Discover Lake Annecy without a car

Lake Annecy is one of France’s most beloved travel spots, and for those who have not heard of it, it is definitely a hidden gem amongst the many other popular places to visit in France! Far from the hustle and bustle of Paris or the Côte d’Azur (during summertime), Lake Annecy provides town and culture along with unspoilt scenery and the relaxing environs of lake and mountains!

The breath-taking, glacier blue Lake Annecy is the second largest lake in France and cleanest lake in Europe, and it is surrounded by towering mountains and quaint villages. Whether you want to eat well, visit museums and relax by the water, or go on bike rides, hikes, and even try paragliding – Lake Annecy has so much to offer! Visiting Lake Annecy with your family, friends, or on your own is a wonderful way to create some beautiful memories, and you should definitely not let a lack of private vehicle get in the way of visiting Lake Annecy! While there are many incredible spots worth visiting in France that require a car to get to, Lake Annecy is not one of those places. In this article, we will break down how to get to Lake Annecy and what to do while you’re there, no car needed!

Getting to Lake Annecy

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The most popular place to stay while visiting Lake Annecy, and certainly the largest town along the lakeside, is Annecy. To get to Annecy without a car, your main options remain by train, bus, or plane.

If you are coming from abroad and opt to arrive by plane, the closest airports to Annecy are situated in the cities of Lyon or Geneva. Even though Geneva is in Switzerland, it is very easy and quick to cross the border into France and make your way to Annecy. Coming from Geneva, one of the easiest ways to get to Annecy is the Flixbus, which takes about 1 hour. From Lyon on the other hand, you can opt for bus or train directly into Annecy. The high speed train (TGV) is a brilliant option if you are coming in from Paris, as the TGV will take you from Gare de Lyon to Annecy in around 4 hours! As you can see, getting to Annecy without a car is not so difficult, but what do you do once you get there?

Getting around Lake Annecy

Le Deck Veyrier

Annecy is a charming town – not too big and not too small, it is easy to get around by foot! While exploring Annecy and it’s enchanting old town may fulfil your itinerary for a day or two, if you are planning to stay for a little longer or simply want a bit of adventure, you will likely want to explore outside of Annecy itself and soak in the views from all around the lake! Of course, this is absolutely possible without a car!

Bus

Lake Annecy’s local bus network is called the SIBRA, and it offers 36 regular bus lines that typically run all day long. Even better, the SIBRA bus network is actually completely free to use during the months of July and August! For those who want to get around the lake by bus, you have the option of taking line 15 up and down the west side of the lake, between Annecy and Duingt, or line 20 up and down the east side of the lake between Annecy and Agnon. The bus lines also service the greater Annecy area and can even take you further into the mountains beyond.

Boat

Even more fun than taking the bus for your transportation needs, is taking a boat! While you are staying by Lake Annecy, there is no better way to enjoy the unique landscape the lake offers than by taking a boat to visit neighbouring towns! There is also the Navibus, Lake Annecy’s boat bus that will be servicing all ports over the summer. Whether you want to get from Annecy on the northern end of the lake all the way to Doussard at the southern end – the Navibus has you covered! For example, this means that even if you are staying in Annecy, you will be able to easily get to Veyrier du Lac for any fun activities such as wakeboarding, stand up paddling, or pedalo rental. You can even bring your bike on board for 1 euro extra to your ticket! The Navibus also offers many tours and dining excursions so that you can get a greater sense of the incredible Lake Annecy and its magnificent surroundings!

Of course, you can even rent your own boat to explore the lake at your leisure!

Bike

Finally, a great way to explore the area around Lake Annecy is by bike. The well known Voie Vert Loop, or greenway, is a bike path that goes all around the lake. First created back in 1974, the greenway is one of the oldest cycling paths in France and one of the most beautiful as it hugs the shores of the lake, offering astounding views of sparkling waters, lovely towns, and grand mountains as you ride along! The bike loop is a total of 42 kilometres and takes around 2-4 hours to complete depending on your pace. When it comes to bike rentals around Lake Annecy, you have plenty of choice between local operators who offer flexible rental options so that you can explore around Lake Annecy or within the city of Annecy itself!

If you are looking for a short-term bike rental service simply to get from one spot to another, the self-service Vélonecy electric bike rentals are at your disposal! With 400 electric bikes available to rent at 79 stations spread out across the lake and the greater Annecy region, biking has never been easier around Annecy! All you need to do is download the Vélonecy app and find your station of departure to get started – the best part, the first 30 minutes is free of charge!

For even more thrill when it comes to biking Lake Annecy, check out these mountain biking excursions that will take you into the mountains around Annecy for an unforgettable adventure!

Bus, boat, and bike are all perfectly good ways to explore around Lake Annecy, but let’s not forget the most simple mode of transportation of all: walking!

