Our tour of Annecy begins early in the morning, on the shores of its famous crystal-clear lake. The air is fresh, and a light mist still hangs on the surface of the water, creating a magical atmosphere. We take some time to admire the place before heading to the iconic Pont des Amours, that connects the Jardins de l’Europe to the Pâquier. From there, we have a breathtaking view of the Vassé Canal, where boats are peacefully lined up, and the mountains rising in the background.
We cross the Jardins de l’Europe to arrive at a bike rental shop called « Roul’ ma Poule » (45°53’52.0″N 6°07’49.6″E).
We decide to rent bikes to do a part of the tour of the lake. This is a well-maintained cycle route, approximately 40 km long, that alternates between shaded roads, beachfronts, and spectacular views.
We take a two-hour tour through a magnificent setting.
The further we go, the more we realize how Lake Annecy is transforming into a veritable seaside resort: equipped beaches, paddleboards, pedal boats, and swimmers enjoying the exceptional setting. The turquoise water invites us to swim.
We decide to return our rented bikes and try an hour of paddleboarding. The experience is both exciting and athletic. For those more experienced, this lake offers an idyllic and peaceful setting for this activity, surrounded by majestic peaks and incredibly clear water.
As lunchtime approaches, we stop for sandwiches at a local bakery and decide to enjoy them by the lake, seated in the shade of a large tree. The moment is perfect: a simple but delicious meal.
In the afternoon, we head towards the Col de la Forclaz, located at an altitude of approximately 1,150 meters. The climb is quite winding and offers a beautiful contrast between fir forests and alpine meadows.
We drive up, surrounded by the climbers on foot or by bike.
Once at the top, we are rewarded with a breathtaking view. Lake Annecy stretches out below, surrounded by lush green mountains.
It’s also a popular spot for paragliding, and we remain fascinated by watching these enthusiasts take off in an almost religious silence, then glide over the lake with such lightness, is a mesmerizing experience.
As the sun begins to set, we settle in to admire a magnificent sunset over the lake. The spectacle is magical, and we stay there, savoring this unique moment.
To end the day on a high note, we return to Annecy and explore the old town. We stroll along the canals, cross the Pont Perrière, and admire the colorful, flower-bedecked facades of the medieval-style houses. The atmosphere is lively.
We pass in front of the Palais de l’Isle, a former palace turned prison, illuminated by the subdued lights reflecting in the water.
Before returning to our hotel, we bought pizzas and decided to enjoy them by the lake, sitting on a bench facing the water. The calm of the night, the gentle lapping of the waves, and the illuminated city in the background created a peaceful and comforting atmosphere.
We spent the night in Annecy, enjoying the tranquil beauty of the city before leaving the next morning. After hitting the road, we made a quick stop to admire the majestic Pont de la Caille, a true masterpiece of engineering suspended over the river. The impressive structure offered us spectacular views of the valley and the surrounding mountains, marking a memorable moment of our trip.
Annecy offered us a perfect interlude between nature and urban charm. In 24 hours, we discovered a city where every moment is an invitation to escape. We leave with unforgettable memories, our heads filled with enchanting landscapes and the desire to return very soon!
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