Lake Annecy is one of the most impressive lakes found in this area. Far from the chaos and close to nature, here it is possible to go on boat trips and see landscapes that have bewitched even Cezanne.
How many beauties is made up of France? So many, and the one I'm going to tell you today is located in the north of the Rhône-Alpes region, precisely in Upper Savoy, the department consisting of numerous natural attractions such as the famous Mont Blanc and the limestone Alps. The protagonist is a small town located south-west of the department, Annecy, the historic capital also known under the name of "Venice of the Alps”, Due to the three rivers that run through the old city.
Its tourist, natural and religious center, its boutiques and restaurants, its famous lake and its basilica, are just some of the beauties of this city always animated by tourists from all over the world, especially in summer. In fact, we can say that tourism is one of the most important sources of income in this extraordinary town with irresistible lake landscapes.
However, when the spring air begins to color the leaves, the cold of winter gives way to the pleasant warmth of the sun and the mood of the people becomes more relaxed, Annecy's fame grows around its lake, the second largest in France by area (2.650 hectares) and proudly regarded as one of the cleanest in the nation.
A lake that boasts a not indifferent geographical memory, since formed about 18000 years ago with the melting of the alpine ice, and owes its fame to the extraordinary position, over time a source of inspiration for many artists, including the impressionist painter Cezanne who, intoxicated by the light that reflected on the turquoise lake, immortalized it with his famous oil painting "The Blue Lake"Of 1896.
The lake area is connected with the historic center of the town through natural walkways therefore, if you want to take a relaxing walk, on foot or by bike, the path between mountains, medieval castles and beaches will be for you. A seaside resort with a fairly populated coast, both in winter and in summer, where numerous outdoor activities are available such as trekking, mountain biking, water skiing, kayaking, windsurfing and underwater activities; but there is no shortage of ideas for those who prefer to sunbathe on the beach. Alternatively, you can also think of sitting on the sidelines and admiring the view.
There are several cruises on the lake each day, which last an hour or two, at a cost of around 15 euros: some are non-stop around the lake, others make stops in the neighboring villages.
One of these is the OMNIBUS cruise: it lasts two hours and offers seven stops in different villages and you can also choose to have a lunch or dinner; the dinner formula has an additional dance after the cruise and ends at midnight.
If the cruise seems too demanding, for a few euros you can choose a 30-minute tour in one small wooden boat, the "Bateaux Dupraz”, Whose captain is also guide and stops his boat in the most evocative and sometimes less populated corners.
Finally, on the first Saturday in August, the lake serves as a stage for the largest fireworks display in Europe. During the FĂŞte du Lac d'Annecy, over 200.000 spectators gather around the lake to watch an 80-minute fireworks display, accompanied by music, lights and special effects in an extraordinary and timeless place. This year the Annecy Festival will be on August 7th and the cruises will make a special dinner menu for this occasion.
Annecy is the perfect place to escape from the chaos of “beach-umbrellas” in August, enjoying the sun and the water in total relaxation, in a full-immersion of history, geography and sport.
