Bike Routes
The most beautiful routes around Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy is one of the most beautiful destinations for cyclists in France. With its turquoise waters, Alpine mountains, and Savoyard villages, there is a wide variety of cycling routes suitable for riders of all skill levels.
Whether you’re on a family outing, a workout ride, or a gravel adventure, here are the best bike routes around Lake Annecy, categorized by difficulty level and type of ride.
Lake Annecy
Le Semnoz
La Forclaz
Lake Bourget
The Greenway
The turntable
end of the lake
Plate rack
Doussard base
Must-Try Cycling Routes
A Bike Ride Around Lake Annecy (40 km) – A Must-Do
The loop around Lake Annecy is a must-do bike route. Distance: about 40 km Elevation gain: ~300 m Difficulty: easy to intermediate Type: mostly paved bike path The full loop around the lake is accessible to almost everyone. The path...
Easy, family-friendly bike routes
Annecy → Sévrier (easy & accessible walk)
Starting in Annecy, this short ride to Sévrier is perfect if you’re looking for an easy, smooth, and hassle-free outing. The bike path is wide and safe, making it ideal for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a relaxing ride. The...
Talloires / Menthon-Saint-Bernard (lake & heritage)
Between Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, you’ll ride right along the water’s edge, with spectacular views of the cliffs and the Alpine landscape. This route is particularly popular for: its accessible beaches, its secluded coves, and its unobstructed views...
Doussard / Lakefront (nature & tranquility)
Starting in Doussard, this route quickly takes you into one of the most unspoiled areas around Lake Annecy. Head toward the Bout du Lac Nature Reserve, a protected area where nature is reclaiming its rightful place. The trail is wide, safe, and mostly...
Intermediate cycling routes
Tour de la Tournette (the challenging loop around the lake)
La Tournette overlooks Lake Annecy. Cycling around it is a real athletic challenge. Distance: 70 to 90 km, depending on the route Profile: hilly to mountainous Level: advanced The loop passes through Thônes, Faverges, and the eastern shore of the lake. This route combines...
Annecy → Albertville (entire greenway)
Starting in Annecy, the greenway leading to Albertville is one of the most scenic cycling routes in Haute-Savoie and Savoie. Distance: approximately 45 km (one way) Terrain: very smooth Level: intermediate This route follows the old railway line,...
Doussard → Faverges → Ugine (Greenway & Great Outdoors)
Starting in Doussard, this route follows the old railroad track that has been converted into a greenway, offering a wide, safe, and very pleasant ride. Distance: 30 to 50 km (adjustable round trip) Terrain: smooth and even Type: dedicated bike path...
Cycling routes lasting 2 days or more
Tour of the 3 Lakes: Annecy – Bourget – Aiguebelette
This is one of the most challenging routes in the region. It connects: Lake Annecy, Lake Bourget, and Lake Aiguebelette. Distance: 150 km or more, depending on the route. Terrain: mountainous to hilly. Level: advanced. This route winds through the heart of Savoie, between mountain passes...
Annecy + Lake Bourget (two Alpine lakes)
This route connects two of the most beautiful lakes in Savoie: Lake Annecy and Lake Bourget. Distance: 90 to 110 km, depending on the route Profile: mostly flat with some hilly sections Difficulty: intermediate to advanced The route begins around Annecy and continues to...
The major mountain passes
Cycling the Semnoz (along the Tour de France route)
The Semnoz offers a completely different challenge. Elevation gain: approximately 1,200 m Length: 15 to 20 km depending on the slope Difficulty: demanding It is a long, steady climb that is more strenuous than the Forclaz. It requires careful pacing, especially on the final...
Cycling over the Col de la Forclaz (panoramic view of the lake)
The Col de la Forclaz is one of the most iconic climbs around Lake Annecy. Elevation gain: approximately 800 m. Climb length: 8 to 10 km depending on the starting point. Difficulty: challenging. The climb usually starts from Talloires or Doussard. The first...
Bike routes around Lake Annecy
Practical tips for cycling around Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy is a fantastic place to go cycling, but following a few best practices will help you get the most out of your ride, especially during peak season.
Leave early during peak season
In the summer, traffic increases significantly, especially on the bike path. Setting out in the morning allows you to ride more peacefully, avoid the intense heat, and enjoy the beautiful light on the lake.
