Annecy in summer is one of the most photogenic destinations of the French Alps: a turquoise lake, a Venice-like old town, lakeside greenways, mountain hikes within 20 minutes, and a calendar of events from late June to early September. Whether you stay for a long weekend or two weeks, this guide covers the must-see activities, the best beaches, the top hikes, and the local events that draw thousands of visitors every summer.
Walk the old town and the canals
The Vieille Ville is built around the Thiou canal. Start from the Pont des Amours, cross the Pâquier lakeside park, walk down rue Sainte-Claire (medieval arcades), reach the Palais de l’Île (the iconic 12th-century prison-island), and finish at the lake by the Jardins de l’Europe. Allow two hours including a coffee at Place Saint-François.
Swim at the best beaches
- Plage des Marquisats — closest to the old town, free, family-friendly, lifeguarded in July-August.
- Plage d’Albigny (Annecy-le-Vieux) — the most popular family beach, large grass area, beach club.
- Plage de Menthon-Saint-Bernard — blue-flag beach, beautiful village setting.
- Plage de Doussard — sandy, ideal for paragliding watchers and families.
- Veyrier-du-Lac plage de la Brune — small, calm, often less crowded.
Cycle the lakeside greenway (Voie Verte)
The Voie Verte runs 35 km flat from Annecy to Doussard along the west shore. Rent an e-bike at the old town for a half-day return ride to Sevrier (15 km), or push to Duingt for a full lake-tip experience. The east shore connection (via Veyrier-du-Lac, Menthon, Talloires) is in active development for 2026-2027.
Hike for the panoramic lake views
- Mont-Veyrier — 3.5 hours up from Veyrier-du-Lac, one of the best lake panoramas of the Alps.
- Le Semnoz — 30 min drive, family-friendly trails and a summer luge run.
- La Tournette — 6 hours, the iconic lake summit (2,351 m), for experienced hikers only.
- Roc de Chère — 1.5 hours, protected nature reserve above Talloires, easy and shaded.
Try paragliding from Forclaz
Doussard’s Forclaz is one of the busiest paragliding launch zones in Europe. Tandem flights run from April to October, weather permitting, and last 15 to 30 minutes with a panoramic descent over the south of the lake. Most schools provide pickup from your accommodation.
Eat well — three iconic stops
- Auberge du Père Bise (Talloires) — two-Michelin-star, lakeside terrace, book months ahead.
- Le Belvédère (Annecy) — one-Michelin-star with sweeping lake views.
- Le Freti (Annecy old town) — Savoyard fondue and tartiflette in a vaulted dining room.
Plan around the summer events
- Fête du Lac — early August, Europe’s largest pyromusical lake fireworks, 200,000 spectators.
- Annecy International Animation Film Festival — early-to-mid June, the world’s reference animation festival.
- Noctibules — early July, free outdoor performing arts on the Pâquier.
Frequently asked questions
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