Nestled in the heart of the French Alps in Haute-Savoie, Annecy seduces with its picturesque charm and lake with crystalline waters. Nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps," this exceptional commune offers much more than its flower-lined canals and historic center: it is home to the most beautiful beaches where you can relax and swim. Between the golden sand beaches of Lake Annecy, shaded grass areas and turquoise waters with exceptional colors, Lake Annecy offers about ten bathing areas, each with its specificities. Whether you're looking for a free beach for a family getaway or a more intimate place to recharge by the water, discover our selection of the 10 most beautiful beaches of Lake Annecy to fully enjoy this alpine jewel.

1. Saint-Jorioz Beach, the golden pearl of Lake Annecy

Impossible to talk about the most beautiful beaches of Annecy without mentioning Saint-Jorioz! This exceptional beach stands out for its golden sand, a rarity on the shores of Lake Annecy. Located on the left bank, it offers a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains, notably the Dents de Lanfon and Tournette. Blue Flag certified since 2010, this municipal beach guarantees exemplary environmental quality for the public.

Saint-Jorioz beach extends over a beautiful area with shaded spaces perfect for protection from the alpine sun. Families particularly appreciate its facilities: diving boards, children's play areas and secure swimming zones. In July and August, it is supervised by lifeguards from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Access is paid in high season (rate: €2.20 for adults, €1 for 10-18 years old, free for under 10).

Available services:

• On-site catering with snack bar and terrace
• Toilets and changing rooms
• Water sports equipment rental (paddle, pedal boats)
• Free parking (but fills up quickly)

Good to know: This beach offers quality services in a privileged location. Parking is free but fills up quickly in summer. We recommend arriving early in the morning to fully enjoy this unique sand beach of Annecy.

2. Albigny Beach, the accessible urban one

Among the most beautiful beaches of Lake Annecy, Albigny stands out for its proximity to the city center. Located in Annecy-le-Vieux, this vast free grass beach is one of the most popular swimming areas of the lake. Its green setting, bordered by flowers and vegetation with vibrant colors, makes it a true urban haven of peace accessible to the public.

Albigny beach (6 avenue du Petit Port, 74940 Annecy-le-Vieux, rated 4.2/5 on Google for over 4000 reviews) offers numerous activities for all users: beach volleyball court, ping-pong tables, children's play areas and picnic spaces. Kayak, paddle and pedal boat rentals are available on-site. This spacious beach also offers beautiful shaded spots under its large trees, perfect for a cooling break and relaxation.

Services and facilities:

• Toilets and showers
• Dining – La Trinquette for light meals
• Nautical center nearby
• PMR access with floating wheelchairs
• Supervision in high season

This Annecy beach is particularly appreciated for its family atmosphere and multiple services. Public transport access is facilitated by several bus lines.

For those who wish to discover Annecy authentically, let yourself be guided by the Ryo Annecy itinerary which will take you from beaches to the hidden treasures of the Venice of the Alps.

3. Imperial Beach, the elegant downtown one

Imperial beach thoroughly deserves its place among the most beautiful beaches of Lake Annecy. Located steps away from the famous Palace Impérial, this beach recently became free (since 2022) while maintaining its elegant charm and quality facilities. Its privileged location in the heart of Annecy, between Pâquier and the gardens of Europe, makes it an essential place for urban tourism enthusiasts.

This carefully maintained grass beach has the finest infrastructure of the lake: diving boards, slide, sports courts and bar-restaurant with terrace. The atmosphere is particularly refined, with chic and relaxed decoration in harmonious colors. Families appreciate the playground, beach volleyball court and trampoline, while adults savor the elegance of the setting.

High-end services:

• Dining with the Moon Beach Bar
• Modern toilets and changing rooms
• Deck chairs and parasols
• Organized summer entertainment
• Professional supervision

Access and parking:

• 10 minutes walk from the historic center
• Imperial parking (charges apply)
• Bus access – several lines serve the center

Download the audio-guided circuit to discover Annecy on foot and independently

Complete your beach day with a guided tour of the city of Annecy thanks to the Ryo itinerary. This 2.6 km route will make you discover in 1 hour the 20 must-see places of interest in the Venice of the Alps, from the Palais de l'Île to the flower-lined canals of the Thiou, with fun and captivating audio guides.