Best Walks/Hikes around Lake Annecy

Chris Rando Evasion

Now that you know all the ways to get around Lake Annecy without a car, here is a list of some wonderful walks and hikes to do from various points around the lake!

Annecy Old Town

Number one on the list is Annecy’s old town. Regardless of whether you are staying in Annecy or not, walking among the enchanting tulip-draped canals of Annecy’s old town is not to be missed. Pro tip: After exploring the historical parts of town, head towards the Gardens of Europe which overlook Lake Annecy for a lovely ending to your walk!

The River Thiou

The crystalline stream of the River Thiou is part of what gives the town of Annecy such a unique appeal! Starting from the Palais de l’isle in Annecy’s centre, follow the beckoning gleam of the river away from the lake and out of town!

Du Bout du Lac

At the southern end of Lake Annecy is the du Bout du Lac Nature Reserve. Not only is this a fun way to get away from the crowds of Annecy, but the nature reserve is a protected natural area that offers a diversity of flora and fauna to marvel at!

Le Cascade d’Angon

From either Talloires or Angon you can hike into the mountains above to see a beautiful waterfall along with striking views of the lake. If you do decide to make the hike from Talloires, don’t forget to budget your time so that you can explore the town as well!

Roc de Chère

Another natural reserve available for you to explore by Lake Annecy is the Roc de Chère natural Reserve, located between Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard. The natural reserve is located on top of a mount which gives you excellent views of the lake and mountains around you as you stroll through the lush forest!

Sentier de Roselières

For a different perspective of Lake Annecy, make your way west of Annecy to the port of Saint-Joritz to walk along the protected reed beds on the lakeside and learn about the local aquatic wildlife!

Le Mont Veyrier

One of the most popular of Annecy’s hiking trails is the Mont Veyrier loop, which will take you to the summit of the mountain above Veyrier-du-Lac. Once you hike up through the forest, the view will clear and you will have spectacular views of the entire lake! You can also continue over the ridgeline for an additional journey to Mont Baron next door!

The best outdoor activities from Annecy

FLYEO

Annecy offers an incredible range of outdoor activities that are all easily accessible without a car. Thanks to its compact layout and excellent transport connections, you can explore both the lake and the surrounding mountains with ease. Here are some of the best outdoor experiences you can enjoy during your stay:

Paragliding over Annecy's Lake

One of the most iconic outdoor experiences in the region is paragliding above Annecy, offering a breathtaking tandem flight over the turquoise lake and surrounding alpine peaks such as La Tournette and the Bauges Massif. Take-off is from the famous Col de la Forclaz launch site in Montmin, with landings typically in Doussard, and flights are operated by certified instructors ensuring both safety and enjoyment. Depending on your preference, you can choose from calm introductory flights or more dynamic, sensation-filled experiences, all with spectacular views throughout the glide. After landing, you can even relax with a drink or ice cream while taking in the scenery.

• Meeting point: 646 route du Couardet, 74210 Doussard
• How to get: From Annecy city center, take bus Y51 directly to Doussard (around 45 minutes)

Canyoning in Haute-Savoie

Canyoning in the Angon Canyon near Annecy is a refreshing and adventurous way to discover the wild side of Haute-Savoie, combining jumps, natural slides, and abseils in a stunning gorge that flows down toward Lake Annecy. Located at the foot of La Tournette, the canyon offers routes suitable for both beginners and thrill-seekers, with “discovery” and “sensations” options led by experienced guides who ensure both safety and fun.

• Meeting point: Canyon parking area, Angon, Talloires-Montmin
• How to get: From Annecy city center, take bus 1, then change at Vignières for bus 20 and get off at Angon stop (about 1 hour total)

Rafting near Annecy

Rafting in the Fier Gorges near Annecy offers a wild and immersive adventure through one of the most beautiful canyons in the Rhône-Alpes region. Surrounded by steep rock walls, waterfalls, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, you’ll navigate rapids, small jumps, and natural pools in a lush setting that almost feels tropical. Guided by a certified instructor, this off-the-beaten-path experience combines thrills with a deeper discovery of the local environment, making it both exciting and enriching.

• Meeting point: 573 route d’Annecy / 266 route d’Annecy, 74150 Hauteville-sur-Fier (depending on your time slot)
• How to get: From Annecy train station, take bus 1 to Poisy Collège, then change to bus J5 to Hauteville Chef-Lieu (about 1 hour total)

Not only is travelling to and around Lake Annecy without a car completely doable, but there are truly so many great activities to do around Annecy that don’t involve cars at all!

Relying on the highly sophisticated public transportation available around Annecy is encouraged by the local government and their emphasis on providing widespread and affordable transportation for those living and visiting in the Grand Annecy region. In fact, during the summer of 2023, 2.5 million people opted to use the available public transport in Grand Annecy!

Forget the car – there is no better way to discover Lake Annecy in all its glory than by train, bus, boat, bike and foot!