Do you want to get on your bike during your active camping holiday in Annecy in the Northern French Alps? Pedaling with your hair in the wind on a secure cycle path alone, as a couple, with your children or your friends? Direction cycle path that borders Lake Annecy. and Camping La Ravoire and Les Fontaines!
On one side, Lake Annecy with its clear, clean water, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps. On the other, the mountains of the French Alps. And in the middle, you and your bike on a off road cycle path reserved for cyclists, walkers, runners and rollerbladers. Created in 1974, the greenway on the shore of Lake Annecy is one of the oldest cycle paths in France and without question one of the most beautiful. This 35 km tarmac route follows the old route of the railway that connected Annecy with Albertville. Cyclists can admire the remains of this railway line at the sight of the old Doussard station and the Duingt tunnel in which the trains were passing through.
Have you just adjusted your helmet and checked your brakes? The ride can begin. From Annecy, you will follow the western shore of the lake to reach Sévrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt, Lathuile and Doussard in turn. The track remains permanently next to the shore of the lake. It is wide enough (3 meters, two directions of traffic) to allow all users to enjoy the joys of cycling while admiring the waters of the lake and the peaks of the Bauges massif, and the Lake Annecy mountains. After passing Doussard, you will leave the lake behind. The route parallel to the D1508 continues to Faverges and ends at Ugine. Generally, the wind blows from Annecy to Ugine. So you will have it on your back if you leave from the Venice of the Alps, but the return will be a little more difficult.
With or without wind, the greenway on the shore of Lake Annecy is accessible to all cyclists, including people with reduced mobility. The drop is very low or nonexistent, you will almost always ride on level ground, on a tarmac track in excellent condition. Children can circulate safely, because motorized vehicles are prohibited and the track is well separated from the road. In several places you will find picnic areas on the edge of the track for a lunch break with family or friends, and take the time to contemplate the reflection of the mountains in the waters of the lake. In summer, at the end of your ride, you can swap your two-wheeler for a kayak or a stand-up paddle and venture into the middle of the lake. With a refreshing swim to relax your muscles, of course!