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Circuit découverte : Le tour du lac d'Annecy

Road in Annemasse

133.8 km

Road

2h 15min

Easy

From Annemasse, set off on a tourist itinerary dotted with remarkable sites. Annecy and its old town, and the towns and resorts on the shores of the lake complete this wonderful natural setting.

Departure

Annemasse
Difference in height

1799.2 m
Plain text period

All year round.
Documentation
- GPX Trace
GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)

Accepted customers
- Individuals

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Points of interest

1 Maison du Salève

2 Le Hameau du Père Noël

3 Le Grand Parc d'Andilly

4 La ferme de Chosal

5 Le Pont de la Caille - Charles Albert

7 Lake Annecy Tourist Office

8 Musée-Château d'Annecy

9 Conservatoire for Art and History

10 Annecy Garden of Europe

11 Plage municipale de Sevrier

12 Plage municipale de Saint-Jorioz

13 Plage municipale de Talloires

14 Tourist information centre of Menthon-Saint-Bernard

15 Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard

16 Plage municipale de Menthon-Saint-Bernard

17 Marina

18 Office de Tourisme de La Roche sur Foron

1 Maison du Salève

Maison du Salève is a lively, friendly place where you can explore the history and heritage of the Salève mountain through exhibitions, workshops, guided tours, discovery trails, lectures, and even birthday parties. Located in the countryside at Présilly, Maison du Salève offers unusual activities connected to its exhibitions, including guided tours, workshops, lectures and nature trails. Walks suitable for people of all ages start from the Maison, including the ‘In the footsteps of the Carthusians’ discovery trail, the pilgrim route to Santiago da Compostela, and the Chemin des Convers, which takes you to summit of the Salève.

The Maison du Salève’s eco-boutique features local artisans, food producers and writers.

2 Le Hameau du Père Noël

Explore the home of Father Christmas and his elves, Mother Christmas, Father Whipper and the Attic of Dummies all year round! There is lots to do in this magical world at any time of year, but the magic of Christmas is always at the heart of everything. Father Christmas has chosen to live in Savoie and has opened his home to you. Find out about his daily life by visiting his workshop, kitchen and bedroom... Places that have until now been kept secret, but which are now unveiled before your very eyes...
A bit further on you enter another world, that of his twin brother, Father Whipper! Much nicer than he seems, he will also show you his clean and tidy home.
Finally, to complete the family, one of the Mother Christmases has opened the doors to her cottage to show you a third, feminine, world of Christmas.
Finally, the latest arrival, the Sandman has arranged an Attic of Dummies for Father Christmas which is completely dedicated to this childhood object.
To complete the magic, there is a crêperie and souvenir shop.
Open all year, don’t hesitate to check the opening times and seasonal events. Father Christmas, Mother Christmas and the Sandman appear regularly to meet you and tell plenty of stories.

3 Le Grand Parc d'Andilly

It is in the middle of a magnificent forest that you will meet the scarecrows. These strange characters stay there all summer and invite us to discover their mysterious and entertaining world. Start by discovering a multitude of these chaps who share their daily life with us. Then, in the middle of hundreds of colourful flowers, all ages can have fun and a great laugh with a life-size game of snakes and ladders. Beware - the children are champions at this game. But revenge is possible with the giant Mikado! The day continues with lots of other discoveries: the giant and his rocking horses, the maze, a musical village…
A day out in a dreamy setting...
- 8 hectares of lush, green forest with a stream ""Le Nant Trouble""
- here and there shaded clearings and ponds
- home to some one hundred animals: pigs, sheep, donkeys, goats, reindeer, geese, ducks...
Then it’s time for a show, with the owl contest or Amadeus, a musical show...
Snacks served in the tavern on-site or bring a picnic.

4 La ferme de Chosal

Farm visit and discovery of food produced by Mother Nature. Horticultural and kitchen garden greenhouses. Meet donkeys and other farm animals. Mini-courses on the farm are offered for children on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the school holidays, booking required (20 € / child)

Other activities are available on request (donkey rental, Art and Nature trail, birthdays ...)

