This walk around Lake Annecy is mostly made up of a bike path shared with pedestrians and rollerbladers. It is 40 km long with an elevation gain of 300 m. It is an easy outing that we recommend following our advice.
All about the bike path
On a large part of the tour around Lake Annecy, the bike path is separate from car traffic. However, caution is advised, as some cyclists ride quite fast and wearing a helmet is recommended just like on the road. Half of the route follows an old railway line, transformed into a greenway a long time ago. This section is the most used.
The Intercommunal Syndicate of Lake Annecy (SILA), which manages this facility, estimates its usage at 1,100,000 cyclists per year. During your vacation, you can rent a bike to complete this must-do cycling route.
Desire to savor the natural beauty around and explore the local mountain scenery or stroll along the shores of Lake Annecy? Opt for renting a mountain bike or an electric bike for your outing with friends or family.
One of the most beautiful cycling routes in France
This relatively simple bike ride takes between 1 hour and 2.5 hours to complete the 36 km loop around Lake Annecy. The scenery is stunning between the crystal-clear waters of the lake and the alpine peaks that surround it. Of the 36 km of the route, 30 km have cycling facilities that secure the loop, especially for children. The crossings through the villages of Veyrier-du-Lac and Menthon-Saint-Bernard do not have bike paths, but traffic is calmed due to their configurations.
The route around the lake
First, we recommend doing this route in a clockwise direction, so you ride alongside the shores of Lake Annecy after the village of Talloires. This direction will also allow you to take the climb from Talloires in the right way and avoid excessive effort.
For cyclists who want to climb Talloires, you will need to start from Annecy towards Sévrier. The climb represents a 100-meter elevation gain over 1.5 km, with an average gradient of 6.5%.
During the warm season, it is better to start in the morning to enjoy the coolness. Starting from Annecy, you will pass by Annecy-le-Vieux to reach Chavoire. You can take a dip at this point. A few small climbs follow as you cross Veyrier-du-Lac and Menthon-Saint-Bernard.
As you descend the slope of Talloires, you will discover a magnificent landscape along the shores of the Petit lac d’Annecy. Many beaches allow for swimming and are equipped with tables and benches for picnicking.
At the former Bredennaz train station, a water point and toilets are available. Two new fountains will allow you to refresh yourself after the Duingt tunnel and at Saint Jorioz.
The ride ends with your arrival in Annecy. After the port of Marquisats, you will cross the park of Jardins de l’Europe, the Pont des Amours to return to the Pâquier lawn.
For the more athletic: the loop of Col de la Forclaz
Upon reaching the end of the lake, head towards Faverges. At the Giez roundabout, you will need to take the direction of Montmin and the Col de la Forclaz. A magnificent view of Lake Annecy will reward this ascent of 700 meters over 9 kilometers at 8%.
The Col de la Forclaz is also a paradise for paragliders who take off from this site to fly over the lake. By bike, the descent is through the beautiful village of Menthon-Saint-Bernard and its castle, which inspired that of Sleeping Beauty at Disneyland. This variant adds 22 km to the initial route, making a total loop of 58 km.
Tips for using the bike path
When crossing Talloires, only a bike lane is available in the Angon-Talloires direction. You can also choose to do this cycling tour on an electric bike for more convenience.
You will find in the document the tour of Lake Annecy by bike, a map of the route and safety instructions. On the eastern shore of Lake Annecy, near Veyrier-du-Lac, it is particularly important to be cautious, as bike and pedestrian lanes intersect and you must anticipate the presence of obstacles such as bus shelters.
You can stop at Doussard to visit the National Nature Reserve of the End of the Lake. Allow a good hour to discover an exceptional site that is completely preserved.
We also offer our guide: 5 routes for cycling in Annecy
Cycling clubs in Annecy
The city has many clubs for practicing cycling in a sporty and friendly atmosphere:
- Annecy Vélo Club: Salle Sonnerat, 12 rue Louis Boch, 74000 Annecy – Tel: 04 50 67 79 14
- Annecy Cyclisme Compétition: 58 bis Avenue des Marquisats, 74000 Annecy – Tel: 06 80 87 00 78
- VTT Annecy: 22 faubourg Sainte-Claire, 74000 Annecy – Tel: 04 50 45 60 61
- CCAV 74: 6 rue de la Frasse, 74940 Annecy-le-Vieux – Tel: 04 50 51 07 72
- Étoile Sportive de Seynod: Tel: 06.71.92.37.19
- Les Cyclos du Semnoz: 54 avenue de Neigeos – 74600 Seynod – Tel: 04 50 09 82 09
- Club Alpin Français d’Annecy: 17 Rue du Mont Blanc, 74000 Annecy – Tel: 04 50 09 82 09
- Cyclo Club de Pringy: Hôtel de Ville, Place Boileau, Pringy, 74370 ANNECY – 6 40 96 90 62
- Cyclo Club du Pays de Filière: 1787 route des Vignes, 74370 Villaz – Tel: 06 87 23 83 58
Variant: walking around Lake Annecy
If you do not like cycling or wish to vary your sports activities, you can walk around Lake Annecy. Since 2010, SILA and the Lake Annecy Tourist Office have established a 43 km walking route. You will need three days of walking, alternating between plains, mountains, and forests, not to mention the beautiful beaches to cool off.
The many quality campsites will allow you to find accommodation at a reasonable price. This tour of the lake can also be done in one day, in one go, but it is preferable to take the time to appreciate the scenery of a large glacial lake in Europe.
Starting from Annecy-le-Vieux
Starting from Annecy-le-Vieux, you will follow the edge of the lake equipped with large wooden pontoons. From Veyrier-du-Lac to Menthon-Saint-Bernard, the walking circuit passes through the ports and beaches, sometimes veering away from the lake depending on urbanization. To reach the charming village of Talloires-Montmin, you must cross the Roc-de-Chère Nature Reserve. This wooded area is an example of remarkable biodiversity.
You can spend the night at one of the campsites in Talloires. On the second day, take the lakeside shuttle that will take you to Doussard and take the opportunity to visit the magnificent National Reserve of the End of the Lake. You may even have the chance to spot a beaver.
As you resume your journey, you will use the Greenway until Duingt (walking on the sides of the bike path) to admire the castle on the peninsula. You can then spend the night at one of the many campsites between Saint-Jorioz and Sévrier.
The third day, rather than continuing to follow the Greenway, we suggest taking the Roselières path. It runs along the lake and will lead you to Sévrier. The beach of this small town is particularly pleasant and well-equipped for swimming. Finally, the return to Annecy is along the shores of the lake. You will only have to enjoy a good ice cream on the shaded terraces as a reward or go for another bike ride.
Perfect activity to experience in pairs, with friends or family, whatever your occasion, don’t hesitate to come discover the most breathtaking panoramas just a few kilometers from Annecy on an electric mountain bike
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