Lake Annecy from Megève
Less than an hour from Megève via the A40 motorway, Lake Annecy constitutes one of the most remarkable excursions in Haute-Savoie. Nicknamed the «Venice of the Alps», the town and its lake boast exceptional medieval heritage, a leading gastronomic scene, and a range of outdoor activities as impressive as the surrounding mountains.
Whether it's for a family day out, a gourmet lunch with friends, or a sporty getaway, Annecy is a highly recommended destination!
How to get to Lake Annecy from Megève?
The distance between Megève and Annecy is about 87 km by road, essentially via the A40 then the A410. The journey takes on average 1 h 15, excluding traffic, making it an accessible excursion for spontaneous trips. During winter or on long summer weekends, it is advisable to leave early in the morning to avoid traffic slowdowns entering the Annecy urban area.
For those who wish to make the most of the lake without the hassle of parking, several park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of Annecy allow you to reach the town centre and the lake shores on foot or by bicycle. Hiring a private chauffeur is also a popular option for groups or gourmet evenings.
Visiting Annecy's Old Town, a preserved medieval heritage
Le Annecy's historic heart is worth the trip on its own. Its crystal-clear canals, colourful arcades and cobbled streets create a picture of coherence that is rare for a city of its size. A walk around the old town is accessible to all and requires no prior organisation.
The Island Palace
Erected on a rocky islet in the middle of the Thiou – the river that drains the lake –, The Palais de l'Île is the most photographed silhouette in Annecy. This former 12th-century stronghold house, listed as a historic monument since 1900, has successively served as a prison, courthouse, monetary workshop and barracks. It is now home to the Centre d'Interprétation de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine (CIAP), with permanent and temporary exhibitions on the history of the region. You can visit on your own or with a guide, for a modest fee (€4 for adults outside July and August).
Annecy Castle
Perched on the heights of the old town, the castle has overlooked the entire site since the 13th century. Once the residence of the Counts of Geneva and then the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours, It today houses the Annecy museum, dedicated to local history, Alpine arts, and natural sciences.
The panorama from its terraces over the lake and the Tournette alone justifies the climb.
The Gardens of Europe and the Pâquier
Right by the lake, the gardens of Europe forming a tree-lined space ideal for a relaxing break. The large Pâquier lawn, stretching for several hundred metres along the banks, is the best spot to take in the lake in all its glory.
What to do around Lake Annecy?
Lake Annecy second largest natural lake in France — is renowned for the quality and clarity of its waters, the result of a clean-up operation carried out since the 1960s. This characteristic makes it an ideal location for a wide range of water and mountain activities, accessible whatever the season.
| Activity | Ideal season | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Lake cycle tour (30 km) | Apr - Nov | All levels |
| Hike to La Tournette (2,351 m) | June – Oct | Sportsman / confirmed |
| Semnoz walk | All year round | Easy to intermediate |
| Tandem paragliding (Col de la Forclaz) | Mars - November | All levels |
| Water skiing / wakeboarding | May – Sept | All levels |
| Paddle / kayak | May – Sept | All levels |
| Scuba diving | April – October | Beginner to advanced |
| Boat trip (Navibus) | May – Sept | All levels |
Cycling around the lake
A cycle path of 30 km along the shores of the lake and passes through villages such as Talloires, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Doussard. Accessible from April to November, this circuit can be covered in part or in full depending on available time. Rental companies offer classic and electric bikes at the start of the path from Annecy.
The Tournette hike
The highest point in the Bornes massif at 2,351 metres, La Tournette is the iconic hike in the area.. The ascent from the Aulp chalet offers mountain pasture landscapes, technical sections equipped with chains, and plunging views of the lake as you gain altitude.
The 360° panoramic view of the Aravis and Bauges massifs and, on a clear day, the Monpt-Blanc massif justifies the effort. This hike is for walkers in good physical condition only and should be undertaken on a clear day.
Paragliding from the Col de la Forclaz
Le Col de la Forclaz, at an altitude of 1,250 metres, is one of the most renowned paragliding sites in Europe. Tandem taster flights are offered by qualified instructors, with no particular physical fitness required.
Flying over the lake from this height is an out-of-the-ordinary sensory experience, to be booked in advance during high season.
Water sports
In summer, the lake is ideal for Swimming in its many public beaches, paddleboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding and water skiing. The Navibus — a lake "boat-bus" — serves all the ports between May and September, allowing you to travel from one shore to the other without a car. Cruises on century-old Savoyard motorboats depart from Le Pâquier and offer a chance to appreciate the landscape from the water.
