Around lake Annecy
One of the purest lakes in Europe
Annecy was built on the northern edge of the bowl that contains its eponymous lake. Originally formed 18,000 years ago by retreating glaciers, the lake is now fed by several small rivers and by a powerful spring that emerges 82 metres below the lake surface. In turn, its waters feed the River Thiou and the Vassé Canal, which run through the centre of Annecy. Surrounded by mountains, the lake forms its own microclimate. It also adds significantly to the area's extremely high quality of life.
La Tournette, the Col de la Forclaz, the Semnoz, the Dents de Lanfon and Mont Veyrier provide a truly magnificent backdrop to the city of Annecy and the turquoise waters of its lake. The "Bout du lac" nature reserve at Doussard preserves the wetlands at the southern end of the lake, allowing visitors to discover how the area has evolved. Designated a nature reserve in 1977 in order to protect its amazing flora, the Roc de Chère at Talloires also offers one of the most spectacular views over the lake.
The Taillefer circuit - the shrine trail
District: Duingt
Region: Lac d'Annecy
Road access and parking: Annecy - Duingt 12 km
From Annecy follow the N508 through Sevrier and Saint Jorioz to Duingt. Park beside the church in Duingt.
Total time, not including rest stops: 1hr 15min
Maps and guides: IGN Top 25 n° 3431 OT Lac d'Annecy
Start height: 448 m
Highest point: 649 m
Height difference: 250 m
Type of itinerary: (circuit, round trip): circuit
Best season: from spring to summer, when snow free
Description:
This route starts along a way of the cross marked by colourful bas-reliefs depicting the life of Christ. Leave the route for a moment to visit the shrine and cave at Notre Dame du Lac, overlooking Duingt and the Château de Ruphy. In the Middle Ages the peninsula on which the Château de Ruphy was built was actually an island. The view opens out to take in the whole of Lake Annecy, the second biggest natural lake in France, after Lake Bourget.
One of the cleanest lakes in the world, Lake Annecy was formed around 18,000 years ago when the great Alpine glaciers melted. It is fed by several small rivers running off the surrounding mountains, and flows into the River Thiou and the Canal du Vassé, both of which flow through Annecy.
The Château at Duingt marks the boundary between the "large lake" to the north and the "small lake" to the south.
Roc de Nantbellet
District: Saint-Ferréol
Region: Lake Annecy
Road access and parking: Annecy - Col de l'Epine: 37 km.
From Annecy, follow the N508 towards Faverges/Ugine. Go through Sevrier, Saint Jorioz, Duingt and Doussard, and then follow signs to the Col de l'Epine. Just before the Col, turn left towards "La Côte de Marlens" and park beside the telephone pylon.
Total time, not including rest stops: 1hr 45min
Maps: IGN Top 25 n° 3431 OT Lac d'Annecy
Start height: 955 m
Highest point: 1030 m
Height difference: 150 m
Type of itinerary: (circuit, round trip): circuit
Best season: from spring to summer
Description:
The hamlet of Nanbellet lies in the district of Saint-Ferréol. Its name is a combination of the words Nant, which means stream, and the family name Bellet, which is a diminutive of beau or beautiful. The name nicely captures the forest charm of this riverside walk, which provides numerous views of the southern part of the Bornes/Aravis mountains and of Mont Blanc. Take the time to visit this charming little hamlet and the chapel of Notre Dame de Grâce.
From the car park, head right and go down the wide track to the hamlet of Nanbellet.
Around lakes Bourget and Aiguebelette
Book on line with our favourite Tour Operators:
Inntravel: packages around the Aravis and lake Annecy
Lakeannecy.com focusing on lake Annecy
Lagrange for the Savoie Haute-Savoie
Peak Retreats the specialist of the French Alps