To make the most of your stay in Annecy, nothing beats a good picnic at midday in the spring or in the early evening when the summer heat starts to wane. We’ll suggest some nice spots that are easily accessible on foot or by bike.
Nice places to picnic on the shores of Lake Annecy
The city of Annecy, bordered by its lake, offers several ideal places to have a snack outside.
The circuit below can be done in both directions, starting from Les Marquisats or Annecy-le-Vieux. All you have to do is choose the place you like the most to put your tablecloth.
Les Marquisats
Starting from the Puya bend, you arrive at the Marquisats beach. This free beach is shaded and is ideal for a summer picnic, which can be complemented by a swim. A shop offers small restaurants, chips, salads and ice creams.
Les Jardins de l’Europe
Continuing to follow the banks of the lake, you will pass the Halle bridge which spans the Thiou. If you turn right immediately, you will arrive in the Jardins de l’Europe park. This large wooded green space is equipped with benches and a large lawn which lends itself well to a picnic with the family or as a couple. Opposite, you can admire the Ile des Cygnes.
The Pâquier
Crossing the Pont des Amours, you will reach the large Pelouse du Pâquier with its many benches. It is a good place for picnics, but beware, 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.
There are many boat rental companies, including the famous pedal boats, where you can have lunch on the water. It is better to swim before eating to avoid health problems.
Charles Bosson Park
Continue straight ahead along the Avenue d’Albigny in the shade of its hundred-year-old plane trees to arrive in the Parc Charles Bosson, also known as the Parc de l’Impérial. This large grassy park will allow you to have lunch or dinner in complete tranquillity. For the children, a large outdoor playground will allow them to exercise before the meal.
The part of the Charles Bosson Park between the lake and the Hôtel Impérial Palace is off limits to picnics.
Albigny Beach
Just a little further on, you will arrive at the Albigny beach in Annecy-le-Vieux. This large, shaded and free beach is equipped with benches. As for the Marquisats beach, you can swim in season before eating. Several ice-cream vendors await you along this beach.
The pontoons of Annecy-le-Vieux
We will finish our tour by discovering a little further on, a ballade on water, or more precisely on broad pontoons which will bring you to the limit 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 strong heat.
Important: On all these areas, picnics are allowed, but cooking is forbidden, so no barbecues. Dogs must also be kept on a lead.
Picnicking in the heart of Annecy
Picnicking in the forest around Annecy
The town of Annecy is almost surrounded by forests which are easy to access for families. They are often equipped with tables and benches. We propose a small selection of nice places not known by all.
La grande Jeanne
Les Puisots
Picnic by the lake of La Balme de Sillingy