The best restaurants on Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy is one of France's most awarded gastronomic destinations, with 13 Michelin stars in the 2025-2026 Guide spread across 7 chefs. The region's cuisines share a deeply rooted approach in the alpine and lacustrine terroir, valuing lake fish — Arctic char, whitefish, trout —, Savoyard cheeses, and alpine herbs.
| Restaurant / Chef | Location | Stars | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Clos des Sens – Franck Derouet | Annecy-le-Vieux | ★★★ | Lake and vegetable cuisine |
| Maison Benoît Vidal - Benoît Vidal | Annecy-le-Vieux | ★★ | Poetic cuisine & Savoyard terroir |
| Auberge du Père Bise – Jean Sulpice | Talloires-Montmin | ★★ | Alpine cuisine |
| Auberge de Montmin – Florian Favario | Talloires-Montmin | ★★ | Seasonal cuisine, zero waste |
| Yoann Conte's Table | Veyrier-du-Lac | ★★ | Local and seasonal cuisine |
| L'Esquisse - Stéphane Dattrino | Annecy | ★ | Instinctive Cuisine & Local Produce |
| La Rotonde des Trésoms - Éric Prowalski | Annecy | ★ | Lake and Maritime Cuisine |
Le Clos des Sens – Franck Derouet
Three Michelin stars and located in Annecy-le-Vieux overlooking the lake, the Clos des Sens is the absolute benchmark of Annecy gastronomy. Founded by Laurent and Martine Petit in 1992, the establishment was handed over in 2023 to the chef Franck Derouet and head sommelier Thomas Lorival, who perpetuate a deeply committed plant and lake philosophy. Bookings should be made several weeks in advance.
Benoît Vidal House
Located in the hills above Annecy-le-Vieux, the Benoît Vidal House has landed two Michelin stars right from the start. Chef Benoît Vidal's cuisine is both poetic and rigorous, rooted in the Savoyard terroir, with menus featuring carefully selected local produce.
Auberge du Père Bise – Jean Sulpice
A century-old house set in the bay of Talloires, the Auberge du Père Bise welcomes the chef Jean Sulpice, twice starred, The restaurant offers haute alpine cuisine with a strong Savoyard flavour. The terrace under the plane trees facing the lake is one of the most remarkable lunch settings in the region. The restaurant has also been awarded a green star for its commitment to sustainable development.
Auberge de Montmin – Florian Favario
Nestling on the heights of Talloires-Montmin with views of the mountain pastures, the’Auberge de Montmin is headed by chef Florian Favario, winner of two Michelin stars and a green star.. Its seasonal cuisine is built exclusively around local produce sourced within a 30 km radius, with an assumed zero-waste approach. A confidential and committed establishment.
Yoann Conte's Table
Located in a beautiful mansion on the shores of Veyrier-du-Lac, the chef Yoann Conte offers seasonal cuisine inspired by the Alpine herbs and flowers from his garden. La Table de Yoann Conte has won the following awards two Michelin stars.
L'Esquisse - Stéphane Dattrino
For a more intimate dinner, L'Esquisse, starred table This 22-seater restaurant in the Rue Royale in the heart of Annecy has a unique cooking instinct. Chef Stéphane Dattrino, former second-in-command to Franck Derouet at Le Clos des Sens, creates refined dishes combining local produce and influences from further afield.
La Rotonde des Trésoms - Éric Prowalski
At the Hôtel des Trésoms in the hills above Annecy, chef Éric Prowalski has been serving up his lake and sea cuisine since 2011, combining fish from the Savoyard lake with Atlantic references in subtle, well-crafted dishes.
Not-to-be-missed events
As well as visits and activities on the water, a number of annual events give Lake Annecy a special festive and cultural atmosphere, depending on the season.
La Fête du Lac (early August) Fireworks: a pyrotechnic and musical spectacle over the bay of Albigny, considered to be one of the finest fireworks displays in France. The 2025 edition is scheduled for 2 August. Tickets, available online from June, are going fast.
The International Animation Film Festival (June) Annecy has been the world capital of animated film since 1960. The 2025 edition was held from 8 to 14 June, bringing together professionals and fans from all over the world for screenings and previews.
La Traversée du Lac (15 August) Open water swimming event open to all levels, with distances ranging from 1 to 10 km.
The Venetian Carnival (late February - early March) The old town is decked out in Venetian masks and costumes for an event that adds to the charm of the «Venice of the Alps».
Suggestions for routes from Megève
A cultural and gastronomic day
Morning: Departure from Megève after breakfast at the chalet. Arrival in Annecy at around 10 am. Visit of the old town: stroll along the quays, entrance to the Palais de l'Île, climb to the château for the panoramic view.
Lunch : Gastronomic restaurant subject to availability - L'Esquisse for an intimate setting, l'Auberge du Père Bise for a waterfront lunch in Talloires.
Afternoon: A scenic boat trip on the lake or a bike ride on the cycle path. Return to Megève in the late afternoon.
A day of sport and nature
Morning: Early start from Megève. Hike to the Chalet de l'Aulp for views of La Tournette and the lake, or complete ascent for experienced walkers.
Lunch : break at the Chalet de l'Aulp or in a lakeside restaurant in Talloires.
Afternoon: first paragliding flight from the Col de la Forclaz (advance booking recommended), or water sports activities depending on the season. Return to Megève in the evening.
A half-day in Annecy
If you have less time, half a day is enough to explore the old town, have lunch by the lake and stroll along the Pâquier. The return journey from Megève takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, leaving you with a good 3 to 4 hours on the spot.