48 hours in Annecy without the queues
Two days in Annecy timed to miss the crowds: the right hours, fair boat hire away from the quays, and the Thiou walked on foot.
Summer 2026 · swimming season is open
Annecy Vibes
The guide to the Venice of the Alps — written by the people who live here all year.
Where to start
New · free comic book
The Lake Ferryman
One summer evening, Ines climbs into an old ferryman’s boat. With every stroke of the oars, the lake slips into another era: stilt villages, the reblochon pastures, Rousseau, Cézanne, the lake saved in 1957. 24 pages to read together.
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This week in Annecy
17 — 24 Oct
- Famille today Halloween at Clermont castle Clermont Clermont castle dresses up for the holidays: bats and potions, a night-time installation of shadows and sounds, a treasure hunt through the rooms and mask-making workshops on Wednesdays 21 and 28. From age 5, daily 10 am–12:30 pm and 1:30–5:30 pm. Tourist office page → Add to my calendar
- Famille today Halloween tales at Montrottier castle Lovagny · 10:30 Halloween tales told inside Montrottier castle, next to the Gorges du Fier: forty-five minutes, from age 5. Wednesday 21 and Thursday 29 October, at 10:30 am or 2 pm, booking required. Tourist office page → Add to my calendar
- Terroir today Savoyard evening at the Ecomusée Sevrier · 20:30 A theatrical tour of the lake’s Ecomusée, led in costume by L’Echo de nos Montagnes, an Annecy folk group: Savoyard dances, songs and music, then a sweet break with cider and Savoy sponge cake. Saturday 8:30 to 10 pm, for all ages, booking required. Tourist office page → Add to my calendar
The lake, your way
Pick your month and what you want to do: the map shows you where to go, how to get there without a car, and what water to expect.
Your month
Lake water in October: dropping fast Beaches lifeguarded from 4 July to 31 August (2026). Measurements by SILA and INRAE
You want to
9 spots
Albigny beach
The biggest free beach: a shaded lawn sloping gently to the water, the Tournette opposite, and shallow water for several metres, a good choice with young children.
Getting there from the centre
- 12 min by bike
- 10 min by bus
- 30 min on foot
Our tip It fills up after 2 pm, almost never before: come by bike, or before 11 am.
Read the guide : Lake Annecy beachesPont des Amours
One of the old town’s photo spots, five minutes from the Thiou quays through the gardens.
Getting there from the centre
- 5 min on foot from the Thiou quays
Our tip For photos, come before 9 am; in summer, avoid the old town between 2 and 6 pm.
Read the guide : Annecy photo spotsMarquisats beach
The town beach: terraced lawns, a city feel, and direct access from the old town on foot or by bike.
Getting there from the centre
- On foot or by bike from the old town
Our tip Ideal for an after-work swim.
Read the guide : Lake Annecy beachesSévrier beaches
More pebbles, clearer water and quiet access points along the greenway.
Getting there from the centre
- 20 min by bike
- 15 min by bus
Roc de Chère
A nature reserve since 1977: easy woodland paths and two or three viewpoints above the lake. No beach; slippery limestone and drops, so keep children close.
Getting there from the centre
- Bus or car to Menthon or Talloires
- A one- to two-hour loop
Our tip Late in the day, when the sun moves over towards the Semnoz. Closed shoes.
Read the guide : The Roc de Chère reserveSaint-Jorioz beach
Snack bar, toilets and lifeguards in summer.
Getting there from the centre
- 25 min by bike
Our tip Arrive before 11 am or after 5 pm.
Read the guide : Five swim spots by bikeAngon waterfall
Free and open access. A cliff section with a handrail, narrow, exposed and slippery: avoid it with very young children and in heavy rain.
Getting there from the centre
- About an hour there and back from the hamlet of Angon
- By bike, just after the Roc de Chère climb
Our tip Early morning, or in September; ideally the day after some rain.
Read the guide : Angon waterfallDuingt and its château
You swim from flat rocks below the greenway; there is no big beach.
Getting there from the centre
- 35 min by bike
- 30 min by bus
Our tip Pick up a picnic at the village bakery: it is the best spot on the lake at the end of the day.
Read the guide : Five swim spots by bikeThe end of the lake, Doussard
Reed beds, the mouth of the Eau Morte and the warmest water in the lake in August. Paragliders land here one after another all afternoon.
Getting there from the centre
- 1 h 15 by bike
- 40 min by bus
Our tip Go by bike, come back by boat (check bike boarding for the season).
Read the guide : Five swim spots by bike