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Drone aerial view of France travel and landmarks. Romantic, beautiful old town of the famous destination Annecy at sunset, with medieval architecture
Drone aerial view of France travel and landmarks. Romantic, beautiful old town of the famous destination Annecy at sunset, with medieval architecture

Lake Annecy in Autumn: the perfect season for lovers of colourful scenery

As the first colours appear on the surrounding mountains and the lakeshore takes on golden, orange and red hues, Annecy in autumn reveals an especially captivating side to locals and visitors alike. After the buzz of summer, the lake returns to a more peaceful atmosphere—ideal for taking the time to discover its scenery, heritage and the villages around it. Lake Annecy is then framed by forests in shifting colours, while the peaks of the Bauges and the Bornes gradually begin to take on their winter tones.

Autumn is also a great time to discover Annecy away from the summer crowds: the old town’s lanes are quieter, the cycle paths around the lake are less busy, and the viewpoints around the water are particularly photogenic. For a weekend or a few days’ holiday, autumn is therefore an excellent time to enjoy the destination to the fullest. Here’s what you can do during your stay in the area!

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What to do at Lake Annecy in autumn?

Even if some water activities are less popular after summer, Lake Annecy is still packed with things to do in autumn. For instance, you can take advantage of the quieter season to explore the lakeshore on foot or by bike. The Lake Annecy greenway, laid out on a former railway line, makes it easy to reach several lakeside towns in a pleasant setting that’s relatively accessible. If you enjoy walking, with temperatures much milder, a walk between Annecy and Sévrier offers superb views over the lake and mountains. Continue on towards Saint-Jorioz, and the scenery becomes progressively more natural, with plenty of opportunities to pause by the water.

Autumn is also an excellent season to visit the old town of Annecy. The Thiou canals, colourful houses, little footbridges and historic façades take on a special atmosphere as the trees begin to change colour. The Palais de l’Île, the Château d’Annecy and the streets of the historic centre can easily fill half a day. And if you’re after a cultural outing, you can visit the various museums around the lake, such as the Paccard Museum in Sevrier, dedicated to the art of bell casting, or the Lake Annecy Ecomuseum in Sévrier, which offers an eye-opening glimpse into traditional Savoyard life.

Finally, for beginners and seasoned athletes alike, you can enjoy certain outdoor activities—such as paragliding, hiking or mountain biking—depending on the weather conditions.

The most beautiful autumn hikes and landscapes around the lake

Autumn is undoubtedly one of the best seasons for hiking around Lake Annecy: the summer heat gradually fades, and the forests put on a remarkable show of colours and scents. Among the best-known and most popular routes, the hike up Mont Veyrier lets you gain elevation and enjoy spectacular views over the lake. The various viewpoints above Veyrier-du-Lac and the Col des Contrebandiers offer particularly impressive panoramas as the wooded slopes begin to turn yellow and orange.

If you’re on the Talloires side, the trails leading up to Roc de Chère are also well worth the detour: this nature reserve between the lake and the mountains lets you walk through a forest that’s especially beautiful in autumn. From certain viewpoints, you can catch glimpses of the lake’s waters through the trees.

Hikers looking for a challenge will head for Semnoz, which you can reach from Annecy. In autumn, the scenery changes quickly with altitude: colourful forests gradually give way to alpine meadows and sweeping views over the surrounding ranges.

To learn more about hikes around Lake Annecy, here’s an article to help you choose the one that suits you best!

Admire the autumn colours around Lake Annecy

The season’s main spectacle is, of course, the autumn colours. The forests around the lake gradually transform, creating a striking contrast with the blue water. To enjoy this exceptional panorama and take great photos, head to the shores of Talloires-Montmin: the trees cascading down to the lake turn golden and red, while the mountains in the background begin to pick up their first snowfalls, depending on the time of year.

The Duingt area also offers beautiful photographic compositions. From the shore, you can capture the lake, the mountains and the colourful trees in a single frame. At sunset, the light becomes especially soft, giving the scenery an almost unreal atmosphere. On the eastern shore, you can head to Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires; after a short walk in the area, pause for a moment to enjoy a more peaceful setting and the surrounding peaks.

Where to eat and where to stay around Lake Annecy in autumn?

After a day of hiking or exploring, autumn is the perfect season to savour Savoyard cuisine. The restaurants in Annecy and the surrounding villages are happy to showcase regional specialities—especially welcome as temperatures start to drop. For example, tartiflette, raclette, Savoyard fondue and crozets are must-try dishes for refuelling after a hike. Cheese lovers can also discover Reblochon, Abondance or Tomme de Savoie—signature flavours you’ll want to try when you stop at one of the traditional restaurants that shape the Annecy food scene.

When it comes to accommodation, autumn comes with a major advantage: prices are generally more affordable than in peak summer, and availability is greater. You can choose to stay right in Annecy to enjoy the old town and its restaurants, or opt for a village such as Sévrier, Saint-Jorioz, Menthon-Saint-Bernard or Talloires for a more peaceful atmosphere. To find the ideal place for your stay, make it easy on yourself and visit our website!

Cosy spirit 5*,Maison au Calme avec vue
Saint-Jorioz - Haute-Savoie

Cosy spirit 5*,Maison au Calme avec vue

From 231.00€ per night
LES LIBELLULES - Pieds dans l'eau
Duingt - Haute-Savoie

LES LIBELLULES - Pieds dans l'eau

From 156.80€ per night
DUINGT Vignet - Maison de Famille 6pax
Duingt - Haute-Savoie

DUINGT Vignet - Maison de Famille 6pax

From 120.96€ per night
VEYRIER - Cottage de Charme en Duplex Vue Lac
Veyrier-du-Lac - Haute-Savoie

VEYRIER - Cottage de Charme en Duplex Vue Lac

From 94.08€ per night

Autumn: the perfect season to rediscover Lake Annecy

Visiting Annecy in autumn means discovering a calmer, more authentic and truly spectacular destination: forest colours, mountain reflections on the lake, morning mists and the peaceful village atmosphere give the area a very different character from summer. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, an active getaway or a few days with the family, Lake Annecy in autumn offers the ideal setting to slow down and fully embrace nature.

All that’s left is to pick your dates, choose your accommodation carefully, pack your hiking shoes, and set off to discover Lake Annecy’s autumn landscapes with us!

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