Annecy in May
Annecy in May, with its picturesque charm and spectacular Alpine setting, is particularly enchanting. As spring reaches its peak, the town and the area around the lake come alive, offering a wide range of activities and experiences for holidaymakers. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff or just looking to relax, you're sure to find a good reason to visit Annecy in May. Here's some information to help you plan your stay.
What's the weather like in Annecy in May?
May sees the arrival of warmer temperatures, with averages ranging from 10°C to 20°C in Annecy. The days get longer, offering more time to enjoy outdoor activities. However, as is often the case in spring, be prepared for the occasional shower. The good news is that when you stay at one of our campsites with a swimming pool at Lake Annecy, you'll be able to take advantage of our covered, heated swimming pools to enjoy a swim whatever the weather!
At La Ravoire, the indoor pool is heated to 28°C! The outdoor pool is open but not heated.
At Les Fontaines, the water park and large pool are open and heated to 23°C. In case of rain, a glass roof covers part of the large pool so you can still enjoy the pool.
At both campsites, all facilities are fullly open on the campsites from when the campsites open, including the pools, shop with bread in the morning and pastries, the bike hire and the bars and restaurants. You can therefore enjoy a campsite with all facilities open!
4 good reasons to visit Annecy in May
If the weather isn't enough for you, here are 4 other good reasons to spend your holiday in Annecy in May.
Grandes Médiévales d'Andilly show
1. Events and festivities to suit all tastes
May is full of cultural, sporting and festive events on Lake Annecy. From music festivals to regattas on the lake, the Annecy in May calendar of events offers a diversity to suit all tastes. Here's a small selection:
The Maxi Race is one of the best known and most difficult running races in the French Alps: a trail around the lake with 94 km and 5000m of ascent over 2 days. Camping les Fontaines is the perfect place to stay for 3 days with your family, who can have fun and relax while cheering you on at the halfway point.
As a family, we also recommend the Grandes Médiévales d'Andilly. Immerse yourself in another era with craftsmen and shows from the Middle Ages in this wonderfully laid-out park. Stroll around the knights' encampments all day long, discover shooting devices such as the catapult, try on a coat of mail and enjoy the entertainment for your children.
For all the latest news, visit the official Annecy tourism website before your visit.
RELAX mobile-home at La Ravoire
2. Less crowds and competitive prices
Although May is slightly busier than April, it remains outside the peak tourist season, which means that prices for accommodation and some activities can be relatively moderate. This is a good time for those looking to avoid the crowds while taking advantage of competitive rates.
Our Annecy campsites, Camping La ravoire and Camping Les Fontaines offer a range of accommodation to suit all tastes: unusual, cosy, relaxed and VIP.
All have covered terraces, and the level of comfort varies according to the model: 2 or 3 bedrooms, televisions, dishwashers, mountain views, air conditioning, etc.
L'oratoire à Lathuile
3. It's arguably the best time of year to admire the mountains
In May, the fresh grass makes the fields bright and the budding flowers turn the mountains a soft green. Snow is still visible on the mountain tops, giving them a unique glow.
The brightness and fluro green colours on the mountains of May is perfect for taking in the sights as you hike around the azur-blue lake.
We recommend climbing the Crêt du Taillefer from the L'Oratoire de Lathuile, just above the campsite. There's no need to take the car, and after about an hour's climb, you'll be able to enjoy the view over Lake Annecy and La Tournette.
If you're a family, you may prefer to hike to the Cascade d'Angon (Angon Waterfall) which is normally heavily flowing at this time of year after the snow has melted. There are three routes with different gradients to get you as close as possible to the waterfall. The route is safe, but there are slippery stretches at the end with the mist from the waterfall. You can park either at the top and walk 20 mins down to the waterfall (see our campsite app, cool n camp for the directions from the campsite to the carpark) or you can park at either Angon or Tailloires and hike up to the waterfall (approx 1hr hike) up hill.
4. Everything is open as in high season in Annecy
All the main tourist sites, shops and restaurants are fully operational in May in Annecy, with extended opening hours to accommodate the growing flow of visitors.
It is the perfect time to discover everything Annecy has to offer, from captivating museums to picturesque excursions around the lake when the climate is not so hot as July & August.
You can also enjoy slightly longer tours in the pre-season, as the guides have more time.
We recommend the Seythenex Cave and waterfall, the jardins secrets or the Château de Menthon as great tourisdt attractions to visit on Lake Annecy in May and also can be visited when it is raining.
3 ideas for visits and activities at Lake Annecy in May
There are plenty of activities available on Lake Annecy all year round, and here are a few ideas for spring.
1. Stroll through Annecy's Old Town
Annecy's historic centre is even more enchanting in May, when spring flowers grace its canals and alleyways. Don't miss the traditional market where you can sample local produce and discover the region's handicrafts.
2. Lounging by the lake
Lake Annecy, with its impressive clarity, invites you to relax and enjoy water sports. Canoe, paddle or simply swim in the fresh water before the summer rush.
3. Walking or cycling
Hiking trails and cycle paths abound around Annecy. May is the perfect time to explore them and enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.
Book your holidays in Annecy in May
May is an ideal month to visit Annecy, combining the best of spring with the start of summer. So don't wait any longer and book your stay at one of our campsites on Lake Annecy to make the most of it!
In May there is also French mother's day! A family weekend at camping la ravoire or camping les fontaines can be an original gift to spend some quality time together.
Whether you're attracted by the outdoor activities, the cultural wealth or the sheer beauty of the Alpine scenery, Annecy in May promises a memorable holiday. Prepare to be charmed by this pearl of the French Alps, where every street corner and every view of the lake seems straight out of a postcard.
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