4. Marquisats Beach, the first inclusive beach

Marquisats beach revolutionizes the landscape of the most beautiful beaches of Lake Annecy by becoming the first inclusive beach of the commune. Inaugurated in July 2024, this social innovation allows access to people with disabilities through specific facilities: access ramps, floating wheelchairs, adapted changing rooms and sound guidance – real help for PMR users.

Located on rue des Marquisats, this free beach benefits from an exceptional setting near Annecy's historic center. It offers shaded areas, playgrounds and direct access to the crystalline waters of the turquoise-colored lake. Four specially trained inclusion ambassadors welcome visitors and ensure the proper functioning of this beach accessible to the widest public.

Inclusive services and facilities:

• PMR adapted toilets
• Nautical base with paddle and kayak
• Light catering on-site
• Showers and changing rooms
• Parking nearby

This pioneering approach makes Annecy an even more welcoming destination for all users. Marquisats beach represents the future of inclusive tourism in Haute-Savoie.

5. Sevrier Beach, the friendly family one

Among the most beautiful beaches of Lake Annecy, Sevrier holds a place of choice for families seeking tranquility and relaxation. This vast free municipal beach, located near the marina, offers a breathtaking panorama of the mountains and benefits from ideal exposure facing the sunset – a spectacle of exceptional colors.

Sevrier beach is characterized by its carefully maintained lawn that slopes gently down to the lake shore, perfect for young children. Shaded by magnificent pines, it offers picnic areas, children's games and facilitated access for PMR users with free provision of floating wheelchairs. Supervision is provided in July and August from 10:15 AM to 5:45 PM.

Services and activities:

• Dining with snack bar and restaurant
• Toilets and showers
• Sailing and canoe-kayak club
• Paddle and pedal boat rental
• Children's play areas
• Facilitated PMR access

Practical information: Although access to this Annecy beach is free, parking is paid from May 15 to September 15 (rate: €2.20/hour). Alternative: park further away and come by bike via the bike path or by bus.

6. Angon Beach in Talloires, the alluring wild one

Angon beach in Talloires-Montmin undoubtedly figures among the most beautiful beaches of Lake Annecy. Located just 1 km from the center of Talloires, this beach enchants with its preserved natural setting where mountains plunge directly into the emerald waters of the lake. A small stream even winds along this verdant expanse, adding to the charm of this magical place.

This paid beach in high season (rate: €2.20 adults, €1.20 for under 16, free under 4) offers beautiful facilities in a preserved natural setting, away from the hustle and bustle. The reeds at the water's edge create an authentic atmosphere. Angon beach has a large sunny and shaded lawn, picnic tables, beach volleyball court, pétanque, ping-pong tables and the famous Saravah Café which organizes concerts and movie nights in summer.

Services and attractions:

• Dining with the Saravah Café
• Toilets and changing rooms
• Paddle and kayak rental
• Evening musical entertainment
• Diving boards and docks
• Supervision in high season

The particularly friendly atmosphere and multiple activities offered make this Annecy beach an essential place to discover the art of living in Annecy in a preserved location.

7. La Brune Beach in Veyrier-du-Lac, the Blue Flag certified

Among the most beautiful beaches of Lake Annecy, La Brune beach in Veyrier-du-Lac stands out for its Blue Flag label, guaranteeing exemplary environmental quality since 2009. This free beach open year-round benefits from a privileged location on the right bank of the lake, easily accessible from Annecy's historic center.

La Brune beach offers an idyllic setting with its harmonious blend of light sand and large lawn with changing colors according to the season. Families appreciate its two sand areas specially designed for children, its diving platform, its paddling area and its shaded spaces perfect for relaxation. A shower and toilets complete the facilities for user comfort.

Quality services:

• Toilets and showers
• Dining – Le Chalet de la Brune
• Paddle and electric boat rental
• PMR access with floating wheelchair
• Supervision July-August (11 AM-7 PM)
• Paid parking but bike path nearby

Across the lake, the gentle Bauges massif offers a striking mountain panorama with spectacular colors, while the charming wooden dock invites swimming in the purest waters of Europe.

