To enjoy your stay in Annecy, nothing beats a nice picnic at noon in spring or early evening when the summer heat begins to decline. We will suggest some nice spots that are easily accessible on foot or by bike.
Nice places to picnic by Lake Annecy
The city of Annecy, bordered by its lake, offers several ideal spots for outdoor snacking.
The circuit below can be done in both directions starting from the Marquisats or Annecy-le-Vieux. You just have to choose the place you like the most to lay down your blanket.
The Marquisats
Starting from the bend of Puya, you arrive at the Marquisats beach. This free beach is shaded and will welcome you for a summer picnic that can be complemented by a swim. A shop offers light meals, fries, salads, and ice creams are on the menu.
The Gardens of Europe
Continuing along the shores of the lake, you will pass the Halle bridge that spans the Thiou. Taking an immediate right, you will arrive in the park of Gardens of Europe. This large wooded green space is equipped with benches and a large lawn that is well-suited for a picnic with family or loved ones. You can admire the Île des Cygnes across from you.
The Pâquier
Crossing the Lovers’ Bridge, you will reach the large Lawn of the Pâquier equipped with numerous benches. It is a great place for picnics, but be careful, there are no trees and the sun is strong in summer. It is better to choose the Pâquier for the end of the day. Children can play ball.
Many boat rentals, including the famous pedal boats, will allow you to have lunch on the water. It is advisable to swim before eating to avoid health issues.
Charles Bosson Park
You will continue straight along the avenue of Albigny in the shade of its century-old plane trees to arrive at Charles Bosson Park, also known as the Imperial Park. This large grassy park will allow you to have lunch or dinner in complete tranquility. For children, a large outdoor playground will allow them to expend energy before the meal.
The part of Charles Bosson Park that is located between the lake and the Imperial Palace Hotel is prohibited for picnics.
Albigny Beach
Just a little further, you will arrive at Albigny beach in Annecy-le-Vieux. This large shaded and free beach is equipped with benches. Like the Marquisats beach, you can swim in season before eating. Several ice cream vendors await you along this beach.
The docks of Annecy-le-Vieux
We will finish our circuit by discovering a little further, a stroll on the water, or more precisely on wide docks that will take you to the edge of Veyrier-du-Lac. It is an ideal place for a picnic between lake and mountain at the end of the day, to avoid the heat.
Important: In all these spaces, picnicking is allowed, but cooking is prohibited, so no barbecues. Dogs must also be kept on a leash.
Picnicking in the heart of Annecy
You don’t want to sit in a restaurant, but you still want to visit the city and go shopping. There is a place little known to tourists: the Haras of Annecy. This three-hectare park houses the former stud farm of the city that has been taking care of horse breeding for three centuries. You can settle in the shade of the large trees.
In the same spirit of tranquility and freshness, you can picnic along the promenade of Thiou. This river runs through the city of Annecy. Many amenities such as benches and tables allow you to settle on the banks of the watercourse. You can follow the Thiou from the Old Prisons to Cran-Gevrier to choose the location that suits you.
Picnicking in the forest around Annecy
The city of Annecy is almost surrounded by forest with easy access for families. They are often equipped with tables and benches. We offer a small selection of nice spots not known to everyone.
La Grande Jeanne
Leaving Annecy, you will head towards Semnoz to stop at the animal park of La Grande Jeanne. You can admire the deer, does, and fallow deer of the region in this park in the heart of nature. Picnic tables are set up nearby. In winter, this site is sunny and in summer, it is sufficiently shaded. The animal park is free.
Les Puisots
Still in Semnoz, continuing the ascent for a few kilometers, you will arrive at the site of Les Puisots. This large lawn, in the middle of the forest, has a designated area for a countryside picnic. You can then take the many trails around to discover the foothills.
Picnic by the lake of La Balme de Sillingy
Located 10 km from Annecy towards Bellegarde, this small lake will allow you to see various wild birds. The walk consists of going around the lake of La Balme-de-Sillingy and you can picnic by the water. Public toilets are also available.
