Lake Annecy at a glance
The Lac d'Annecy drains into the Thiou, the river that runs through the old town. Villages sit around the shore, among them Sevrier, Saint-Jorioz, Doussard, Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard. On the east shore, between Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires, the wooded rock massif of the Roc de Chère rises above the water. Part of it is a protected reserve. The lake as a whole is not a national park.
You can swim at public beaches, take a cruise, rent a pedal boat or ride along the west shore. In autumn 2026 some of this changes, so read the section on closures first.
Closures on the lake, autumn 2026
Status as of 20 October 2026. Dates can move with the weather.
East shore closed
The road (RD 909A) and the cycle path are closed day and night from 14 September to 18 December 2026 because of rockfall protection work, including blasting. The closure applies to everyone, walkers and cyclists included. The ride around the lake is not possible until December.
Talloires →Another road at Alex
The RD 16 near Alex and the Défilé de Dingy has been closed since 14 September 2026. The department expects about 12 weeks, while local notices speak of closures until 18 December. Do not count on an earlier reopening.
West shore works
Since 12 October 2026 the Voie verte is interrupted over about 700 m near Route des Grands Prés in Sevrier. The detour runs along Route des Mongets and Chemin des Rives toward Communaux. From 2 November 2026 the path is fully closed between points 6.3 and 8.47 km, for roughly six months.
Cruises leave from Sevrier
Because of low water, the lake cruises have left from Sevrier instead of Annecy since 23 September 2026. A shuttle boat between Doussard and Talloires continues, but connections to Annecy are limited.
Annecy tours →Our picks: on and around the lake
A cruise ticket with an old town walk, bike rental and a hike to lake viewpoints.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Old town walk with a scenic lake cruise
An English-speaking guide for the old town walk, plus a lake cruise ticket.
Check availability →Guided hike to viewpoints over the lake
About two and a half hours with a state-certified mountain guide. A bus ticket may cost €1.60 per ride.
Check availability →
Electric and classic bike rental in Annecy-le-Vieux
Bike hire only, with electric and classic bikes. No guided ride is included.
Check availability →Lake Annecy cruises and activities
Cruises, paragliding, rental boats and day trips around Lake Annecy, with live prices and availability.
Swimming in Lake Annecy
Swim at the public beaches. A city notice from 2025 bans swimming outside them on the Annecy shore, so follow the local signs. The table lists the main beaches with their 2026 rules. The beaches page has the full detail.
The Impérial beach is tested during the swimming season, which the health ministry lists as 1 June to 31 August 2026. Samples from 20 May to 26 August 2026 carry the rating Good. The site has no annual classification for 2026, so the samples tell you about the days they were taken, not about every beach. The diving towers and the neighboring slide at the Impérial are closed for safety reasons.
Beaches and fees in 2026
Adult prices. Supervision and fees apply only on the dates shown.
| Beach | Entry | Lifeguards and fees | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marquisats, Annecy | Free | 4 July to 31 August, 11 am to 7 pm | Showers, toilets, food |
| Impérial, Annecy | €4 | 4 July to 31 August, 10 am to 7 pm | Closed 10 pm to 6 am in season |
| Albigny, Annecy-le-Vieux | Free | – | Lawn, showers, toilets |
| Saint-Jorioz | €2.60 to €2.80 | 1 July to 31 August, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm | No pets; reduced entry after 4:30 pm |
| Douss'plage, Doussard | Free | 1 July to 31 August | Paid parking 1 May to 30 September |
Saint-Jorioz has two published prices for 2026: €2.80 in the municipal tariff and €2.60 in a tourism listing. After 4:30 pm the fee is €1.30 or €1. Swimming is forbidden in the Bout-du-Lac nature reserve, and dogs are not allowed there even on a leash.
Cycling and walking along the shore
The Voie verte on the west shore runs for almost 33 km, and about 30 km of it is maintained by the lake syndicate SILA. It is meant for cyclists and roller skaters, with walkers on the side strips. Dogs must be on a short leash. Horses are not allowed. The east shore has its own cycle route, which completes the loop around the lake. Do not assume the Voie verte alone is a flat circuit.
Right now the loop is broken on both shores. The east shore is closed until 18 December, and the Voie verte is interrupted on the west side. On the road toward Col de Bluffy, cyclists may not climb from Veyrier on the RD 909, and a signed detour runs via Menthon-Saint-Bernard. Check the current works notices before you set out.
Boats, cruises and rentals
Three ways onto the water.
Commentated cruise
1 hour for €19 or 1 hour 30 minutes for €22, adults, 1 March to 30 November. Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure.
Pedal boat
At the Pâquier rental near the Pont des Amours, a two-person boat costs €16 for 30 minutes and €24 for an hour.
Motorboat, no license
From €45 for 30 minutes for two or three people, up to €80 for an hour for seven people. A deposit is required.
Lake Annecy: frequently asked questions
Can I cycle around Lake Annecy in autumn 2026?
No. The east shore road and cycle path are closed from 14 September to 18 December 2026, and the Voie verte has works on the west shore. Plan a ride on a stretch that is open and check the notices.
Is Lake Annecy good for swimming?
The Impérial samples from 20 May to 26 August 2026 were rated Good. Swim at the public beaches and follow the signs. Lifeguards are only present on the dates in the table above.
How warm is the water?
A tourism widget showed 17 °C on 19 October 2026. It does not say where it measures, so use it as a rough guide.
Where do the lake cruises leave from now?
From Sevrier since 23 September 2026, because of low water. No return date to Annecy has been given.
Can I swim at the Bout-du-Lac?
No. Swimming and beach activities are forbidden in the nature reserve. Douss'plage in Doussard is a separate beach, and its closeness to the reserve does not extend the swimming area.