Visit Annecy
Annecy in May, with its picturesque charm and spectacular Alpine setting, reveals itself in a particularly enchanting light. As spring reaches its peak, the town and the area around the lake come alive, offering holidaymakers a wide range of activities and experiences. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff or simply 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 marks the arrival of warmer temperatures, with averages ranging from 10°C to 20°C in Annecy. The days lengthen, offering more time to enjoy outdoor activities. However, as is often the case in spring, be prepared for occasional showers. The good news is that when you stay at one of our campsites with a swimming pool on Lake Annecy, you’ll be able to take advantage of our covered, heated swimming pools to enjoy a dip in any 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 pools are open and heated to 23°c. In case of rain, a glass roof covers part of the large swimming pool, so you can still enjoy it.
4 good reasons to visit Annecy in May
If the weather isn’t enough for you, here are 3 more good reasons to spend your vacation in Annecy in May.
1. Events and festivities to suit all tastes
May is rich in cultural, sporting and festive events. From music festivals to regattas on the lake, Annecy en Mai’s calendar of events offers a diversity to suit all tastes. Here’s a sneak preview:
The Maxi Race is one of the best-known and most difficult races: a trail around the lake with 94 km and 5000m of vertical drop over 2 days. Camping les Fontaines is the perfect place to spend 3 days with your family, who can have fun and relax while cheering you on at the halfway point.
For families, we also recommend the Grandes Médiévales d’Andilly. Immerse yourself in another era with medieval craftsmen and shows in this wonderfully laid-out park. Take an all-day stroll through the knights’ encampments, discover shooting devices such as the catapult, try on chain mail, and enjoy entertainment for your children.
For all the latest news, visit Annecy’s official tourism website before your visit.
2. Fewer people and competitive rates
Although May is slightly busier than April, it remains outside the peak tourist season, which means that prices for accommodation and some activities are relatively moderate. It’s a good time of year for those looking to avoid the crowds while enjoying competitive rates.
Our Annecy campsites offer a range of accommodation to suit all tastes: unusual, cosy, relaxed and VIP.
All are equipped with covered terraces, and the level of comfort varies according to the model: 2 or 3 bedrooms, television, dishwasher, gas hob, mountain views, air conditioning.
3. It’s the best season to admire the mountains
In May, the fresh grass makes the fields bright and the budding buds turn the mountains a soft green. Snow is still visible on the mountain tops, giving them a unique reflection.
The brightness of May is perfect for taking in the sights while hiking around the azure-blue lake.
We recommend climbing the Crêt du Taillefer from the Oratoire de Lathuile, just above the campsite. There’s no need to take the car, and after about an hour’s ascent, you’ll be looking down on Lake Annecy and La Tournette.
With the whole family, you can hike to the Cascade d’Angon, which floods at this time of year after the snow has melted. Three routes with different gradients take you as close as possible to the waterfall. The itinerary is safe, but there are slippery sections at the end with the mist from the waterfall.
4. Everything open as in high season
All the main sights, shops and restaurants are fully operational in May, with extended opening hours to accommodate the growing flow of visitors.
It’s the perfect time to discover everything Annecy has to offer, from captivating museums to picturesque excursions around the lake.
You can enjoy slightly longer tours in the pre-season, as the guides have more time.
We recommend, for example, the grotto and waterfalls of Seythenex, the secret gardens or the Château de Menthon.
3 ideas for visits and activities at Lake Annecy in May
There are plenty of year-round activities on Lake Annecy, and here are a few springtime ideas.
- Stroll through Annecy’s Old Town:
The historic heart of Annecy is even more attractive 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. - Lounging by the lake:
Lake Annecy, with its impressive clarity, invites you to relax and enjoy water sports. Canoeing, paddling or simply swimming, enjoy the fresh water before the summer rush arrives. - Hiking and biking:
Hiking and biking trails abound around Annecy. May is the perfect time to explore them and enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.
Book your Annecy vacation 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!
May is also Mother’s Day! A family weekend can be an original gift to spend some quality time together.
Whether you’re attracted by outdoor activities, cultural richness or the sheer beauty of the Alpine landscape, Annecy in May promises a memorable vacation. Prepare to be charmed by this pearl of the French Alps, where every street corner and lake view seems straight out of a postcard.