On Monday 31st March we went on a ‘tour du lac’ by car. We departed from Annecy and drove on the east shore through Veyrier, Menthon and Talloires before reaching the city through the west shore with the visit of Duingt, Saint-Jorioz and Sévrier. Here is a little report on the six villages around Lake Annecy that should not-be-missed when visiting the region!
Villages around Lake Annecy
Let’s start our circuit around the lake with Veyrier-du-Lac.
The village is situated 5 km from Annecy at the foot of Mount Veyrier. It contains a beautiful little church devoted to St. Maurice.
Menthon-Saint-Bernard
The village is also a waterfront resort with many top-class hotels.
Menthon is surmounted by the 13th century castle which it is closely associated. The Menthon dynasty who still owns the castle came from Burgundy in 1190.
The little harbour offers fine views over Annecy and the west coast dominated by the Semnoz mountain.
Talloires
Arguably one of the most beautiful villages of Lake Annecy, Talloires is a popular resort in a privileged location between the lake and the mountains. It faces Duingt and the Ruphy Castle.
Duingt
On the west shore, the village of Duingt is set at the bottom of the Taillefer mountain and separates the Grand Lac from the Petit Lac. Romantically set on a promontory, the castle of Châteauvieux or of Ruphy is a former stronghold restored in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Saint-Jorioz
Saint-Jorioz is crossed by the “Voie Verte” (Green Way), a cyclist path linking Annecy to Ugine. The ‘sentier des roselières’ follows the shore of the lake over 3 km with impressive views over the Alps.
Sévrier
Sévrier is included in the suburbs of Annecy and has a population of 4100. The little town has a Bell Museum relating the story of the famous Paccard bell maker.
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Thanks for your info about villages near Annecy. We are a senior couple with good mobility.
Can you suggest 3 villages CLOSEST to Old town Annecy that might be most appealing to
us and more to do than the ‘smaller’ ones. In other words Talliores (sp) and Sevrier might be 2 answers
for us.. What do you think? Thanks!! Merci!!
Bonjour Polly! If I had to choose from all the villages around Lake Annecy, I would definitely go to Menthon, Talloires and Duingt. They are a bit further from the city centre but could be easily accessed by (ferry) boat. Hope this helps!
I am currently 80, still in excellent health and have good mobility. I would like to visit some of the smaller towns as a possible "move to" location from the US. Which smaller towns in the area would be more affordable yet still have basic shopping, etc…. and a good internet.
Forgive my late response. Actually all the six villages listed in the article have basic shopping and internet! You just have to choose your favorite village first