Lake Annecy
Semnoz is around 20 minute's drive. There are also well renowned ski resorts within 45 minute's drive.
La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand (in Aravis-Lake Annecy Ski Resorts) and the massive Espace Diamant (Les Saisies, Notre-Dame de Bellecombe) ski area are all within 45 minutes drive.
Annecy is often called the French Venice. Its beautiful medieval old town is intersected by small canals and flower decked quays. The 12 century Palais de l’Isle is an island fortress in the River Thiou which was once a prison has splendid views of the old town. The bustling streets, delightful street cafés where you can watch the world go by and interesting shops make it a superb place to relax.
Places of interest in Annecy
- The lovely lakeside village of Menthon with its fairytale castle
- Benedictine Monastry at Talloires on the east shore of the lake
Peak Retreats features self-catered apartments and the prestigious Imperial Palace Hotel in Annecy.
Interested in buying an apartment in the French Alps? See our Buying in the Alps section
ANNECY SKI AREA
A small but very family and beginner focussed, Semnoz is above Lake Annecy (20 mins away) at 1704m with amazing 360 views towards the Lake and Mont-Blanc.
There are 30km of alpine ski runs and 25km of cross-country/nordic ski runs.
SEMNOZ SKIING
SEMNOZ NORDIC RUNS
There are 9 cross country slopes:
3 green pistes: Le djinn (2.4km), Le lynx (1,8km), La panoramique (5km)
3 blue pistes - Les alouettes (3km), Le puma (4km), Les gazelles (4,7km)
2 red pistes - Les lamas (3.5km), Les frelons (4.5 km)
1 black pistes - La panthère noire (10km)
The nordic area is open 9am - 5pm.
SEMNOZ SNOWPARK
Semnoz also has a snowpark.
SLOPESTYLE is a piste 900m metre with modules etc ( Barres de slide, Box, JIB 'S, table spine ). There are 3 difficulties. Access via télésiège Le Belvédère (chairlift).
Ski passes for 6 days are from €78 for adults and €50 for children.
You can book your ESF ski lessons direct with ESF Semnoz/Annecy: http://www.esfsemnoz.com/fr/accueil,7.html?play=1
Children from 3 years in Club Piou Piou until 10 years in kids ski club. Group lessons. Adults can have group or private lessons, ski or snowboard.
Lake Annecy Resort News and Events
Events:
- Christmas Market 19th November 2022 - 17th December 2022
- Imperial Circus 9th Decemeber 2022 - 22nd April 2023
- Scientific Workshops 5th January 2023 - 30th April 2023
- Court Circuit 6th January 2023 - 18th January 2023
Further details can be found on the tourist office website: www.lac-annecy.com
Annecy Restaurants
Annecy features a fabulous variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Annecy Amenities
Annecy is served by a range of amenities including a cinema as well as a large number of both modern and traditional shops.
Getting to Annecy, France
By Road:
Driving distance from Calais to Annecy 817km (approx 7hrs30)
From Calais follow the A26/E15 in the direction of Lens/Arras and then Reims. Take the exit marked Reims-Tinqueux, Châlons-en-Champagne, Metz, Nancy, Strasbourg & Lyon. Follow the A4/E50, then the E17 towards Châlons-en-Champagne. Take the exit marked Saint-Gibrien, Châlons-en-Champagne, Troyes & Lyon. Continue on the E17 then the A26/E17 towards Troyes. Next take the A40 towards Bourg-en-Bresse/Annecy and take exit 11 to Annecy.
By Rail:
TGV to Annecy
Airports:
Geneva 50km
For further information on car parking, transfers, etc: www.gva.ch/en (then select Transportation in menu)
or Lyon Saint-Exupery 180 km
