Lake Annecy (Lac d’Annecy) — the pure waters of a glacial lake

20 June, 2017

Last time we looked at the most fun aqua parks in Europe. This week, we’re looking at the magnificent glacial lake in Annecy, France.

The eastern fringes of France are home to the French Alps, known for their high peaks, including Mont Blanc, and their fantastic wintersports. With all that skiing and snow, however, it can be easy to forget that the summer months still have plenty to offer, and not just because of the Tour de France, which winds its way through the hills and mountain landscapes — in fact, when the mountains are showing off their summer greenery, they’re really showing off their best side.

Lac d’Annecy — a real indulgence

The unspoilt nature is fantastic for hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and even parasailing, amongst other pursuits. The spectacular higher altitudes are great for rafting, canoeing and canyoning. The lakes themselves though are a real indulgence, such as Lake Annecy (Lac d’Annecy) and nearby Lake Bourget (Lac du Bourget), with its beaches and water sports options. You can also hike around the lakes and take in the beautiful panorama of the charming, and lively, waters.

Picnics in the Alpine meadows

Armed with a good pair of walking boots or Nordic walking poles, you’re all set for some mountain hiking — a healthy choice! The local shepherds’ villages that you’ll stumble upon along the way will greet you warmly with ancient traditions. Make sure to sample local home-made cheeses, such as Gruyère. Note that the French version of the cheese has holes, while the Swiss version is a solid cheese with no holes.

Picnicking in an Alpine meadow is a soothing experience, with the peace and tranquillity interrupted by the occasional tinkle of a cowbell, and nothing else. If you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon the rare Edelweiss flower!

Iced drinks in Aix-les-Bains

The ‘Les Bauges’ natural park preserves impressive lime cliffs and beautiful mountain and meadow landscapes — a real feel-good environment. Why not take a hike to Cascade de Piscieux between Les Aillons and Lescheraines, and don’t forget to visit a local cheesemaker, such as Val d’Aillon or Reblochon.

Another great hiking route is ‘Tannes et Glacières’, which takes you to the Glacières du Margériaz — caves in which farmers once collected snow for pressing into blocks of ice. When winter had passed, the large blocks of ice were cut out, packed in straw and taken by donkey to Aix-les-Bains so that the wealthy residents could enjoy ice in their drinks!

Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe

Mont Blanc is an imposing sight, stretching high up into the sky — best to leave the top to experienced climbers. But hiking in the foothills is just as enjoyable. You can also take a cable car or train up the slopes to enjoy the truly breath-taking vistas.

Annecy, Chamonix and Geneva for a day in the city

The nearby cities are fine counterparts to the untamed Alpine landscape, with shopping, museums, terraces and dining to suit any taste.

Annecy is a pleasant town with old streets, colourful buildings and canals. It’s the perfect place for finding unusual shops, but it can be busy, particularly in the summer, when day-trippers flock to its streets. You’ll also find castles, palaces, beautiful gardens and a genuine Pont des Amours. Romantic or what?

Chamonix is an internationally renowned mountain settlement, high up in the mountains. Let the children enjoy the beautiful mountain landscapes, Alpine meadows and wild mountain streams. Alongside the usual terraces and restaurants, you’ll find a wealth of shops selling everything you need for mountain sports.

While we’re on the topic, we should also mention Albertville, with its cosy shops and terraces. It’s just around the corner and was used as a base during the 1992 Winter Olympics.

Geneva has it all — a fine city centre, palaces, parks and gardens, nearby Lake Geneva, art galleries and, of course, watch shops. It’s a feast for the eyes and well worth a couple of days!

Suncamp holiday campsites at Lake Annecy

So that you can enjoy the best of what Lake Annecy has to offer, Suncamp has sought out two great campsites.

The first campsite, L’Idéal, is located in Lathuile, a small village close to the Lake.

The second campsite La Nublière in Doussard, right on the Lake itself. Both campsites are situated in beautiful surroundings of mountains and water and enjoy a mild climate and all the luxury that you could ask for. Sporting activities are in abundance, whether on or in the water or in the air — paragliding and other similar activities are extremely popular here.

Would you like to find out more about Annecy or camp here?

Visit: www.lac-annecy.com

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