Annecy walks

Walking and Hiking in Annecy
 
Situated at the foot of the Alps, Annecy, often nicknamed the “Pearl of the French Alps,” enjoys an exceptional natural setting. The town lies on the shores of Lake Annecy, a magnificent alpine lake covering around 27 km² and renowned as one of the purest lakes in Europe. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and nature reserves, the region offers some of the most beautiful walking and hiking opportunities in Annecy, France.

Whether you are looking for an easy walk in Annecy, a lakeside stroll, or a more demanding Annecy hike in the surrounding mountains, the area provides an impressive range of trails suitable for every level.
 
The mountain ranges around Annecy

Two main mountain ranges dominate the landscape around Annecy: the Bauges massif to the south and the Aravis and Bornes massif to the east.

The Bauges range is home to Semnoz, which rises to 1,702 m at the summit of the Crêt de Châtillon. Easily accessible from the town, it is a popular destination for both winter sports and summer hikes in Annecy, offering panoramic views of the lake and the Alps.

To the east, the Bornes massif contains several iconic peaks, including La Tournette (2,343 m), the highest mountain overlooking the lake. This impressive summit is one of the most famous hikes near Annecy, rewarding experienced hikers with spectacular alpine panoramas.

Other notable peaks in the area include Mont Veyrier and Mont Baron, both easily visible from the town and popular for shorter hikes with magnificent viewpoints over Lake Annecy.

Further south, walkers can also reach the elegant summit of Lanfonnet and Roche Murraz or explore the rugged slopes of Pointe de Talamarche, which offer quieter trails and superb views of the surrounding valleys.

Scenic viewpoints and mountain passes

One of the most famous viewpoints in the region is the Col de la Forclaz. Located above the eastern shore of the lake, this mountain pass offers one of the most iconic panoramas in the Alps. It is a popular stop for hikers, cyclists, and paragliders who come to admire the breathtaking view of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains.

Several trails start from the pass, making it an excellent base for hiking in Annecy, with routes leading to La Tournette or the nearby peaks of the Bornes massif. 

Easy to Moderate walks around Annecy 
Not all Annecy hikes require mountain experience. Around the lake and in the nearby countryside, many pleasant routes allow visitors to enjoy nature at a relaxed pace.

One of the easiest and most enjoyable options is the Promenade du Thiou, a peaceful 7 km walk in Annecy following the river through the town. The path passes historic buildings and remnants of the town’s industrial heritage.

Another beautiful nature walk can be found at the Bout-du-Lac Nature Reserve near Doussard. This protected wetland offers a 4-5 km loop where visitors can observe birds, plants, and the rich biodiversity of the lake’s southern shore.

Close to Saint-Jorioz, the Patérier loop is a pleasant 8 km family walk with lovely views of the surrounding mountains. Near Sévrier Town, the Three Cross Circuit is an accessible 5-6 km route that winds through forests and lakeside views.

Poisy has many walks going through the city, forest, and the countryside, making it perfect for panoramic views. Additionally, the Tour du Roc de Chère offers spectacular viewpoints over Lake Annecy.

Walking around Lake Annecy

One of the most popular outdoor activities in the region is the Tour du Lac d’Annecy. This famous route circles the entire lake for approximately 42 km, making it ideal for cycling but also suitable for walkers who wish to complete it in several stages.

The path passes charming lakeside villages such as Talloires, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, and Doussard while constantly offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Even walking a short section of the route provides a memorable experience.
 

Waterfalls to discover near Annecy
 
The mountains around Annecy are also home to several beautiful waterfalls accessible via scenic trails.

One of the most famous is the Cascade d'Angon near Talloires. Reached by a walk of around 2-3 hours, this trail combines forest paths with impressive views over the lake before arriving at the powerful waterfall.

Nearby, the Saut du Moine waterfall drops around ten metres and can be reached via a 2-hour 30-minute return walk with about 300 m of elevation gain.

Further south in the Bauges massif, the Seythenex is particularly spectacular in spring when melting snow increases the flow of water.

Several smaller waterfalls are also worth visiting. These include the Voile de la Mariée in Chapeiry, accessible in just 15 minutes on a flat path, and the Grattepanche waterfall in Nâves-Parmelan, reached in about 20 minutes.

Near Villaz, the Dard and Nantisses waterfalls offer a pleasant 1-2-hour walk with moderate elevation gain. Finally, about 10 km from Annecy, the dramatic Gorges du Fier features a spectacular walkway suspended above the rushing river and between cliffs. 

Annecy through the seasons
 
The climate around Annecy makes the region attractive for outdoor activities throughout the year.

Summer is ideal for walking and hiking in Annecy, France, with temperatures typically ranging from 15 to 26 °C. July is the sunniest month, with more than 320 hours of sunshine, creating perfect conditions for mountain hikes and lakeside walks.

Winter brings snow to the surrounding mountains from around 500 m altitude. Temperatures near the lake average around 1 °C, transforming the region into a popular destination for skiing and snowshoeing. The Semnoz resort offers ski slopes, snowshoe trails, sledging areas, and even unusual winter activities such as paraskiing.