5 Le Pont de la Caille - Charles Albert

A bridge dating from 1839, representing the industrial engineering know-how of the period. The bridge has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1966. It is also one of the 25 emblematic tourist sites in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The idea of building a suspension bridge was approved in 1834 by King Charles-Albert, Duke of Savoy, who gave his name to the structure. 180m long and 147m high, the bridge is now entirely pedestrianized.

Historically, crossing the gorges of the river Usses was difficult and dangerus. From the 18th century, the introdution of a new era of the appeasement of a dispute between the Calvinist Republic of Geneva and the Catholic Duchy of Savoy revitalised the Annecy - Geneva route, requiring a definite need for a suspention bridge. Savoy was under the authority of the House of Savoy, but it was engineers from the French Ponts et Chaussée establishment of engeneering that were retained, M. Belin and M. Lehaitre. Work began on March 10, 1838 and would last 16 months.

7 Lake Annecy Tourist Office

The Tourist Office offers the following services:
- sale of books for hikes around Lake Annecy (IGN, walks around the lake ...),
- sale of books and DVD featuring the history of the city and surrounding sites,
- sales of Gourmet Map (1 meal purchased, one free meal in 25 participating restaurants)
- sale of books bus network SIBRA,
- ticket sales for tours of the old town.
Throughout the year, many ticket shows, concerts ...

8 Musée-Château d'Annecy

Discover a historical monument, the museum and its temporary exhibitions, displayed in the exceptional setting of the former residence of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours. Listed as a Historical Monument in 1902, Annecy Castle became the residence of the Counts of Geneva in the 13th and 14th centuries. Over the following two centuries, successive modifications transformed the castle, giving it the unique appearance we can admire today. The resulting structure is a combination of medieval defensive architecture and renaissance elegance, inspired by castles in Ile de France. Abandoned as a residence in the 17th century, the Annecy Castle was later used as military barracks until 1947.

The Castle-Museum
In 1953, the city of Annecy bought the castle from the Ministry of Defense. The museum's first exhibition was inaugurated three years later. Since then, the museum has presented various temporary exhibitions for visitors, as well as collections related to regional heritage, underwater archeology, medieval sculpture, landscape painting, contemporary art and animation films.

Architecture
In its current state, the castle is a good illustration of how castle architecture changed between the 13th and 16th centuries. The Tour de la Reine is the oldest part of the castle, dating back to the 13th century. Built on elevated ground, it most likely replaced a primitive keep. Measuring over 30 meters high and with walls up to 3.3 meters thick, the tower was used for defensive and military purposes.
The residential quarters of the castle are more recent. Both the Logis Nemours and the Logis Neuf (new lodging house) can be dated to the 16th century and are typical examples of Renaissance architecture. These later constructions clearly attest to the growing importance of elegance and comfort to be found in princely residences. Large windows adorn the facades and allow for natural light to enter the rooms, some of which are decorated with wall paintings and equipped with latrines.

9 Conservatoire for Art and History

Once the Grand Seminary for the diocese of Annecy, it now houses a collection of art works that form part of the area’s artistic heritage: the Paul Payot collection; history of mountaineering, the Chastel collection; 16th/17th/19th C paintings.

10 Annecy Garden of Europe

On the shores of Lake Annecy, the garden of Europe is a popular place to stroll. It is also a historic site used since the Middle Ages for many uses. Religious property until the Revolution, it is now a privileged space.

11 Plage municipale de Sevrier

Lay your beach towel out on the grass at this recently revamped sandy beach and enjoy the peace and quiet as you gaze at Les Dents de Lanfon and Tournette Mountain. From 06/26 to 08.29, beach monitored by Lifeguards. Children's games. Showers and toilets. Snack bar and restaurant on-site. A ramp and floating loungers are available free of charge for people with reduced mobility for easier access into the water. Just a stone's throw away are the sailing and canoe and kayak clubs. Direct access from the promenade cycle path.

