Cycling Lake Annecy © French Moments
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Last Updated: 6 April 2022

When you drive around the mountains surrounding Annecy you’ll pass many cyclists tempted by the challenging climbs which are sometimes pretty ambitious. If you’re not one of them and prefer an easier bike tour then try cycling Lake Annecy. This scenic ride follows the outline of the lake. It offers fantastic views stretching from one side to the other of the crystal-clear lake, quaint little villages, formidable castles and snow-capped peaks.

 

Cycling Lake Annecy: the itinerary

Duingt in Autumn © French Moments
Castle of Duingt, Lake Annecy © French Moments
 

The car-free two-way cycle path (“Voie Verte”) links Annecy to Ugine and follows a disused railway line. At times you’ll enter old railway tunnels. At the end of the lake (Doussard), you have the option to cycle back to Annecy on the other side of the lake (via Talloires, Menthon) or go back the way you came.

However, at the moment parts of the route between Bout-du-Lac and Menthon will take you on the main road (completion of the entire cycle path around the lake is planned by the end of 2020). So if you go this way be careful of traffic, particularly when Summer is in full swing.

This section is not as flat as the other side. Between Talloires and Menthon there is a short steep climb of three bends but with a durable touring bike, you’ll be fine. If you are not in the mood for any hills then I recommended you start the opposite end from the East shore (Veyrier, Menthon, Talloires) and do the itinerary backwards which is not quite as steep.

 

Cycling Lake Annecy: Key facts

  • This circuit is great for cyclists that prefer flatter roads.
  • It is approximately 43km long with an elevation of 464m.
  • The route goes through Annecy and 7 picturesque villages. 

Good to know: in the Summer and on sunny Sundays the path can be crowded with families and tourists, particularly near the centre of Annecy where the cycle path is shared with roller skaters and pedestrians.

Le Palace de Menthon © French Moments
Le Palace de Menthon © French Moments

 

Around the lake, there are lots of amazing places to stop off and admire the view or even have a coffee halfway around! We like the Boot Camp café in Talloires which is a bit of a bike hub and they organise charity rides too. The owners are English expats and will give you a warm welcome! If it is summer, take your swimming things for a dip in the lake at the end of your ride and relax in the sun with warm croissants and coffee.

 

Cycling Lake Annecy: the stages

The bike itinerary starts and ends in Annecy. Along the way, you’ll discover 7 beautiful villages and castles that make Lake Annecy one of the most popular tourist sites in the French Alps
 

Annecy

Annecy French Moments
The old town of Annecy © French Moments

 

Situated 40km from Geneva, Annecy is nicknamed Venice of the Alps for its canals that run through the old town. The mighty fortress of the castle dominates the site with fine views over the lake and the surrounding mountains. The lakefront is also a popular spot with a marina, beach, the historic Imperial hotel and the romantic “Pont des Amours“.

The Venice of the Alps - Annecy © French Moments
The Venice of the Alps – Annecy © French Moments
Jardins de l'Europe Annecy © French Moments
Jardins de l’Europe, Annecy © French Moments
Parc de l'Impérial in Autumn © French Moments
Parc de l’Impérial in Autumn © French Moments
Pont des Amours, Annecy © French Moments
Pont des Amours, Annecy © French Moments
On the shore of Lake Annecy © French Moments
On the shore of Lake Annecy © French Moments

 

Sévrier

After a pleasant ride along the waterfront is the village of Sévrier. You’ll ride past the beach and the marina. 

Sévrier, Lake Annecy in Autumn © French Moments
Sévrier, Lake Annecy in Autumn © French Moments

 

Saint-Jorioz

 

Saint-Jorioz also has a marina and it offers a spectacular view of the highest peaks around Lake Annecy, including La Tournette (2,351m).

The Sentiers des Roselières in Saint-Jorioz © French Moments
The Sentiers des Roselières in Saint-Jorioz © French Moments

 

Duingt

 

In the quaint village of Duingt admire the Ruphy castle which gives one of the most romantic views of Lake Annecy. From the cycle path, you’ll get a good view over the crystal clear waters of the Little Lake almost completely surrounded by mountains.

Duingt Castle in May © French Moments
Duingt Castle in May © French Moments

 

Bout-du-Lac

 

Situated in the commune of Doussard, the hamlet of Bout-du-Lac marks the end of the lake. There is the national natural reserve of the Bout-du-Lac d’Annecy. 

Bout du Lac from Col de la Forclaz © French Moments
Bout du Lac from Col de la Forclaz © French Moments

 

Talloires

 

From Bout-du-Lac to Talloires, the cycle path follows the edge of the lake with splendid views. Talloires is a charming little village set on the Bay of Talloires. Since the beginning of the 20th century, it has become a well-known resort with famous hotels, restaurants and is a popular place for a stroll or a swim. 

The wharf of Talloires © French Moments
The wharf © French Moments
The village of Talloires © French Moments
The village of Talloires © French Moments
The bay of Talloires © French Moments
The bay and chemin des moines © French Moments
Auberge du Père Bise, Talloires © French Moments
Auberge du Père Bise © French Moments

 

Menthon-Saint-Bernard

 

The village is dominated by its fantastic medieval castle, still inhabited today.

Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Lake Annecy © French Moments
The village and castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard seen from the lake © French Moments
 

Veyrier-du-Lac

 

The last stage of cycling Lake Annecy is the village of Veyrier, which stretches out across the foot of Mount Veyrier and Mount Baron. With its villas and magnificent houses, Veyrier is an exclusive residential suburb of Annecy. 

Veyrier seen from Lake Annecy © French Moments
The village of Veyrier-le-Lac seen from the lake © French Moments

 

Annecy

You’ll arrive back at Annecy via the marina, the Imperial Hotel and the beachfront. 

 

Cycling in Annecy Mountains

If you find this circuit isn’t challenging enough then here are a few more ideas to give you more of a workout!

 

The Col de la Forclaz

Lake Annecy seen from the Col de la Forclaz © French Moments
Lake Annecy from the Col de la Forclaz © French Moments
 

The mountain pass is a must for all cyclists. Many prefer climbing on the D42 road from Vesonne and Montmin (11.5kms from the valley). From the pass (altitude: 1,150m) there is one of the finest views you can get over Lake Annecy. The Col de la Forclaz is known for being a paragliding take-off spot.

 

The Semnoz mountain

Semnoz copyright French Moments
At the top of the Semnoz Mountains © French Moments
 

To reach the summit of the Semnoz you’ll have a steep climb up 18.5km of road. On the top (Crêt de Chatillon, 1,699m) is a small ski station. The view of the Alps of the Savoie and Mont Blanc is breathtaking.

 

The Col des Aravis

Col des Aravis 08 copyright French Moments
Col des Aravis © French Moments

 

From La Clusaz the D909 road leads to the mountain pass of Col des Aravis (1,498m) with a few hairpins bends. The mountain pass has been used in the Tour de France at least 39 times! The Aravis Pass is a great place to spot Mont Blanc in the distance.

For more info about cycling and staying in Annecy visit the site of the Tourist Board of Lake Annecy.

 

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Cycling Lake Annecy © French Moments

Disclaimer: This blog post includes a sponsored link. All content and opinions are our own.

Gems of Paris by French Moments
About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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