With its turquoise waters framed by majestic mountains, Lake Annecy is one of the jewels of the French Alps, captivating visitors with its crystal-clear waters, picturesque villages, and exceptional natural setting. A true haven for nature lovers, it offers a multitude of walking and hiking trails suitable for all levels.
From every shore and village bordering this postcard-perfect lake, numerous trails invite you to explore and embark on adventures amidst peaceful shores, secret forests, and panoramic viewpoints. Whether you’re a fan of leisurely lakeside strolls or an experienced hiker seeking breathtaking vistas, the surroundings of Annecy abound with routes to escape, breathe, and reconnect with nature.
In this article, discover the most beautiful hikes to undertake around the lake, encompassing forests, mountains, and enchanting shores.
From Doussard: Embracing Nature
At the southern tip of Lake Annecy, the area around Doussard offers a variety of hikes, ranging from gentle walks to more challenging ascents. Starting from the village or nearby hamlets like Verthier, Lathuile, or Montgellaz, numerous trails showcase the region’s natural richness and scenic beauty.
For a family-friendly outing, the Bout du Lac Nature Reserve provides a peaceful walk along boardwalks and wooded paths, immersing you in a protected area teeming with flora and fauna. Nearby, the Bochettes circuit and the Serraz and Rochettes loop offer pleasant routes through forests, hamlets, and open viewpoints over the lake.
For those seeking elevation and grand panoramas, the ascent to the Col de la Forclaz and Pointe de la Rochette (1,491 m) from Verthier, or the Taillefer traverse from Lathuile, present rewarding challenges. Seasoned hikers might tackle the ascent of Montagne du Charbon or Pointe de Banc Plat (1,907 m) from Montgellaz or Clafort, offering alpine immersion and spectacular views over the surrounding peaks and the lake below.
From Duingt: Chasing the Taillefer
Nestled between lake and mountain, Duingt offers a variety of hikes appealing to all walkers. For a family-friendly outing, the Taillefer loop is ideal: in about 2.5 hours, this shaded trail leads to stunning viewpoints where you can admire the natural division between the “big” and “small” Lake Annecy.
A bit more challenging, the Taillefer ridge offers a 3.5-hour nature immersion, punctuated by breathtaking panoramas over the lake’s shimmering waters, all within a peaceful and verdant setting.
For experienced hikers seeking a true challenge, the Taillefer and Entrevernes ridge trail offers a 7-hour adventure through technical passages, spectacular alpine landscapes, and unobstructed views of La Tournette and the surrounding reliefs.
From Sevrier: Into the Heart of the Woods
From Sevrier, a charming lakeside commune, several hiking routes allow for quick escapes into nature, between lake and mountain. The Trois Croix circuit is an accessible loop offering a great introduction through forests and viewpoints over Lake Annecy, perfect for a half-day exploration.
Less known but equally delightful, the “Dessus de Sévrier” route takes you to the village’s heights, along wooded paths and clearings, providing a tranquil immersion in a preserved rural landscape.
For hikers seeking altitude, the ascent to Semnoz via the Bénévent chalet is a rewarding adventure. This more demanding route leads to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Annecy basin, with panoramic views over the lake, the Bauges, and even Mont Blanc on clear days.
From Veyrier-du-Lac: Reaching New Heights
From the elegant shores of Veyrier-du-Lac, several hikes quickly lead to elevations offering spectacular views over Lake Annecy and the surrounding peaks. The must-do Mont Veyrier traverse, “from end to end” appeals to seasoned hikers with a demanding yet magnificent ridge route, providing stunning panoramas throughout.
More accessible, the loop via the Col des Contrebandiers offers a great alternative: it reaches the massif’s iconic viewpoints while enjoying a less technical route through undergrowth and airy paths.
Just minutes away, the Roc de Chère, starting from Menthon-Saint-Bernard, invites a gentler yet equally magical walk: this nature reserve boasts an astonishing diversity of landscapes and an almost fairy-tale ambiance, between vibrant forests, discreet cliffs, and small viewpoints suspended above the lake.
From Talloires: Between Forest and Waterfall
From Talloires, an emblematic village nestled between lake and mountain, the hiking possibilities are as rich as they are varied. For an accessible and refreshing walk, the Angon waterfall circuit or its extended version to the Pont des Fées offers an immersion in nature, between streams, forest, and welcome coolness.
Higher up, the Chalets de l’Aulp, accessible via the Angon waterfall, reward hikers with spectacular lake views and an authentic mountain setting. The easily accessible Ermitage Saint-Germain is a peaceful spot overlooking Talloires, ideal for a contemplative or family outing.
More experienced hikers can venture further into the Lanfon forest, the Rochers des Moillats, or even tackle the impressive Dents de Lanfon for a more alpine experience. The lesser-known Combe Noire forest promises a wild and soothing escape in a preserved environment.
Finally, the Roc de Chère tour, with its discreet cliffs, wooded paths, and viewpoints suspended over the lake, offers a magnificent loop to gently discover the natural charms around Talloires.
Discover Lake Annecy on Foot!
Embarking on a walk around Annecy Lake offers a complete immersion into one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Alps. Spanning approximately 40 kilometers, the trail follows the lake’s shores, passing through villages, beaches, protected natural areas, and shaded forests.
Accessible to all, this route can be completed in several stages or over two days for more motivated walkers. The path is largely developed and secured thanks to the greenway and pedestrian crossings, making for a pleasant and varied experience.
Along the way, viewpoints abound: mountains plunging into the water, stone bell towers, swans gliding on the surface…A gentle yet refreshing hike, between lake and local life, ideal for discovering Annecy differently, at your own pace.
(Re)-Discover our article: Tour of Lake Annecy: on foot or by bike