Family-friendly Activities in Annecy
Nestled at the foot of the French Alps, Annecy is a charming town surrounded by mountain scenery and home to the cleanest lake in Europe. It is an ideal destination for families and children, offering a mix of fun water sports, thrilling outdoor adventures in both winter and summer, and cultural experiences.
Annecy is located in southeastern France, just 35 kilometres (22 miles) south of Geneva in Switzerland. It is a popular destination for French and international tourists, who travel from around the world to discover its postcard landscapes. The historic old town is interlaced with picturesque, flower-lined canals, earning Annecy the nickname 'Venice of the Alps.' The Thiou River, one of the shortest rivers in France, flows through it. Located at the northern tip of Lake Annecy, the town is renowned for its stunning alpine views and crystal-clear waters, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the French Alps. The combination of the lake, mountains and old town make Annecy a diverse location with plenty of unique and exciting activities. In this article, we'll provide a list of specific children and family-friendly activities in Annecy!
Paragliding
Annecy is considered one of the best places in the world to go paragliding, with once-in-a-lifetime views of the snow-capped mountains, wooded valleys and vibrant blue lake. Tandem paragliding is completely safe for children, they will soar attached to the certified instructor with the best high-quality equipment. Feel the thrilling sensation of soaring freely through the air like a bird, while admiring the most breathtaking views of Annecy from above! This paragliding experience over Lake Annecy is suitable for children from ages 3 and up, and you will also receive videos and photos of the flight to keep as a souvenir. The whole family will enjoy this unforgettable and peaceful paragliding flight over Annecy!
Canyoning
If your family is sporty with energetic children, a canyoning adventure in Annecy is the perfect excursion! With a certified guide, you'll navigate through a beautiful canyon by hiking, climbing, swimming, abseiling, and sliding down natural water slides. This thrilling sport involves traversing through narrow gorges, descending waterfalls, and jumping into pools. Annecy is a haven for natural, rugged landscapes and a perfect location for canyoning. Canyon Angon is one of the most popular canyons in Annecy, allowing participants to experience the raw beauty of impressive cascades, deep basins, and sculpted rock passages. On this canyoning adventure at the Canyon of Angon, children from 8 years old can try this exhilarating sport. The highest jump is 5 metres (16 feet) and is not compulsory.
Cycling
Cycling is a really popular mode of transport in the Alps. Annecy is home to countless cycle paths, catering to different skill levels. The most favoured route in Annecy is the Lake Annecy Loop, a relatively flat dedicated bike path that runs around the entire lake. The whole loop is 42 kilometres (26 miles) long, with picturesque villages, beaches, parks and cafés along the way. It is suitable for children and you can choose to cycle just part of the loop if you wish. Many parts of the path hug the shores of the lake, offering incredible views. If you have older children or teenagers, you might want to try a more adventurous cycle. There are several routes that involve uphill climbs to the mountain tops around Annecy. After a challenging ascent, you will be treated to magnificent panoramic views of the Alps and Lake Annecy below. Starting from Annecy, you can follow dedicated bike paths up to the summit of Semnoz Mountain, Col de la Forclaz and Aravis Mountain range. There are several independent bike rental companies in Annecy, offering a range of road bikes, mountain bikes and electric bikes. This bike rental in Veyrier-du-Lac provides e-bikes for children from ages 2 and up, from 2 hours to a full day. When cycling in Annecy, make sure to wear a helmet, follow local traffic laws, and be mindful of pedestrians on shared paths.
Wakeboarding
Lake Annecy is renowned for its clear waters and cleanliness. The water sports you can try on the lake are endless. Wakeboarding is one thrilling experience that the whole family will enjoy! A certified instructor will teach you all of the basics of wakeboarding, which involves standing on a sturdy board and being towed by a motorboat. As the boat accelerates, you use the wake to perform tricks and manoeuvres! The calm, flat waters of Lake Annecy create ideal conditions for successful wakeboarding. Adults and children alike are bound to have fun while trying this exhilarating activity! This wakeboarding session on Annecy Lake is suitable for participants from ages 7 and up.
