All around the lake, little charming villages live at the rhythm of the lapping lake’s water against the wooden pontoons, a dreamland in summer and winter.
Imagine it’s the morning, you are gradually waking up and you remember with delectation that you are on holiday, you open your shutters and infront of you. You see the wide turquoise expanse of Annecy’s lake.
In summertime the surface of the lake is covered with the spiky sails, water skiers and other water sports. Several beaches offer facilities for holidaymakers to lie back and enjoy the sun.
In winter, the lake reflects the snow topped mountains and is mirrored in the tied up boats along the canal du Vassé.
A pleasant way of discovering the little villages bordering the lake’s edge is to go by bike and follow the cycle track.
On the left bank you will see many crafts shops: for example you can visit the Paccard bell foundry in Sevrier, and discover the local patrimony in the museum of Saint-Jorioz: a little further you can go and watch the rock climbers on the cliff face of Duingt. A few kilometres further you will reach Doussard and its nature reserve of 85 hectares.
A short stop at the beach and then off to visit the other side of the lake. The famous bay of Talloires, which was painted by Cezanne; at the foot of the ‘Dents de Lanfon’, the magnificent fairy tale castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, where Saint Bernard de Menthon was born 1000 years ago, the patron saint of the mountain dwellers.
Last step: Veyrier-du-Lac, a charming and prestigious village where painters, poets and gastronomes encounter.
On Veyrier’s beach, you will be able to admire the sunset behind the Semnoz .
