Around Lake Annecy

The cycling loop around Lake Annecy is usually the first ride road cyclists tackle upon arriving in the region, with many local routes relying on sections of its famous lakeside cycle path. The exceptionally smooth roads and dedicated infrastructure make the 38-kilometer circuit accessible to everyone, from casual touring cyclists to riders gearing up for major alpine passes. While the loop works well in either direction, riding clockwise is widely considered the optimal choice for better water views and smoother traffic flow.

Departing clockwise from Annecy positions you in the lakeside lane, offering uninterrupted views across the lake toward Mont Veyrier. This direction also lets you tackle the route's main elevation early on, rolling through undulating terrain near Menthon-Saint-Bernard and powering up the short, punchy climb to the Talloires Belvedere while your legs are still fresh.

The southern and western legs transition into fast, flat terrain as you spin through the tranquil Bout-du-Lac nature reserve and join the Voie Verte. Built along a former railway line through Duingt and Sévrier, this smooth, traffic-free greenway bypasses vehicular traffic entirely. With constantly changing views of shoreline villages and mountain walls, it delivers a perfectly balanced, seamless finish back into Annecy.