Ski Touring
While Annecy is renowned as a stunning destination in summer, with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and the shimmering blue of Lake Annecy, it is also very scenic during the winter, when snow-capped mountains and a serene, quieter atmosphere dominate the landscape. Its proximity to mountain resorts also allows for family-friendly enjoyable winter sports, such as ski touring! Le Grand-Bornand is a charming alpine village and ski resort located in the Aravis Mountains of the French Alps, near Annecy. On this ski touring excursion in Le Grand-Bornand, adventurers from ages 10 and up can explore the unforgettable snowy countryside with a certified guide, enjoying the thrills of sliding on off-pistes and slopes! The area features lush green valleys, alpine meadows, clear mountain streams and spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
Stand Up Paddling
Another exciting way to explore Lake Annecy is on a stand up paddling excursion. SUP is a relatively easy activity that involves standing or kneeling on a board and using a paddle to glide along the water. The calm waters of Lake Annecy also provide perfect conditions for stand up paddling. This is a great option for families, as you can have fun attempting to stand and falling into the refreshing waters with a life vest. You are also free to explore the lake at a more relaxed pace, taking in the breathtaking scenery. This stand up paddle rental on Lake Annecy is available year-round, from sunrise to sunset, and is suitable for participants from ages 5 and up.
Pedal Boat
Renting your own pedal boat on Lake Annecy is another excellent activity for families to enjoy! On a 6-seater pedal boat, you can travel away from the crowds and swim in the pure waters in the middle of the lake. The boat also has an area for sunbathing and a slide. Not only will the pedal boat give you the opportunity to explore the lake at your own pace in peace and quiet, but you'll also be treated to mesmerising views of the lakeside shores and a backdrop of towering mountains. The whole family can take turns pedalling the boat with a rental for 1, 2 or 3 hours.
Swimming
Swimming is a simple and fun way for families to discover Lake Annecy. The lake features plenty of beaches dotted around the shores, with facilities such as toilets, showers, snack bars, restaurants, diving boards and sunbathing areas. The beaches are monitored by lifeguards during the summer months, so you can swim with peace of mind. Many beaches also provide extra amenities for children, such as playgrounds, volleyball courts, slides, beach games, and floating water parks. There is a mix of shaded areas and picnicking spots so you can bring your own food. The most popular beaches in Annecy include Plage d'Albigny, Plage des Marquisats, Plage de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Plage de Talloires, and Plage de Saint-Jorioz, each offering shallow waters and views of the mountains. During the summer the beaches can be crowded, so aim to get there early! There is also the option of swimming directly from the shoreline away from the bustling beach. You can access the water along the promenade, from small docks and piers, and from the east or west shore of the lake. However, these areas do not have lifeguard supervision or any facilities.
Walking
One of the best ways to discover Lake Annecy as a family is to go for a simple walk! Annecy's Old Town is a stunning location to stroll through, with the famous Thiou River canals, the historic Annecy Castle overlooking the town, and the Palais de l'Isle, a 12th-century building located on an island in the river. The narrow streets are bustling with boutiques, restaurants and cafes, where you can stop to enjoy some of Annecy's local delicacies, such as ice cream and pastries. Another option is to walk around Lake Annecy and its incredible surroundings. You can visit the magnificent Lover's Bridge (Pont des Amours), with romantic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The Jardins de l'Europe located beside the lake also offers beautiful scenic walks, with a variety of green spaces, trees and sculptures. For a panoramic view, you can drive or take the bus to Semnoz Plateau and walk along the top, home to lush forests, alpine meadows and local wildlife.
Hot Air Balloon Flight
The final activity requires a higher budget, but is a once-in-a-lifetime experience when visiting Annecy! A hot air balloon flight over Annecy offers awe-inspiring views of some of Europe's most sensational horizons. Soaring through the sky with a certified pilot and a group of 15 participants, you'll have a front-row seat to Annecy's picture-postcard landscapes, with the backdrop of mountains, sparkling blue lake, and phenomenal buildings. Create unforgettable memories with your family on a hot air balloon flight, suitable for travellers from ages 5 and up!
Annecy is a delightful destination that caters to visitors of all ages, making it a memorable place for your family vacation. When travelling with children to Annecy, we recommend planning various engaging activities to keep them entertained, while you can enjoy the area's natural beauty in unique ways. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Annecy offers a range of family-friendly activities to ensure everyone has a great time!
Check out our ultimate travel guide on how to get to Annecy for tips on how to navigate the city!