Stand up paddle boarding gets more popular every time the sun comes out. I have lost count of the messages asking me for advice on it. Looking for paddle board Annecy tips? Here are my favourite places to launch on the lake.
Visiting Annecy? Here are my other articles about my town:
- The best things to see and places to visit in Annecy
- The best hikes around Annecy
- Running routes for running in Annecy
- The best restaurants in Annecy and the best brunches in Annecy
Paddle board Annecy: my favourite spots on the lake
There are dozens of places to launch a board, and some are much nicer than others. I looked at two things: how easy the spot is to reach and what the surroundings look like.
Menthon-Saint-Bernard beach, my favourite
This is my favourite launch spot, by a long way. It is about 20 minutes by car from Annecy, and summer traffic can put you off a little. For parking, I won’t lie to you: I park wherever I can find a space near the beach. In high season it gets complicated fast, so the best plan is to arrive early in the morning. You park without a fight and you get the lake while it is still as smooth as a mirror.
Once you are on the water, Menthon really comes into its own. You soon follow the wild coast of the Roc de Chère nature reserve. Wooded cliffs drop straight into the lake. On this stretch there is no road and no house, only rock, forest and very clear water below you. You find small coves where almost nobody goes, perfect for a swim or a quiet rest. Pure bliss.
The big bonus of Menthon is that it is the ideal starting point for the Grand Perthuis cave. Following the Roc, you get there in about twenty minutes of easy paddling. My advice: set off in the morning, visit the cave, then keep the afternoon for the Roc de Chère hike. You see the same stretch of lake from below, then from above. Honestly, it makes a perfect day in good weather.
Paddling to the Grand Perthuis cave
If one place is worth a longer paddle, it is the Grand Perthuis cave. It is hidden at the foot of the Roc de Chère. The neat thing is that you can only reach it by water. No road and no path leads there. You go by paddle board, kayak or canoe, or you never see it. That is what gives it its charm.
The simplest way is to start from Menthon-Saint-Bernard or the bay of Talloires. Then follow the Roc de Chère on the lake side. You will see the cliffs plunge into the water and pass a few small coves. After a while, an opening appears in the rock. One tip cost me years of trial and error: the first cave you meet is not the right one. The Grand Perthuis cave lies a little further on, right in the middle of the Roc. Do not stop too early. When you paddle inside, the light drops at once and so does the temperature. It is a pretty special feeling.
There is a legend too. They say forgers once settled there to make counterfeit coins in peace, hidden from view. True or not, it makes you want to go and have a look. I have also written a full guide to reaching the Grand Perthuis cave (currently in French only). It gives the access details depending on your starting point.
Marquisats beach, the easiest launch from Annecy
My number two, and clearly the simplest spot if you start from the centre of Annecy. Marquisats beach is a stone’s throw from the town, reachable on foot or by bike along the lakeside. There is also a huge car park right next to it. That makes it a very practical starting point when you do not fancy driving far.
Easy also means busy. There are always plenty of people on the beach as soon as it is sunny. It is one of the favourite swimming spots of the locals. Once you are on the water, a few strokes take you away from the bustle. You have several options depending on your mood. You can head towards the Pont des Amours and the Pâquier to follow the edges of Annecy. It is especially pretty at the end of the day. Or you can go towards Sévrier along the shore. Or you can paddle straight across to Veyrier-du-Lac, with a fine view of Mont Veyrier above you.
One small piece of advice: the Marquisats area is lively, so watch out for boats and pedalos. They move around quite a lot in this part of the lake. Nothing serious, but stay alert as you leave the beach before heading for open water.
Albigny beach, close and easy
My number three, and a good option when you want to stay close to Annecy without the Marquisats crowds. You launch at Albigny, on the Annecy-le-Vieux side, or a little further along towards the small harbour. It is a large, quiet beach with easy access. You can usually find a parking space without too much trouble, although parking is now paid in this area. Remember to bring change or the payment app.
On the water, it is a gentle launch with no difficulty. That makes it perfect if you are a beginner or just heading out for a quiet paddle. Even when the swimming area is busy on sunny days, you soon move away. The nicest direction is towards Veyrier-du-Lac along the east shore. You pass pretty villas right at the water’s edge, with the mountains ahead of you. This part of the lake feels a little smarter and more unspoilt, and it is easy to follow without effort.
One thing to know: the wind often picks up in the afternoon on this side of the lake. It is especially noticeable towards Veyrier. So again, if you can, go out in the morning when the water is calm. You will paddle much more easily.
The three launch spots at a glance
| Spot | Getting there and parking | What you get | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menthon-Saint-Bernard | About 20 minutes by car from Annecy; parking is tricky in high season | Roc de Chère coast, quiet coves and the Grand Perthuis cave (about 20 minutes of paddling) | Summer traffic, so arrive early |
| Marquisats | On foot or by bike from the centre; huge car park next to the beach | An easy start, with routes towards the Pont des Amours, Sévrier or Veyrier-du-Lac | Busy beach, boats and pedalos |
| Albigny | Annecy-le-Vieux side; parking is now paid (bring change or the app) | A calm, easy launch for beginners, then the east shore towards Veyrier-du-Lac | Afternoon wind, especially towards Veyrier |
Paddle board hire in Annecy: where to rent a board
There are plenty of paddle hire places around Lake Annecy. They offer boards by the hour or the day, and even guided activities such as paddle yoga.
I recommend NCY SUP, in Sévrier. The spot is lovely, and you can relax on the small landscaped beach. Their team is great too. Launching is pleasant here, because the area is away from the main activity zones on the lake.
They offer plenty of activities, from paddle burger outings with a sunset to courses for children. Beginner and improver lessons are on offer too. You can even hire boards if you want to bring your dog.
Contact: text message to +33 6 85 85 60 06.
Basic boards cost €10 for one hour if you start before 10am.
Website: NCY SUP hire and prices page
Safety before you set off paddle boarding
Paddle boarding in Annecy can look like child’s play. The lake is beautiful and usually fairly calm, with few waves apart from the wash of passing boats. Still, check the weather carefully and act quickly if it turns. I have been out there with a headwind, choppy waves and a storm heading straight for us. It was neither fun nor very safe!
Paddle board Annecy: frequently asked questions
Do you need a life jacket to paddle board on Lake Annecy?
The DDT 74 brochure on navigation on Lake Annecy (November 2017) says to wear a life jacket when a caution notice is in force. The Haute-Savoie tourist board adds that a life jacket is compulsory beyond 300 metres from the shore. It also recommends safety gear such as a leash and a sound signal. These two sources do not give the same rules on how far from the shore you may go. Check the current regulations with your hire company before you set off.
Where is the best place to launch a paddle board in Annecy?
My favourite is Menthon-Saint-Bernard, for the Roc de Chère coast and the Grand Perthuis cave. Marquisats is the easiest if you start from the centre of Annecy. Albigny is calm and a good choice for beginners.
How long does it take to paddle to the Grand Perthuis cave?
From Menthon-Saint-Bernard, following the Roc de Chère, it takes about twenty minutes of easy paddling. Remember that the first cave you pass is not the right one.
What is the best time of day to paddle on Lake Annecy?
Early in the morning. Parking is easier at the busiest spots, and the lake is still very smooth. In the afternoon the wind often picks up, especially on the Albigny side towards Veyrier.
Where can I hire a paddle board in Annecy?
I recommend NCY SUP in Sévrier. It also runs lessons, courses for children and boards to hire for people who want to bring their dog. Check the current prices on their website before you go.