Lake Annecy is reputed to be the cleanest lake in Europe. Action to preserve the lake water begain in the 1950s when the Lake Association was created to combat pollution by setting up an underground purification system which today extends to several hundreds of kilometres. The results are evident; the water here is so clear that you can see for several metres below the surface. This is also the water consumed every day by the 135 000 inhabitants of the Annecy region. Numerous international prizes have been won for the work done over 40 years to protect the lake and its banks.
The beaches of Lake Annecy provide a refreshing change from the overcrowded beaches of France’s south coast. Also, swimming from a beach and experiencing the taste of fresh water instead of salty water may come as a pleasant surprise!
There are 11 public beaches around the lake, one of the largest of which is at Saint-Jorioz, approximately 10 minutes walk from your holiday accommodation, chez42. Some beaches including Saint-Jorioz charge a small entrance fee during July and August which is used to fund lifeguard supervision and cleaning.
The summer temperature of the water is between 22°C and 24°C.
Here is a list of all the features of each of Lake Annecy’s beaches. See the gallery for photos.
Saint-Jorioz
Supervised beach in July and August, sandy, shady areas, showers and toilets, snacks and restaurants, diving platform, park, volley ball, pétanque, tennis, wheelchair access to the lake, pedalo/kayak hire near the marina. Parking.
Entrance charges in July and August. No charge after 17h30.
There is a separate small beach next to the main beach which is always free of charge, although there are no facilities.
Sevrier
Supervised beach in July and August, sandy, shady areas, showers and toilets, snacks and restaurants, park, tennis.
Entrance free of charge. Parking available.
Duingt
Non-supervised, overlooking the Château de Ruphy and opposite the bay of Talloires. Grass (no sand), shady areas, toilets and snack bar. Limited parking.
Doussard
Supervised beach in July and August. Sandy and also including a large lawned area. Access is via a pedestrian walkway from a large carpark (250 spaces).
Entrance charges in July and August. No charge after 17h30.
Angon
Opposite a fabulous view of the Taillefer mountain. Supervised beach in July and August. Easy access to the lake plus a lawned shady area and small river for paddling. Good picnic spot. Petanque. Good toilet facilities. Parking.
Entrance charges in July and August. No charge after 17h30.
Talloires
Opposite a fabulous view of the Taillefer mountain. Supervised beach in July and August, mainly a lawned area with large, shallow paddling pool for the youngsters. Lots of shady areas, diving platform, swimming school, park, volleyball, table-tennis, snacks, restaurant and toilets. Good picnic spot. Free parking but can get very busy - arrive early!
Entrance charges July and August. No charge after 17h30.
Menthon-Saint-Bernard
Supervised beach in July and August. Parking free of charge close-by.
Veyrier-du-lac Beach
Two beaches free of charge, one of which is supervised. On-road, metered parking nearby.
Annecy Beaches - there are 3 in total
Plage d’Albigny à Annecy-le-Vieux
This is one of the best known beaches around Lake Annecy. Very spacious 12 000m², it is landscaped and offers swimmers and walkers a very pleasant environment. Showers. Free of charge. Large car park across the road, but can get busy.
Plage de l’Impérial
This is the beach with the most activities provided for youngsters including a separate splash/fountain area, table-tennis and volley-ball, large slide into the lake for older children, trampolines, mini golf, bouncy castles, motorised mini vehicles. An entrance fee applies.
Plages des Marquisats
Much of the area around the Marquisats (on the main road south to Saint-Jorioz) is lawned, provides easy acces to the lake and is free of charge. There are shady areas, snacks and toilets.
There is a large outdoor swimming pool and water fountains nearby, payable on entry.
There are other areas to bathe around the lake which are free of charge. You will spot them easily on your travels, particularly on the south east stretch between Doussard and Talloires, although parking is limited.
Click on any photo to open a slideshow.
