Plizio Visual Lab
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy, located in the French Alps, is considered the cleanest lake in Europe and is the second-largest glacial lake in France. It was formed approximately 18.000 years ago during the melting of the great Alpine glaciers. The lake is renowned for its crystal-clear, turquoise water and is framed by an impressive mountain backdrop, including the Massif des Bornes and the Bauges Massif. The town of Annecy on the northern shore, often called the 'Venice of the Alps,' is famous for its canals and historic old town. Strict environmental regulations since the 1960s have preserved the exceptional water quality, which today attracts numerous sports enthusiasts for swimming, sailing, and diving. Well-maintained cycling paths and hiking trails surround the lake, such as the path to the summit of La Tournette, which has a panoramic view of the entire basin. The lake also serves as a drinking water reservoir for the whole region. Numerous castles, such as the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, overlook the shores, witnessing the long history of the Savoy region.
- Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- Top sights: Site palafittique des Mongets · Musée de la Cloche Paccard · Site palafittique du marais de l'Enfer I
- Nearby: Annecy (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 98 | 73 | 90 | 75 | 111 | 100 | 93 | 99 | 76 | 92 | 96 | 106 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The lake is 14.6 km long and up to 3.3 km wide
- Maximum depth reaches 82 meters near the Duingt rock
- Surface elevation is 447 meters above sea level
- Strict environmental laws since 1957 protected the lake
- Fed by seven streams and one underwater spring (Boubioz)
- Host of the 'Fête du Lac' with Europe's largest fireworks
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Lake Annecy (10)
Musée de la Cloche Paccard🏛 museum
Museum in Sevrier dedicated to the history and casting of Paccard bells.
Site palafittique du Crêt de Chatillon
Prehistoric stilt-house settlement in Sévrier, France.
Criq Parc
Family amusement park near Annecy with various activities.
Prieuré de Sevrier
Former priory in Sevrier, now used as an art gallery.
Église Saint-Blaise
Church in Haute-Savoie, France, dedicated to Saint Blaise.
Ecomusée du lac d'Annecy🏛 museum
Open-air museum in Sevrier showcasing traditional life around the lake.
Croix des Cessenaz
Viewpoint with a cross above Sevrier, overlooking Lake Annecy.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Lake Annecy?
Is there a cycle path around the lake?
How warm does the water get in summer?
Can you take boat tours on the lake?
Where is the best place to park to visit the lake?
Lake Annecy: where is it located?
Lake Annecy: what is there to see?
Lake Annecy: when is the best time to visit?
Lake Annecy: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
