Known as the pearl of the lake, the village of Talloires offers one of the most beautiful views in the area, with breathtaking scenery between lake and mountains. Just 12 kilometers from Annecy, Talloires offers you a little corner of paradise on the shores of the lake, away from urbanization. In this article, we'll show you the best places to visit, depending on what you're looking for.
For a gastronomic tour
Talloires is renowned as one of Lake Annecy's gastronomic hotspots.
The Auberge du Père Bise has 2 Michelin stars and is run by the famous chef Jean Sulpice. It offers refined cuisine based entirely on local produce. For a simpler, more authentic cuisine, the same chef revisits traditional dishes in his Bistrot "1903".
Another Michelin-starred restaurant, the Auberge de Montmin, is located further up the mountain, on the Col de la Forclaz. The cuisine is gourmet and local, using the best produce sourced within 30km of the restaurant. As an added bonus, tasting is done with a view of the alpine pastures and a lovely, tranquil atmosphere.
Other gourmet restaurants can also be found in the bay. The Abbaye de Talloires and Cottage Bise restaurants offer modern dishes influenced by the flavors of the region. Both have a terrace with a magnificent view of the lake, enough to satisfy your taste buds as well as your eyes.
Le Petit Paradis restaurant, located further back in Talloires-Angon, is literally on the water's edge. It offers an idyllic setting, with a sky-blue, wood-themed decor. The menu offers fine French cuisine with a touch of originality.
For a simpler, more mountain-style cuisine, the high-altitude restaurant La Pricaz, on the Col de la Forclaz, will give you a taste of all the delights of Savoyard cuisine. Their terrace overlooks one of the finest panoramas of the lake. Let yourself be tempted by a tartiflette, fondue or cheese and charcuterie platter...
Above: Auberge du père Bise, below: view from Le Petit Paradis restaurant
For a breath of fresh air
Talloires is also one of Europe's most popular places for paragliding. The view from the air is unique, with the turquoise colors of the lake, the town of Annecy, and finally the surrounding mountains. It is of course possible to enjoy this incredible experience in tandem with an instructor at one of the village's companies.
Departing from the Col de la Forclaz, your first paragliding flight will last between 10 and 30 minutes and will cost between €80 and €135, depending on the program you choose. Les Passagers du vent and Les Grands Espaces are open all year round, but we recommend you take your first flight between March and September.
If you're looking for a different kind of height, you can try climbing or Via Ferrata. Starting from the Pré-Vérel refuge, the "Via tyro" alternates between via-ferrata, tyrolienne and monkey bridge... Our neighbor Monté Médio will be able to guide you and even suggest other via ferrata around the lake. A simple climbing outing is also possible in Talloires: a small 15-metre cliff near the Cascade d'Angon is the perfect starting point.
For young and old alike, Acro'aventures offers a variety of tree-climbing courses in the heart of the forest.
For an overland getaway
For nature outings, Talloires is an excellent starting point for numerous hikes.
One of the most famous is the Angon waterfall. You can reach the trail by starting near the edge of the lake in Angon. The walk takes around 2 hours and takes in the 9-metre waterfall and the fairy bridge.
The Roc de Cher nature reserve also offers easy walks in a calm, cool, wooded area by the lake. Protected since 1977, it boasts some 550 species of flowers. It's also possible to take a dip in the mini-rock pools that dot the shoreline. From the shores of Talloires-Montmin, you can already admire the beautiful view of the Chère rock, an integral part of the Talloires Bay landscape.
The Col des Nantets hike allows you to gain altitude. You can start from the village of La Sauffaz in Talloires, or from the Chalet de l'Aulp for a shorter hike.
For a day's hike , the Tournette ascent is one of the local must-dos. Its 1,500-meter vertical drop will be rewarded with a panorama you'll remember for a long time. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, start the Tournette from the village of Montmin.
Talloires-Angon is also an ideal starting point for cycling around the lake. Restaurants, beach areas, nature reserve, free parking... It's a real paradise for holidaymakers! What's more, starting from Talloires, you can ride around the lake on the flat to Annecy without getting too tired. It's only from Veyrier du Lac onwards that you'll find the difference in altitude, and it's also possible to return to Talloires thanks to a lake shuttle that accepts bikes on board.
We even offer guided tours to discover the lake's unusual and secret spots.
For golf enthusiasts, the Talloires golf course offers a mountain setting in the middle of the Roc de Cher forest.
View from the Tournette summit and Angon waterfall.
For aquatic activities
Espace Lac d'Angon is one of the perfect spots to enjoy the waters of the lake. Indeed, at our neighboring Gliss'Cool Paddle, you'll be welcomed to relax in a shaded area by the lake, and learn how to paddle. At Jean Pierre Bionaz, you'll also have the option of kayaking or pedal-boating.
For another aquatic experienceProfil Plongée invites you to discover the depths of the lake. You can even go as close as possible to an old wreck (subject to Level 2 diving), the reasons for which sank in 1971 have never been explained. Alternatively, you can observe the lake's fish, including gudgeon and Arctic char.
Various boat companies offer crossings of the lake. The navibus cruise, which circumnavigates the lake in 2 hours, makes a stop at Angon. From Talloires-Montmin, it's also possible to take the summer lake shuttles to discover other parts of the lake.
For thrill-seekers, water skiing and wakeboarding are available at Nautic Fontaine. And if you just want to swim, Talloires has two official beaches: Talloires and Angon.
For a rainy day
In case of bad weather, there's always something to do in Talloires.
If you're looking for a moment of relaxation, the various hotels offer wellness areas with spas and massages.
In terms of shopping, there are few boutiques in the village center, but we recommend the Auberge du père bise delicatessen. You can also head further up the hill to the Chalet de l'Aulp to buy reblochon or tomme cheese direct from the farm.
There's also a cinema in the village center to enjoy the big screen on a rainy evening.
Stand up Paddle (Gliss'Cool) in Talloires bay