Chalet Chaleureux

Perched above the shores of Lake Annecy, Chalet Chaleureux is just over 2km from a pretty lakeside beach at the southern-end of the beautiful French lake. This is a fantastic location for seasonal watersports and cycling as well as mountain hiking and winter skiing.

The chalet is set in its own vast grounds next to Lake Annecy’s 43km-long cycling voie verte (you have to cycle along a local country road to access the trail). There is also a steep path with steps down to the main road below which separates the chalet’s grounds from the lake’s shores and from there you could walk to a picnic area by the lake’s shore around 950m away (note there is no pavement along the main road). The best way to travel is by bike or car (and of course boat taxi or seasonal ferry from nearby Doussard).

Plage de Doussard (2.3km) is an idyllic spot for swimming, boat hire and seasonal watersports – a lifeguard is usually present in July and August. There is a handful of restaurants near the shore alongside a small supermarket whilst there are a few more little shops and places to eat in the actual village of Doussard (4km).

Heading north, Saint-Jorioz (6.5km) is a very picturesque place with its sandy beach, water-based activities and more shops and restaurants as well as an atmospheric weekly market on a Thursday morning throughout the year. Even closer is the charming village of Duingt and its impressive lakeside château whilst the lovely villages of Talloires (10km) and Menthon-Saint-Bernard (14km) are on the other side of the lake.

For winter stays, the skiing resorts near Semnoz are just over half an hour by car, also a wonderful area for hiking once the snow clears. In the other direction, the Aravis mountains are reached within an hour – beginners and experienced wintersport enthusiasts alike will appreciate the various pistes and snow activities in and around La Clusaz (38km) and Le Grand-Bornand (39km), both Alpine playgrounds in the summer months.

Another superb day out is the beautiful and historic town of Annecy (15km), less than half an hour by car (traffic dependent) or a leisurely bike ride following the voie verte. Alternatively, seasonal ferries and boat taxis depart Doussard for Annecy, a fine way to arrive! Admire the canals and photogenic Pont Perrière, visit the 13th century Le Palais de I'Île, shop to your heart’s delight and stroll along the promenade to admire yet more incredible lake and mountain vistas.

Read more about Annecy

With stunning Alpine scenery and serene turquoise waters, Lake Annecy is a fine destination throughout the year whether you are visiting for winter skiing in the mountains or summer watersports on the glistening water.

Known as the “Venice of the Alps”, Annecy town is located at the northern tip of the lake. Wander by its charming canals in the medieval town, stroll across the famous Pont Perrière before reaching the lakeside promenade with the most magnificent vistas throughout the year. Wintertime brings enchanting Christmas markets and the town’s ice-rink, then there’s the vibrant Venetian carnival and spring marathon before the weather allows you to make the most of Annecy’s summer café terraces and gorgeous parks.

In the summer months enjoy a range of lakeside activities such as swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding and boat rides, all in spectacular surroundings. Cyclists of all abilities will love the voie verte that loops around the lake again passing breathtaking scenery.

Wherever you stay around the lake, explore pretty villages and lakeside beaches. Pick up regional specialities at Saint-Jorioz’s Thursday morning market, cycle through the old railway tunnel to medieval Duingt, dine in one of Talloires’s highly regarded restaurants and admire the majestic Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard.

Head into the mountains for authentic market towns, farms, incredible hikes and a great range of wintersports. Thônes is the gateway to the Aravis mountain resorts such as La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand, both a superb place for skiing in the winter and home to a wealth of alpine activities in the summer. On the other side of the lake, appreciate the beauty of the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park and admire the magnificence of the Semnoz mountain.

Whether relaxing by the lake or venturing into the mountains, experience hearty Savoyard cuisine. The region enjoys a rich culinary heritage – try fondue, raclette and tartiflette in authentic hôtels or fish from the lake accompanied by fine regional wine in high-end restaurants overlooking the idyllic shores.