Vue Du Lac

Vue Du Lac enjoys glorious views down to Lake Annecy, a 10-minute drive south of Saint-Jorioz. Fly into Chambéry Airport (46km) or Geneva Airport (60km) or drive 8-9 hours from Calais/Dieppe/Caen on the north-west coast. If travelling by train, Gare d’Annecy (17km) has arrivals from Paris Gare de Lyon (the direct TGV service takes around 3 hour 40 minutes). A car is essential to be able to explore this beautiful region.

Located at an altitude of 850m on the edge of the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park, this is a quiet area with a handful of neighbours and you can discover wonderful walking and hiking opportunities from your doorstep. There are other little hamlets within a short distance, one home to a traditional fromagerie (guests receive a small discount) whilst the nearest shops and restaurants are in Saint-Jorioz (7.5km) including a large supermarket. The Thursday morning market in Saint-Jorioz showcases a wealth of delicious regional products.

Saint-Jorioz is especially famed for its picture-perfect sandy beach with turquoise waters (in July and August there is a charge to access the beach as a lifeguard is usually present). Activities in and around Saint-Jorioz include pétanque, volleyball, tennis, padel, boat rental and a range of seasonal watersports. Families will adore Criq Parc forest playground (suitable for children aged 3+), open seasonally.

Cycling fans can join the 43km voie verte that loops around Lake Annecy, ideal for families and more experienced cyclists alike. If not bringing your own, arrange bike hire in advance and they can be stored in the garage. There are other more challenging cycling routes as well as mountain biking opportunities through the Alpine landscapes. Other adventurous activities across this region include rafting, canyoning and climbing alongside skiing and sledging in the snowy winter. Meanwhile, golf lovers note that Golf de Giez and Golf du Lac d'Annecy are both within a 30 to 40-minute drive.

You may prefer to simply spend your time discovering other gorgeous lakeside spots and beautiful villages and towns. Château de Duingt (11km) sits in a stunning position on the edge of the lake, next to the charming medieval village of Duingt itself. On the other side of the lake, Talloires (23km) is another idyllic village with impressive Savoy architecture and gastronomic restaurants alongside pretty beaches and watersports. Keen hikers can admire the waterfall, Cascade d'Angon, just outside Talloires.

The elegant lakeside town of Annecy (16km) is another must-visit during your time by the lake. Steeped in history and in such a wonderful setting, no wonder the town has been classified as a Town of Art and History in France. With canals flowing through the town, it is also referred to as the ‘Venice of the Alps’. No matter what the season, soak up the joyful ambience as you walk by the lake amongst locals and visitors alike.

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.