The Annecy region offers a wide range of activities for the whole family, both in summer and winter. We offer you the top 5 of the must-do activities during your holidays. Here we go, it’s up to you to choose!
Tobogganing in summer
This fun summer activity is always popular with children. You can go to the resort of La Clusaz, 25 km from Annecy, to go down the 2 800-metre slopes. The sledge allows you to go down with your child according to his age. The run is equipped with an automatic photo system to keep a souvenir of your descent. You can then go and enjoy a good pancake in the historic centre of the village.
As an alternative to La Clusaz, the Semnoz resort, 20 minutes fromAnnecy, offers an 850-metre slope from the age of 3 with banked turns in the fir trees, tunnels and a jump. The climb is made directly into your sledge without effort. A little further from Annecy, the resorts of La Sambuy, Saint-Sixt, Megève and Chamonix offer holidaymakers high-quality summer sledging runs. Children aged 3 to 8 must be accompanied during this activity.
Discover the Nature Reserve at the end of the lake
This is a 1.5 hour nature walk. To get to the reserve, you have to pass by the edge of the lake from Sévrier to Doussard. You first cross a pretty forest, then a plain in which you will walk on wooden footbridges to reach an old tower from the Middle Ages that you can visit.
The route is also educational, with plaques showing the animals that live in the reserve: beavers, frogs, ducks and coots. The two rivers that cross the reserve flow into Lake Annecy. You can see the beaver habitat on their banks.
The walk is 1.8 kilometres on the flat and is suitable for families. Dogs are not allowed in the reserves. Find out more about this outing.
Accrobranches with a view of Lake Annecy
The tree courses are very popular with children. The one we propose is a reference in this field. Located on the banks of the lake in Talloires-Montmin, 20 minutes from Annecy, it offers eight different courses suitable for all levels. The children’s course offers 4 loops of increasing difficulty, including one for the youngest from one metre high. There is also a junior course and a large adult course with a large zip line. Safety is assured with the continuous life line. See our guide to tree climbing near Annecy.
Just next door, the Forest of the 5 Senses is a fun way to learn about animal tracks and plant smells. You can also attend the numerous paragliding take-offs on the Planfait site. The view over the lake is magnificent, and the site also allows you to have a picnic.
Swimming in Lake Annecy
We particularly recommend two beaches. The small beach of Angon after Talloires, crossed by a pretty river, is one of the most beautiful of the lake with the view on the castle of Duingt. You can also enjoy a good ice cream. TheImpérial beach in Annecy offers many facilities: paddling pool, giant slide, beach volleyball, restaurant. Not far from the city centre, it is a popular outing during the hot summer months. You can also hire a boat such as a paddle, pedalo or boat to access less popular swimming areas in summer.
In case of bad weather or out of season, nothing is lost. As far as swimming pools are concerned, the Marquisats swimming pool in Annecy facing the lake is a sure bet. The Ile Bleue swimming pool in Seynod is open all year round with a giant slide.
We also recommend the Vitam Parc leisure centre 20 kilometres from Annecy. This aquatic centre allows you to swim all year round in water at 28° C. More than 10 slides and water games will delight the children.
Read a manga while drinking a bubble tea
Children are often fans of manga. Parents have the opportunity to understand this culture by going on a family outing to Manga T in Annecy. The place is located at 7 avenue du Rhône in Annecy. It is based on the Japanese concept of Manga Kissa, which offers three activities in one place in a setting worthy of the land of the rising sun:
- A Japanese tea room with drinks such as bubble tea, classic teas and chocolate drinks. Traditional pastries are made in-house.
- A library of several thousand mangas, some of them in their original version.
- An import shop: goodies, snacks, decoration, posters.
This is the assurance of a good time for all manga fans and their families.