8. Menthon-Saint-Bernard Beach, the entertaining shaded one

Menthon-Saint-Bernard beach deserves its place among the most beautiful beaches of Lake Annecy for its unique character and diverse services. This vast paid municipal beach (rate: €4.50 adults, €2.50 for under 16) doesn't have sand but a magnificent lawn dotted with leafy trees creating natural cool spaces, perfect for avoiding sunburn and enjoying relaxation in the shade.

Located on the right bank of the lake, between Veyrier-du-Lac and Talloires-Montmin, this beach offers a privileged view of the mountains with changing colors. Its numerous facilities make it a family paradise: paddling pool for the little ones, play areas, sports and pétanque courts, snack bar and picnic areas. Supervision is provided in July and August from 10 AM to 7 PM for everyone's safety.

Complete services:

• Dining with beach restaurant
• Toilets and changing rooms
• Sailing club nearby
• Ball and racket lending
• Deck chair rental
• Ice cream and refreshments
• Free parking

The relaxed atmosphere and generous shade of large trees create a unique seaside ambiance in this privileged location just a few kilometers from the castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard which reportedly inspired Walt Disney.

9. Duingt Beach, the historic one facing the castle

Duingt beach admirably completes our selection of the most beautiful beaches of Lake Annecy with its exceptional historic setting and postcard colors. This charming free grass beach faces the famous Châteauvieux de Duingt, this former stronghold that seems to float on the lake waters since the 11th century – a place steeped in history.

Entirely grassed and dotted with large trees, this municipal Annecy beach of 120m long by 25m wide constitutes a true waterfront park. The gentle slope descending to the lake makes it particularly suitable for families with children and conducive to relaxation. Wooden benches invite contemplation of this unique landscape where lake and mountain colors blend.

Characteristics of this Annecy beach:

• Totally free access
• Unsupervised but safe
• Public toilets nearby
• Dining – La Petite Fringale (guinguette)
• Diving school and aquatic hiking
• Nautical club (paddle, kayak, windsurfing)
• View of the historic castle

Although unsupervised, it remains very popular with diving enthusiasts and users seeking tranquility. Its location on the road that circles Lake Annecy makes it an ideal stop during a discovery day of the most beautiful beaches of Lake Annecy.

10. Douss'plage in Doussard, the wild one at the end of the lake

Douss'plage in Doussard beautifully concludes our tour of the most beautiful beaches of Lake Annecy. Located at the end of the lake, in a protected natural environment near the Bout du Lac nature reserve, this free beach offers a wilder and more preserved setting than its counterparts, in a privileged location amidst nature.

This sand beach of Doussard has all the necessary infrastructure for a successful day: free supervision from July 1 to August 31, snack restaurant, pedal boat and motor boat rental, sailing school and boat launch ramp. The floating docks allow jumping directly into the green reflection of the Dents de Lanfon with exceptional colors. PMR access is facilitated for all users.

Services and activities at Douss'plage:

• On-site dining with snack bar
• Toilets and showers
• Complete nautical center (paddle, sailing, kayak)
• Tennis and mini golf
• Bike rental
• Ice cream and refreshments
• Waste management with selective sorting

Access to the nature reserve from the beach allows combining swimming and discovery of lacustrine fauna and flora. An educational trail crosses the reeds and allows bird watching in this protected location. This Annecy beach is accessible by car with two paid parking lots, or via a dedicated summer shuttle. For cyclists, the bike path towards Albertville passes right nearby.

To discover all the secrets of Annecy beyond its beaches, don't hesitate to follow the Ryo guided tour itinerary which will reveal the hidden treasures of the Venice of the Alps.

Practical advice and pricing information

Lake Annecy beach prices in 2025

Paid beaches:

• Saint-Jorioz Beach: Adults €2.20, 10-18 years €1, free under 10
• Angon Beach: Adults €2.20, under 16 €1.20, free under 4
• Menthon Beach: Adults €4.50, under 16 €2.50, free under 4

Free beaches:

• Albigny, Imperial, Marquisats, Sevrier, La Brune, Duingt, Douss'plage

Services available on Lake Annecy beaches (2025)

Supervision and safety: All major Lake Annecy beaches are supervised in July-August by qualified lifeguards to ensure user safety.

