Lake Annecy is often a fairly calm body of water, with preserved natural areas such as its magnificent reed beds. Kayaking is an ideal sport to discover the richness of the shores and the sea bed.
Discover the fauna of Lake Annecy
For beginners, it is advisable to follow the shoreline and not go beyond the yellow buoys. This way you are in a quiet area where motor boats should move slowly. By sailing quietly and slowly, you will be able to see many fish such as perch and perch which are present on the shore of Lake Annecy. Birds can be seen near the harbours and reed beds. You can meet the green-necked duck, the coot (commonly called moorhen) and the swan.
White water kayaking on the rivers around Annecy
A game of kayak polo on Lake Annecy
Clubs and canoe kayak hire
And if you are here for a few days, the club offers a temporary membership valid for a few hours. The equipment is provided by the sports structure and you will benefit from the advice of the staff just before your departure.
Registration is possible from the beginning of July.
The club also offers summer courses for children aged 7 to 14, an ideal way to become independent and to progress in the practice of this sport.
You can also rent a kayak on the lake, but curiously enough, you have to go to campsites and bike rental companies.
The boats offered are three-seater kayaks: two adults and one child. Don’t forget to keep your personal belongings (papers, money and telephone) dry in the tank provided.
Prices are modest, 10 € for one hour.
For safety reasons, life jackets are compulsory.
Don’t forget something to drink, sun cream (as the sun is very strong with the reverberation) and something to change into when you return.
If the wind is strong, you should get back to shore quickly, as you can drift quite far with a kayak.
Here are a few canoeing clubs where you can practice among enthusiasts:
- Canoë kayak club d’Annecy: Base Nautique des Marquisats, 33 rue des Marquisats, 74000 ANNECY – Tel : 04 50 45 03 98
- Canoë Kayak Club de Sevrier : Base nautique, Route du Port, 74 320 Sévrier – Tel : 04 50 52 40 04
- UNCA-Voile: 29 avenue du Petit Port, 74940 Annecy-le-Vieux – Tel : 06 78 35 83 42
- Club Nautique de Doussard: 120 route de la Plage, 74210 Doussard – Tel : 04 50 44 81 45
You can also tryrowing which is a similar water sport. There are many clubs where you can practice according to your level, from initiation to competition.