A few figures to begin with: for instance, did you know that the lake is 14 kilometres long and that its perimeter mesures 32 kilometres and that the maximum depth of the lake is 80 metres?

It’s a mountain lake, but contrary to what people think the temperature reaches 24° C in the summer: the ideal temperature to refresh oneself after a hike in the Aravis mountains. Another asset is that Annecy’s lake is the cleanest in Europe.

It’s difficult to imagine today: the lake used to freeze about every hundred years. It has been told that people would skate on top of the lake, a real Bruegel painting!
The last time the surface of the lake was frozen was in 1963: not such a long time ago…
An owner of a 2CV had even driven on the frozen surface.

The depths of the lake conceal their own stories too. A famous boat called ‘The France’ remains at 42 metres deep in the Albigny bay. Experienced divers can go and explore this once prestigious boat that was frequented by a smart clientele who came from all over Europe for a moonlit cruise. This elaborate boat measuring 47 metres long could hold up to 700 passengers.

Today the lake is the pleasure of sportive people and for those who just want to contemplate its beauty from the Promenade d’Albigny.
Elegant swans glide up the transparent waters before flying off, carrying with them the secrets of the lake.