Cycling the Lake Annecy loop is one of the finest bike rides in France: around 42 km of almost entirely traffic-free path, right next to turquoise water, facing the Aravis range and the Tournette. Family-friendly over most of the route, it’s the must-do experience of any stay in Annecy. Here is the complete guide to nailing your tour of the lake: distance, duration, recommended direction, step-by-step route, choosing your bike and practical tips.

Why cycle around Lake Annecy?

The tour of Lake Annecy is a genuine institution, and for good reason. It’s one of the few great cycling loops in Europe that runs almost entirely on a safe, traffic-free path right by the water, in a spectacular mountain setting. You string together beaches, harbours, characterful villages and castles without ever leaving the lakeside.

It’s also a wonderfully free outing: no car needed, no stress, and a route you can tailor to your fitness and the time available. With the family for a relaxed half-day, with friends for a full day, or solo on a road bike for a sporty challenge — there’s something for everyone. And the bike is simply the most beautiful way to discover Lake Annecy, at a pace that lets you enjoy every view.

The Lake Annecy loop, step by step

The Lake Annecy loop has two very different moods. The west shore follows the famous Lake Annecy greenway, a former railway line converted into a flat, wide path completely separated from cars. It’s the perfect stretch for an easy start.

Leaving Annecy, you ride along the Pâquier then head due south: Sevrier (~5 km), Saint-Jorioz (~9 km), Duingt (~12 km) with its castle perched over the water, then Bredannaz (~17 km) before reaching Doussard (~33 km) at the southern tip of the lake, where the greenway ends.

From Doussard, you ride back up the east shore to complete the ~42 km: Talloires, Menthon-Saint-Bernard with its fairytale castle, then Veyrier-du-Lac before returning to Annecy. Note: on this east shore the path shares the road with cars in places — stay alert, especially with children.

Distance and duration: how long does the loop take?

The full loop is about 42 km. Allow 2h30 to 3h of riding at an easy pace for an average cyclist. But the lake tour is rarely done in one go: between swims, lunch by the water and photos, plan for half a day to a full day.

If you’re short on time or training, two options: ride out and back on the greenway only (west shore, ~66 km round trip to Doussard, but with no climbing), or simply reach Doussard and return by bus or boat. With an electric bike, the full loop becomes accessible to everyone, even without any preparation.

Which direction should you ride the loop?

Our advice as a local rental shop: ride the loop anti-clockwise, i.e. take the west shore (the greenway) on the way out. That way you enjoy the flattest, safest stretch while you’re fresh, and tackle the hillier, more traffic-exposed east shore on the way back, once you’re well warmed up.

This direction also offers the best views with the afternoon sun behind you — ideal for photos of Duingt castle and the Tournette.

Which bike should you choose for the loop?

The right bike depends on your fitness and your plans:

• Hybrid or city bike: perfect for a relaxed family ride on flat ground. Discover our bikes for hire in Annecy.
• Electric bike: the number-one choice to cover the ~42 km effortlessly and soak up the scenery. See our electric bike rental.
• Road or gravel bike: for sporty riders who want to ride the loop at a good pace, or even add a mountain pass to the programme.

For families, child seats, trailers and tag-alongs let you bring the little ones along safely.

Variations and ways to extend the ride

The classic lake loop can be tweaked in countless ways. For a shorter version, reach Doussard via the greenway and return the same way: a 100% traffic-free out-and-back, perfect with young children. For a sportier version, add the climb to the Col de la Forclaz from the east shore, with its dizzying panorama and paragliders, or climb the Semnoz to look down over the whole lake.

Trail lovers will prefer a gravel variation along the hillsides and quiet vineyard lanes, away from the summer crowds. And if you have several days, combine the lake tour with other bike rides around Annecy to explore the whole region. The Bout-du-Lac nature reserve in Doussard is also worth a short detour on foot, bike in hand.

💶 Want to compare prices? See our bike rental rates in Annecy.

Where to stop: beaches, restaurants and viewpoints

The lake tour is dotted with irresistible stops. For swimming, the beaches of Sevrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt and Doussard are right on the route — bring your swimsuit and towel. For food, Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard offer lovely waterside restaurants, while the open-air cafés of Doussard are perfect for a laid-back lunch.

For panoramas, don’t miss Duingt castle, the Bout-du-Lac nature reserve in Doussard and the view of the Tournette from the east shore. Photography lovers will be spoilt at every bend.

Before or after the loop, take time to wander through the old town of Annecy, nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps”: its canals, the Palais de l’Île and the flower-lined arcades are worth the trip on their own. The start of the tour, from the Pâquier and the Jardins de l’Europe, already offers a spectacular taste of the lake. Many cyclists end their day with an ice cream or a drink on a waterside terrace — the perfect break after the effort.

When to ride the lake loop?

The ideal season runs from April to October. In high summer, set off early: the greenway is very busy in July and August, and waterside terraces fill up fast. Spring and early autumn offer gorgeous light and gentler crowds — our favourite seasons for the lake tour.

Avoid the hottest days in the middle of the day, especially with children, and check the forecast: the lake can get windy in the afternoon.

No gear yet? We’re your bike rental shop in Annecy, just steps from the greenway.

Tips & safety for a successful loop

• Carry plenty of water and a snack, even though villages are never far away.
• A helmet is strongly recommended, especially on the east shore shared with the road.
• Respect pedestrians and other cyclists on the greenway, which is very busy.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a light windproof.
• Find all our routes and ideas for bike rides around Annecy in our guide.

FAQ

How long is the Lake Annecy bike loop?

The full loop is about 42 km, combining the greenway (west shore) and the east shore of the lake.

How long does it take to cycle around Lake Annecy?

Allow 2h30 to 3h of riding at an easy pace, and plan for half a day to a full day with swimming and lunch stops.

Is the Lake Annecy loop suitable for children?

The west shore (greenway) is flat, safe and ideal for families. The east shore shares the road in places: stay cautious with children, or turn back at Doussard for a 100% traffic-free out-and-back.

Which bike should I choose for the loop?

A hybrid bike is enough for a relaxed ride, but the electric bike is the most comfortable way to cover the 42 km effortlessly. Sporty riders will prefer a road or gravel bike.

Can I rent a bike in Annecy for the lake tour?

Yes, our shop is at 23 faubourg Sainte-Claire, just steps from the start of the greenway. Hybrid, electric, road, gravel and kids’ bikes are available, with online booking.