The national nature reserve of the Bout du Lac d’Annecy is a wonderful walk for all holidaymakers who wish to discover the lake in its wild setting. We offer you our advice to discover this unique nature reserve.
Discover the Lake Annecy nature reserve
This reserve is the only natural area completely preserved from human activity around Lake Annecy. The site is a wetland that includes two rivers, the Ire and the Eau Morte, which flow into the lake. This area is essentially marshy, with woods and meadows that are home to a wealth of fauna and flora.
You can admire a large number offish species, toads and beavers. The walk near the watercourses allows you to see the typical beaver habitat and the trees cut by their teeth. Numerous birds can be observed, such as reed buntings, spotted locustelles, bitterns and three warblers.
As the visit is made on marked paths, the flora is preserved and you can admire, depending on the season, the snake’s tongue, the gentian and the Swiss woodruff. Many birds such as the green-necked duck, the coot and the swan nest and breed in this habitat. More difficult to observe, many species of reptiles from Haute Savoie are present on the site.
The Lake Annecy reserve walk
After having crossed an undergrowth which is very pleasant in summer thanks to its coolness. You walk in a meadow on a path. When you can see a wooden suspension bridge on your left, either go straight on to join the wooden footbridges which allow you to cross the reedbed to the lake, or turn right to join a small path made of railway sleepers which will lead you to make a nice loop and avoid you to come back by the same route.
Both routes take you to the Beauvivier tower, built in medieval times. You can climb to the second floor of the building to admire the panorama over the end of Lake Annecy. The whole route is marked out with explanations of the animal tracks you may come across.
The 1.8 km walk is easy and particularly suitable for families.
It should be noted that this site offers a route for people with reduced mobility.
Educational video documentary of the Lake Annecy Nature Reserve
How to get to the Bout du Lac reserve
To get to the reserve from Annecy, you pass through the following villages on the shores of Lake Annecy: Sevrier, Saint Jorioz, Duingt and Doussard. You have to pass Doussard in the direction of Faverges and turn around at the first roundabout to take the first small road on the right. A small car park is available, but as it is often full, you can park in a larger car park 200m upstream.
Once you have completed your walk, you can return to Annecy by taking the opposite bank, turning left as you leave the reserve. You will pass through the picturesque villages of Talloires, Menthon Saint-Bernard and Veyrier-du-Lac.
Depending on the season, you can discover the beaches of Lake Annecy for a swim.
If you have enjoyed this walk, you can discover the Roc de Chère nature reserve.
