: Corsica alternates between cliff roads and pine forests, the French Riviera combines coast and mountainous hinterland, and Dordogne winds between limestone cliffs and medieval villages. Lake Annecy connects water bodies with forested mountain passes. These routes feature technical curves, varied landscapes, and cultural sites.
Annecy attracts equally with its lake and its preserved Alpine village ambiance. Between nature, gastronomy, and heritage, the town stretches between the mountains and the clear water of the lake, lined with canals and colorful facades. Strolling along the Thiou, climbing up to the castle, or taking boat trips to Talloires and Veyrier are popular activities. The surroundings are filled with easily accessible peaks, scenic trails, and starred restaurants. Each season offers a reason to return, whether for markets, beaches, or the first snow on the Aravis.
The lakes of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes showcase remarkable geological diversity. The natural glacial lakes such as Bourget and Annecy contrast with the deep volcanic lakes of Pavin and Bouchet. The artificial lakes of Serre-Ponçon and Monteynard complete this hydrographic network. This region includes high-altitude lakes in the Alps and the Massif Central, plains water bodies, and hydropower dam reservoirs.
Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard
3.3 km
Pont des Amours
6.2 km
Le Pâquier
6.3 km
Jardins de l'Europe d'Annecy
6.1 km
Château de Châteauvieux
3.7 km
Abbaye de Talloires
3.6 km
L'Impérial
6.2 km
Mont Veyrier
5.8 km
Château de Duingt
3.9 km
Saint-François-de-Sales church
6.2 km
Roc de Chère National Nature Reserve
2.3 km
Téléphérique du Mont-Veyrier
4.1 km
Église Saint-Maurice
6.2 km
Plage d'Angon
5.2 km
Annecy Town Hall
6.2 km
Château d'Héré
3.8 km
Plage municipale de Sevrier
2.3 km
Les Marais de Saint-Jorioz
1 km
Parc Animalier de la Grande Jeanne
4.8 km
Château de Fésigny
4 km
Tour de Beauvivier
7.6 km
Hôtel de préfecture de la Haute-Savoie, Annecy
6.5 km
Jet de la Rose
2 km
Grand séminaire d'Annecy
5.8 km
Défilé de Dingy
6.9 km
Église Saint-Bernard de Menthon-Saint-Bernard
2.6 km
Church of Saint-Maurice in Veyrier-du-Lac
3.7 km
Église Saint-Nicolas de Saint-Jorioz
1.9 kmReviews
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