Lake Annecy is reputed to be one of the purest lakes in Europe and, at 14.6 km long, is France’s second-largest glacial lake.
Its many overhead and underground springs come from the surrounding mountains, and its water is filtered and enriched by the limestone rocks.
The tap water at our Annecy campsites: Camping La Ravoire and Camping Les Fontaines is not only drinkable, it’s as pure as bottled mineral water. It really is! You can bathe in this clear water during your stay with us!
*Photo credit : Coeur de la
Here are our top 10 reasons for swimming at Lake Annecy:
1. It’s good for your health: Discover pure, unpolluted, unsalted water.
There’s nothing better than swimming in a lake. Lake Annecy’s water is extremely pure, the sensation of the water on your skin is pleasant, there’s no residue after swimming and you can swim in complete freedom.
Lake Annecy’s average summer temperature is 22°C. In 2022, however, it was more like 25°. Swimming at Lake Annecy is generally unproblematic until the end of September, or even October. In April and May, the temperature of Lake Annecy depends on the severity of the winter and the amount of snow already melted!
2. Exercise at your own pace
Swimming alone at Lake Annecy allows you to work out at your own pace. There’s plenty of space, so you can be as slow or as fast as you like. You don’t have to worry about others or wait for them to overtake you, you’re in total harmony with nature in a vast space. It’s just you and the water! Tip: if you want to go long-distance swimming on Lake Annecy, it’s best to set off early in the morning, between 6 and 10 a.m., to avoid busy boat times.
3. Safety without tide or swell
Safety is guaranteed without tides or swells, as long as you stay within the limits of the yellow buoys (motorboat limit):
The absence of tides means that swimming on Lake Annecy is very safe and easier.
4. Experience a feeling of coolness in the middle of summer
At the height of summer, in June, July or August, the air temperature around Lake Annecy can reach 35°. In our opinion, the best way to cool off on those sweltering summer days is to go to the lake. There’s nothing better than feeling the cool water on your body, a relaxing and soothing sensation in a natural alpine setting!
5. You’ll get a different perspective by being on and around the lake!
When you’re surrounded by water, you have a completely different view to the one you’d have from the lakeside. It’s a unique view and a singular feeling to swim in the lake rather than walk or cycle around it. It’s a completely new way of seeing the environment and being at one with the elements!
6. Enjoy the peace and quiet of being alone, looking out over the mountains.
In this day and age, life is fast, everything is fast and we’re always on the move. Time spent in the lake, on Lake Annecy, allows you to contemplate life, to relax, to be attentive and in harmony with your body, mind and soul. It’s a real opportunity to take time for yourself and pay attention!
The serenity of the lake, the peace and quiet you find here, makes it easy to appreciate your surroundings. Not only is Lake Annecy beautiful, clean and fresh, but the surrounding area is literally spectacular! You can admire the Charbon mountain at the end of the lake at Bout du Lac from the beach at Doussard. If you change direction, you can admire La Tournette, the highest mountain on Lake Annecy at 2,351 m. You can also see the Dents De Lanfon to the left of La Tournette. In fact, if you look above you as you swim on the water, you’ll get a 360° view of the mountains and landscape, and it’s truly impressive!
7. Swim for long periods on your back without fear of hitting the edge of the pool!
It’s literally one of our favorite things about swimming on Lake Annecy! It really is the best feeling of the summer when you want to relax, to be able to board and not have to worry about constantly looking around, there’s space… and lots of it!
8. Discover the magnificent beaches of Lake Annecy:
Many beaches are supervised in high season, in July and August, and feature a gentle slope leading down to the lake water from the beaches. Some beaches are free, depending on the services they offer: free parking, diving board, floating platform, playground, etc.
Beach edges are generally covered with grass or small stones. All official beaches are dog-free from June to September.
If you’re going to the beach as a family/couple or with friends, the great thing is that there’s something for everyone: swimming, relaxing, sunbathing, playing, diving, eating… your family and friends can watch from the beach while you go for a swim in the lake… or you can all go together! To find out more, check out our blog post on the best beaches on Lake Annecy here
9. Take part in the annual Lake Annecy whitewater crossing competition.
For 91 years, swimmers of all ages have gathered on August 15 to cross the entire width of Lake Annecy. Different distances are possible, from 1 to 10 km.
This is one of the most popular open-water swimming events in France.
If the Lake Annecy crossing takes place during your stay at Annecy Campsites: Camping La Ravoire or Camping Les Fontaines, why not sign up: www.traverseedulacdannecy.fr/
10. The fact that you can swim in the lake all year round!
You can even swim in Lake Annecy all year round!
You may be wondering who could possibly do such a thing! Well, our brave receptionist at Camping Les Fontaines: Elise!!!! Whatever the water temperature, you can see bathers on Lake Annecy all year round!
Tip: when the water temperature is between 15 and 17 ˚C, we recommend wearing a wetsuit!