Be sure to bring water and sunscreen
Even on a mostly flat route like the lake loop, the heat can quickly wear you out. Bring a water bottle, and wear sunglasses and sunscreen: the reflection off the water intensifies your exposure to the sun.
Please use the bike lane
The trail is shared with other users (families, rollerbladers, and walkers). Adjust your speed, signal when passing, and stay alert, especially in the busiest areas around Annecy.
Be prepared to share the road with pedestrians
Some sections pass through villages or run along beaches. Slow down and maintain a safe distance to keep the ride flowing smoothly and enjoyably.
Manage your battery if you're riding an electric bike
When riding an e-bike, adjust the assistance level based on the terrain: higher on hills (such as the ones near Talloires), and lower on flat sections. By managing your energy wisely, you’ll be able to complete the tour around the lake without any stress.
Bike routes around Lake Annecy
Frequently Asked Questions
Lake Annecy is a fantastic place to go cycling, but following a few best practices will help you get the most out of your ride, especially during peak season.
How long is the bike route around Lake Annecy?
The bike ride around Lake Annecy is about 40 km long with an elevation gain of approximately 300 meters, making it accessible to a wide range of people. Most of the route follows a safe bike path, which significantly limits car traffic.
Depending on your pace, allow between 2 and 4 hours to complete the full loop, not including breaks. With children or if you’re taking it easy, it’s entirely possible to do it in half a day or in several stages.
It’s clearly one of the best cycling routes in Haute-Savoie for combining exercise and scenery.
Can we walk around Lake Annecy as a family?
Yes! The bike ride around Lake Annecyis actually one of the most family-friendly routes in France. The bike route around Lake Annecy is mostly flat and safe, especially along the western shore between Annecy, Sévrier, and Doussard.
For an outing with kids, you can:
- do only part of the tour
- plan for beach breaks or picnics
- use an electric bike or a child trailer
The route is flexible enough to suit all skill levels. It’s a great option for a family bike ride around Lake Annecy.
What is the best direction to take when cycling around Lake Annecy?
It is recommended to walk the loop clockwise. This allows you to stay on the lakeside for the most spectacular part of the route, particularly between Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard.
Walking in this direction offers:
- more open views of the lake
- a more immersive visual experience
- better land management
It’s a small detail, but it really makes a difference on this Annecy bike route.
What are some easy cycling routes around Lake Annecy?
Several trails are perfect for an accessible outing:
- Doussard → Lake End: nature, tranquility, and no difficulty
- Annecy → Sévrier: a wide, fast-paced trail that’s perfect for beginners
- Talloires → Menthon-Saint-Bernard: panoramic views + access to the lake
These bike routes around Lake Annecy are short, safe, and have minimal elevation gain. They’re perfect for a 1- to 2-hour ride, a leisurely stroll, or exploring the area.
Is it possible to bike up the Col de la Forclaz?
Yes, the Col de la Forclaz by bike is an iconic climb around Lake Annecy. It’s about 8 to 10 km long with an elevation gain of nearly 800 meters.
The climb is gradual but includes some steep sections, particularly toward the end. It remains accessible to a regular cyclist, and even more so on an e-bike.
The reward is well worth the effort: a spectacular panoramic view of the lake, often considered one of the most beautiful in the region.
Is cycling up Le Semnoz difficult?
Yes, the climb up Semnoz by bike is one of the most challenging cycling routes around Lake Annecy. With an elevation gain of about 1,200 meters and a long climb (up to 20 km), it requires good physical fitness.
It is a steady but demanding climb, especially in the final kilometers.
It is often taken by experienced cyclists or those who love a challenge, particularly because it has been featured in the Tour de France.
On an e-bike, the climb becomes more accessible, but remains physically demanding if you want to manage your battery life effectively.
Is it possible to go gravel biking around Lake Annecy?
Yes, the area is perfect for gravel biking. Around Lake Annecy, you’ll find plenty of routes that combine back roads, forest trails, and smooth paths.
The most interesting areas:
- Les Bauges
- the hills of Thônes
- the area around Faverges
Gravel biking lets you get off the beaten path and discover a wilder side of the region.
View the itineraries: here