Natural and manmade lakes, rivers and mountain streams… for intense sensations or just to cool off!
© Sources du Lac d'Annecy /
© OT ThonesCDV The gushing torrents and streams that feed the mountain lakes are an invitation to relax, with walks and picnics on the banks of the Charvin, Lessy, Cour, Confins, Tardevant, Thuy or Marlen lakes. Although swimming is not allowed in many cases (and the water’s very cold anyway!), anglers can make the most of lakes such as Cour, Thuy and Marlens which are regularly restocked with fish. Whitewater fishing enthusiasts will also love the Nom and Fier rivers, not forgetting the River Chéran, officially listed as a “wild river”. Don’t forget your fishing permit!
© OT SLA
© Francoise_Cavazzana
There are plenty of beaches around Lake Annecy, with dedicated bathing facilities with lifeguards or in more remote areas. The beaches of Albigny, Les Marquisats, La Brune, Angon, Glière Plage and Douss’ Plage, among others, invite families and groups of friends to find their perfect spot for a refreshing break. The unspoilt natural settings of the Fier and Chéran riverbanks are also very popular sites.
From the very first rays of the springtime sun, the lake is dotted with silhouettes of motorboats, sailboats, catamarans and optimist dinghies sailing into the distance, pedalos, paddleboards and kayaks following the banks or attempting a crossing, rowing boats and dragon boats gliding along in sync, kitesurfers and windsurfers harnessing the wind, and waterskiers and wakeboarders performing jumps on the waves. The ports, sailing clubs and watersports centres dotted along the banks of Lake Annecy allow you to launch your own vessel or rent a boat from a number of different places. You can also indulge in the pleasures of swimming, freediving, or wreck diving to see the vessel France, for example.
These activities are also available in autumn and winter when the atmosphere is completely different. Totally (or nearly) alone, you can go paddleboarding, rowing or freediving, to immerse yourself in the absolute calm and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the mountains with their flaming autumn colours or snow-covered peaks.
An alternative way to explore mountain rivers and discover hidden gems in the region’s multiple canyons: walking, jumping, sliding down natural slides, abseiling down waterfalls of various heights… Canyoning is great fun and gets the adrenalin flowing! For a gentler approach with young children, stream hiking, or water hiking is a more suitable activity. And why not have a go at winter canyoning, in a waterproof wetsuit to keep you warm? In the original setting of a winter fairyland, the experience is even more intense!
