The green route around Lake Annecy by bike

Annecy is a town where the height of the mountains and the sky-blue shores of the lake combine. In fact, it's a popular place that attracts sports enthusiasts in both winter and summer! Parachuting, canyoning, hiking and cycling. Whether you're with family or friends, Annecy is full of cycle paths and trails. You can choose your level of difficulty while taking in the magnificent scenery of the Haute-Savoie mountains. The Tour de France passes through Annecy every year!

Cycling is a fun and eco-friendly way to get around on holiday. As well as being good for the planet, it's an economical and sporty way to explore the area around the medieval town.

Electric bike or conventional bike?

Depending on how fit you are and what you want to do, you can choose an electric bike, or stick with a conventional bike. An electrically-assisted bicycle (EAB) is less tiring. It's very comfortable when you're on slopes or on long journeys, although it's more expensive than a conventional bike. Sports enthusiasts can stay on a conventional bike if they want to exercise. If you don't have your own bike, many agencies offer a wide choice of two-wheelers.

Takamaka

Takamaka is a rental agency and activity centre on Lake Annecy. The centre hires out bikes, snowshoes and via ferrata kits all year round. Would you like to try your hand at paragliding, e-foiling, rafting or snowmobiling? Takamaka organises a variety of activities around the Annecy mountains. The agency is located 400 metres from Annecy station and just a few steps from the lake. Road bike hire (electric or classic) starts from €45 per day. Find all the information you need and book online on the Takamaka website.

Cyclable Annecy

Cyclable has two branches in Annecy. Cycling specialists, the branches offer mountain bikes, electric bikes, racing bikes, trailers and children's bikes! Via the Cyclable website, you can hire an electric bike for a day for €49. Find all the prices on the Cyclable Annecy website.

The west bank greenway, an easy cycle path

The west bank greenway is fully equipped for bikes, rollerblades, skateboards and pedestrians. There are regular water points, beaches and toilets along the way.

From the centre of Annecy, it's just 30km to the end of the lake. All along the track, the view of the mountains to your left is dazzling.

This is a great activity for children.

The east bank cycle route, a more intermediate path

Once you've reached the end of the lake, you can extend your ride along the shore and return to Annecy by cycling around the lake. The east bank of the voie verte is still undergoing work in some places, and still has a few stretches of road shared with cars. This route offers 13.5 km of greenway, 3.5 km of multifunctional cycle lane and 3 km of shared lanes, with a difference in height of around 100 metres. With its steeper gradients, this side of the lake is an intermediate level.

The loop around the lake

As you can see, by following the west bank and then the east bank, you can make a loop around the lake from Annecy.

As we said in our article on the best walks around Annecy and our article on the most beautiful beaches in Annecy, a well-packed bag means you can set off with peace of mind.

We recommend that you take :

• Rain jacket ;
• a change of T-shirt ;
• fleece jacket ;
• hat, cap or bonnet
• spare sunglasses
• picnic ;
• cutlery and knife
• snacks ;
• One or two plastic bags for collecting rubbish;
• plasters and antiseptic
• sun cream ;
• mosquito repellent.

Have a good trip!

Where to eat around Lake Annecy?

Saint-Jorioz beach restaurant

The setting of this restaurant is idyllic. A small beach on the shores of Lake Annecy, a terrace overlooking the mountains, a refreshing break in the shade of the Savoy sun. Relax over simple, authentic dishes while the children enjoy the beach.