Réserve naturelle nationale du Bout du lac d'Annecy

The Réserve naturelle nationale du Bout du lac d'Annecy is a protected area at the southern end of Lake Annecy where two rivers flow into the water. The land contains wetlands, aquatic plant beds, and reed areas that create habitats for birds and fish.

The reserve was established in 1974 to protect wetlands from development projects planned during that decade. Its creation came from a movement to prevent the conversion of these natural areas into marina facilities and other infrastructure.

This place serves as a teaching site where visitors learn about wetland ecosystems and the species that depend on them through marked paths and information points. Local people and schools value it as a space to understand how rivers shape the landscape when they meet a lake.

The area can be explored on marked trails, with guided tours lasting around three hours and independent visits being shorter. It is helpful to wear good footwear and be ready for changing weather, as many areas are wet and muddy.

Many visitors do not notice that aquatic plant beds below the surface support entire fish populations and stabilize the ecosystem's structure. These hidden plants are just as important as the visible reeds and make the water essential for life.