12 Plage municipale de Saint-Jorioz

Opposite the Dents de Lanfon and the Tournette mountain, a large grassy sandy beach. Ideal for families and children. "Blue Flag" label since 2010. In July/August (9.30 am - 5.30 pm), admission charge for beach which is monitored by Lifeguards. Relax in the shade of the tall trees, enjoy a game of volleyball or pétanque, or the diving board, pontoons, and children's paddling pool and games. Showers and toilets. Snack bar and restaurant on-site. A ramp and floating loungers are available free of charge for people with reduced mobility for easier access into the water. Just a stone's throw away is the Les Roselières path for exploring the lakeside.

13 Plage municipale de Talloires

Need some down-time? Come and relax on the grass at this beach opposite the Château de Duingt. A truly beautiful place where the deep blue waters of the lake contrast with the lush green of the park. This is the largest beach in Talloires. Located close to the heart of the village, it is always very busy and lively. It offers a breathtaking panorama of the small lake and its azure waters win all the votes!
Beach supervised by lifeguards
Diving board and slide
Pool for the little ones
Swimming lessons
Large sunny lawn but also a lot of shade. Benches.
Beach towel sales, deckchair rental.
Beach volleyball and pétanque. Lending of volleyballs and table tennis rackets.
Bar and restaurant on site.
The nautical center is located within the perimeter of the beach (sailing, paddle, kayak, catamaran lessons and rental).
440 parking spaces nearby.
Please note, dogs are not accepted on the beach.

14 Tourist information centre of Menthon-Saint-Bernard

Find information and a large choice of local and regional documentation to make the best of your stay.

15 Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard

Inhabited by the same family since the 11th century and built between the 11th and 19th centuries, it still contains its rich variety of furniture and period decoration. Nestled on a rocky outcrop, it offers a sublime view of the lake and the landscape. In the 12th century, the castle had only three high square towers linked by sentry walks and a large courtyard where the villagers found refuge in times of trouble.

During the Renaissance, the austere castle was transformed into a place of residence. Then, at the end of the 18th century, a facade was built, opening up a view of the lake.

Then, at the end of the 19th century, under the impetus of the great-grandfather of the current owners, René de Menthon, the castle began its great metamorphosis towards that romantic subtlety which makes up its charm and even its mystery...

16 Plage municipale de Menthon-Saint-Bernard

Not too keen on the sunshine? Settle down in the shade of the trees and relax on the grass at this beach. In July/August (10 am - 7 pm), admission charge for beach which is monitored by Lifeguards. Paddling-pool and games for the children. Showers and toilets. Snack bar on-site. Just a stone's throw away is the sailing club and a lovely walk by the lakeside.

17 Marina

The Marina is situated on the Philibert d'Orlye promenade, a pedestrian promenade perfect for a stroll. 10 annual berths.
Part of the harbour is occupied by pedal boat and small motor boat hire companies, the remainder is reserved for the commune's Fishing Association.

18 Office de Tourisme de La Roche sur Foron

The La Roche-sur-Foron Tourist Office is located in the Maison du Pays Rochois, right in the center of town, at the foot of the Andrevetan parking lot. Open all year round, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm. You'll find information on sights to see and things to do throughout the Haute-Savoie department. An information point is also open at the Tour des Comtes de Genève on Sunday afternoons from May to September.
The Tourist Office organizes guided tours of the medieval town for individuals from May to September, and for groups all year round. It also organizes several events, including the free summer festival Zik'en Ville, as well as the giant Braderie Vide-grenier in early June, the European Heritage Days in September and Rondes et Lumières with its ice rink and children's shows in December.

Our reception service offers you the following services:
- Printing and photocopying.
- Local documentation available.
- Sale of fishing permits.
- Tennis court reservations.

1799 meters of difference in height

Maximum altitude : 804 m
Minimum altitude : 402 m

Total positive elevation : 1799 m
Total negative elevation : -1799 m
Max positive elevation : 161 m
Min positive elevation : -286 m