Dining: Each major Annecy beach offers at minimum a snack bar with ice cream, drinks and light meals. The best equipped have restaurants with terraces.

Sanitary facilities: Toilets and showers available on all Lake Annecy beaches, with PMR access on most.

Regulations and advice

Dogs: Dogs are prohibited on most Lake Annecy beaches, except at Douss'plage (on leash only).

Waste management: Several Lake Annecy beaches are certified "Zero Waste" with sorting bins. Please respect the environment of this lake with the purest waters in Europe.

The most beautiful beaches of Lake Annecy offer remarkable diversity for all tastes, budgets and types of users. From the golden sand of Saint-Jorioz to the inclusive spaces of Marquisats, through the elegance of Imperial or the historic setting of Duingt, each Annecy beach has its unique personality and particular colors.

These lacustrine jewels of Haute-Savoie, bathed by the purest waters of Europe, constitute so many invitations to relaxation and leisure in an exceptional alpine setting. Whether you're with family, friends or as a couple, whether you come by car, bike or bus, these Lake Annecy beaches will seduce you.

With their quality services (dining, toilets, supervision, PMR assistance), their diverse activities (paddle, sailing, games) and their optimized accessibility (public transport, bike path), these exceptional places make the worldwide reputation of this sustainable tourism destination.

To complete your lake stay, don't hesitate to discover all the treasures of Annecy with our complete guide to the Venice of the Alps.

How to access Annecy beaches?

Before discovering each Annecy beach, here's our advice for optimal access. Users can choose different means of transport according to their location and preferences.

Public transport and buses

The Sibra network offers lines specially dedicated to lacustrine tourism. Users can take buses on lake lines that serve all Lake Annecy beaches from downtown. Preferential summer rates with shuttles every 20 minutes.

By bike on the cycle path

The magnificent cycle path circles the lake completely over 40 kilometers. Bike rental available at numerous points in Annecy commune. This option avoids traffic jams and allows admiring the changing colors of the lake according to time and weather.

By car – Parking and car parks

Each Annecy beach has parking, but beware of rates and availability in high season. We advise arriving early in the morning or favoring alternative transport. Some parking lots are free while others charge hourly rates.

FAQ – The most beautiful beaches of Annecy

Which are the free beaches of Lake Annecy?

The main free beaches of Annecy are: Albigny, Marquisats, Imperial, Sevrier, La Brune in Veyrier-du-Lac, Duingt and Douss'plage in Doussard. Note that some free beaches have paid parking in summer.

What is the only sand beach of Lake Annecy?

Saint-Jorioz beach is the only true golden sand beach around Lake Annecy. Blue Flag certified, it offers a spectacular view of the mountains and is a must for families.

When are Annecy beaches supervised?

Most Annecy beaches are supervised in July and August, generally from 10 AM to 7 PM. Hours may vary by beach: Saint-Jorioz (9:30 AM-5:30 PM), Albigny, Imperial and Marquisats all day, La Brune (11 AM-7 PM).

Can you swim in Lake Annecy year-round?

Technically yes, but water temperature varies from 4°C in winter to 24°C in summer. The ideal swimming season runs from June to September. Lake Annecy, reputed as the purest in Europe, offers exceptional water quality for swimming.

Which Annecy beach to choose with children?

For families, we recommend Saint-Jorioz (sand beach), Sevrier (gentle slope, free), Albigny (close to center, playgrounds) or La Brune in Veyrier-du-Lac (special children sand areas, paddling pool). All have playgrounds and summer supervision.

How to access Lake Annecy beaches without a car?

Several options are available to users: Sibra lake line buses (every 20 min), bike via the 40 km cycle path, lake shuttles from Annecy port. These alternatives avoid parking problems and allow enjoying the lake colors during the journey.

Where to paddle on Lake Annecy beaches?

Paddling is possible on most Lake Annecy beaches with on-site rental: Albigny, Marquisats (nautical base), La Brune, Sevrier, Angon beach, and Douss'plage. These locations offer ideal conditions to discover the lake from another angle and admire its colors from the water.