The 11 best places to swim around Annecy

January 31, 2023

If Annecy is inseparable from its lake, its outskirts are not stingy with aquatic treasures. Here are the 11 best places to swim around Annecy

City among the most beautiful in France, nest of water and greenery set in the mountains, Annecy is a dream haven. This Eden, alternately flowery and snowy, offers an idyllic landscape to lovers of nature and outdoor getaways. In summer, the landscape unfolds in an infinity of fragrant bushes, emerald pines and carpets of grass.

But even more characteristic of the summer season: the blue waters of the region, their enchanted shores, the laughter of bathers, the boats that slide and leave happy furrows. Because yes, Annecy and Savoie rhyme with limpid rivers with a brilliance that fascinates. We have therefore drawn up a small, non-exhaustive list of places to swim around Annecy.

1. Lake Annecy

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Manow17

It’s hard to list the best places to swim around Annecy without mentioning its eponymous lake. Its waters, ranging from azure to emerald, are surrounded by magnificent beaches. Natural or urban, grassy or sandy, wild or landscaped, there is something for everyone.

Most of the time, in summer, the crowd tries their hand at the joys of pedal boating, paddleboarding, sailing and rowing. These gently sloping beaches are true paradises for neophyte freshwater sailors.

2. Bourget Lake

where to swim Annecy

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mira Arnaudova

Huge lake where to swim around Annecy, Le Bourget is located less than an hour of the Venice of the Alps. This beautiful body of water of glacial origin was born from the clash of the elements. Lac du Bourget can boast of being the largest natural lake in France. It breaks all records: almost twenty kilometers long, up to three and a half kilometers wide, with a maximum depth of one hundred and forty-five meters.

Despite its two hundred and forty meters of altitude, its temperature fluctuates around 25°C in summer. Another strong point, the lake is labeled “France Nautical Station”: a guarantee of excellence in terms of development, reception, accommodation and leisure (sailing, rowing, canoeing, fishing, diving, water skiing, wakeboarding or diving).

3. Lake Aiguebelette

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jonathan Meddings

Among our best places to swim around Annecy, Lake Aiguebelette has nothing to be ashamed of when compared to the larger lakes of Savoie and Haute-Savoie. Strewn at three hundred and sixty meters above sea level, surrounded by the peaks of the Epine and adjoining the Chartreuse Regional Natural Parkit is a real natural treasure.

No boats that break the silence, warm waters, areas full of fish, an international rowing base: Lake Aiguebelette is a nugget for quiet swimmers and sports enthusiasts alike. In addition, it is located only forty minutes of the little Venice of the Alps.

4. Barterand Lake

Photo credit: Wikimedia – Jean-Yves LOTTIN

This natural lake of glacial origin, located just over an hour from Annecy, allows swimming in summer and fishing in winter. From one season to another, Lake Barterand changes from an isolated lakeside area to a small nook that looks like the French Riviera. Swimming is supervised in July and August. The Lac de Barterand bears the “ENS” label, which rewards sensitive natural gems whose biodiversity requires special attention.

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

5. Flumet lake

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Kateryna_Moroz

Pricked with trees, at the foot of the village of Flumet, this body of water has retained its appearance of a wild mountain lake. Its grassy beaches, rustic tables for picnicking, its ring of authentic chalets and its terrace bars add incredible charm. Swimming is supervised and this pretty place to swim is located just an hour’s drive from Annecy.

6. Lake Virieu

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The lake of Virieu-le-Grand licks a long, very pleasant and well-appointed sandy beach. Thanks to its picnic area and games for children, families who want to spend a recreational time in the open air are fans of it. Its on-site snack bar and its campsite located about one kilometer away allow visitors to stay in the square for the day or several days.

This convivial and shady lakeside nook is located an hour and a quarter from Annecy on average. Along the way, we advise you to stop at the Cerveyrieu and Clairefontaine waterfalls.

7. Chatillon Beach

Photo credit: Shutterstock – SYLVAIN FELTEN

This pretty beach for swimming near Annecy stands out for 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, rental of pedal boats, canoes and boats without a licence. In July and August you can swim under the watchful eye of lifeguards.

8. Motte Longue Lake

Photo credit: Shutterstock – MORENO01

Simply Fourty-five minutes to reach Lac de Motte. Feet in the water, enjoy a sunbath in the heart of Haute-Savoie. Nestled in the Mont Blanc massif, this high-altitude lake bathes in an idyllic and wild setting. You can easily plan to spend the day there: picnic areas and barbecue areas are available.

You can even rent a canoe-kayak there. Motte Longue Lake also has areas strictly reserved for fishing. Due to its shallow waters, all diving is prohibited.

9. Ilettes Lake

where to swim Annecy

Photo credit: Flickr – bulbocode909

Sallanches does not do things by halves. The village, nestled between mountain ranges, has no less than three lakes. Each one has its specificity but one thing is certain, they are all real gifts for water lovers. The first lake is reserved for fishermen and the third for windsurfing enthusiasts.

The one that interests us is the second, intended for swimming. A real little mountain oasis. Lac des Ilettes has many sports and relaxation facilities. It is enough 1 hour by car from Annecy to come and bathe there.

10. Biotope body of water

where to swim Annecy

Photo credit: Flickr – Bernard LARGE

The biotope lake, piercing the town of Combloux, enjoys an incomparable view of Mont-Blanc. In addition to its breathtaking panorama, it proudly holds the place of the leading ecological water body open to swimming in France. The water regenerates naturally thanks to the thousands of aquatic plants. Well exposed, the temperature of this natural swimming pool rises to 26°C in summer.

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

11. La Filliere

where to swim Annecy

Photo credit: Flickr – Guilhem Vellut

The Fillière is a small river that flows about twenty minutes from Annecy. Suitable for walks and fishing, it offers some ideal places for swimming. However, this activity can quickly become dangerous in the event of rising waters. Stay well in areas suitable for swimming and, in case of bad weather, go your way.

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