Lake Annecy, often described as one of the purest lakes in Europe, is bordered along much of its shoreline by a greenway fully separated from traffic — one of the most pleasant and safest family bike routes in the French Alps.
A lakeside route accessible to everyone
Starting in Annecy, a town listed for its historic centre and canals, the greenway follows the west shore of the lake toward Sévrier, offering a continuous view of the lake with the Bornes mountain range in the background. The route, on a gentle false flat, presents no technical difficulty.
The route continues toward Duingt, a picturesque village known for its small château standing almost in the water, before reaching Doussard at the southern tip of the lake for families wanting to extend the ride. Several managed beaches line the route, making it easy to break up the day with swim stops.
How to approach the ride as a family
At around 30 km round trip on the southern stretch with barely 50 m of total elevation gain, this loop suits a relaxed half-day with several stops: a swim at Sévrier or Duingt, a picnic by the water, or simply a shaded rest under the trees that line part of the route. Since the path is fully separated from traffic on this stretch, it suits kids pedalling on their own from around 6-7 years old.
In peak season, the greenway can get fairly busy (walkers, skaters, other cyclists): a morning start is best for a clearer route, especially with young kids less used to sharing the space.
When to go
The ideal window runs from April to October. Spring and early autumn offer lighter crowds and pleasant temperatures for pedalling; July-August is still very rideable but busier, offset by the chance to swim and cool off the whole family.
Good to know
Annecy has a well-served train station and numerous bike rental shops used to families (kids’ bikes, trailers, child seats, e-bikes), making it a convenient car-free starting point for exploring the lake over half a day or more.
