If you're thinking about where to stay near Lake Annecy, read on! For those who want the best of both worlds, staying in a beautiful mountain resort close to Lake Annecy means you can visit the lake but also enjoy everything that the mountains have to offer in the summer. Discover our top choices below.
Be a day tripper!
One of the French Alps' most popular destinations during the summer months, Annecy is well-known for its stunning surroundings. Located at 447m altitude in the Haute Savoie region of the French Alps Annecy has two main focal points - the Tournette mountain, and its famous lake. Lake Annecy is almost 15km in length and has some of the purest water in Europe! Whilst Annecy has much to offer visitors, staying in a nearby authentic mountain village just a short distance from Annecy and the lake means you can enjoy having the mountains on your doorstep whilst being close enough for a day trip or two...
We asked our team of Alpine experts where to stay near Lake Annecy, and here are their top picks...
Le Grand Bornand, Aravis
Being one of the closest resorts to Annecy (a 42-minute drive) Le Grand Bornand is in an ideal location between Mont Blanc, Lake Annecy and Switzerland. This typical Savoyard village is a great choice for a family summer holiday. There is an abundance of activities as well as some unmissable mountain biking and cycling trails to explore - including the famed La Colombière from the Tour de France! Le Grand Bornand also offers the 'Leisure Pass Aravis' which gives visitors discounts on selected activities of up to 30% off!
We have some wonderful accommodation in Le Grand Bornand, such as the 4* Le Village de Lessy in the centre of the Chinaillon village area with gorgeous views of the Aravis mountain range, the 4* Le Roc des Tours, also in Chinaillon, and the Chalets de Joy in Le Grand Bornand village.
Did you know?
Le Grand Bornand hosts a world renowned children's festival, Au Bonheur des Momes, every summer in August.
Combloux, Mont Blanc & Chamonix Valley
The stunning village of Combloux is just over an hour's drive to Annecy. Combloux is situated in a perfect location facing the peak of Mont Blanc, making this an ideal base for exploring the beautiful Mont Blanc and Chamonix Valley.
Combloux is also known for its ecological lake where visitors can swim in the naturally purified water and children can enjoy the nearby mini adventure park, with the majestic Mont Blanc as a backdrop! A market is held in the centre of the village every week offering local and fresh produce, perfect for a making summer picnic.
Stay at the 4* Les Fermes du Mont Blanc self-catered apartments. The apartment has access to an indoor pool and wellness area and has a beautiful sun terrace. Last summer, our team stayed there and were very impressed with the spacious apartments and stunning views.
Did you know?
Combloux has a 16m high giant swing facing Mont Blanc!
Samoëns, Grand Massif
With just a 1 hour 13 minute drive to Annecy, the beautiful village of Samoëns is a perfect choice for a summer holiday. This charming rural valley destination found in the Grand Massif region of the Alpes offers a quiet yet active holiday for visitors. Listed as a 'Historic Monument' Samoëns has a great heritage. Medieval features like its church and fountains give the village its character. There is a wealth of activities to try in the area, from watersports on the Giffre, Drance or Arve rivers, to the forest assault course with obstacles, ladders and zip-lines, to the Via Ferrata, or of course making the most of the gorgeous panoramic views whilst on a mountain hike!
We'd recommend staying at one of our 4-star residences in Samoëns, such as Les Chalets des Layssia or the Alexane residence, both are well located in the heart of this large bustling village.
Did you know?
Samoëns remarkable botanical garden, the Jardin Botanique Alpin de la Jaÿsinia, has 2400 varieties of plants! It was established by Marie-Louise Cognacq Jaÿ in 1906. Marie-Louise made her fortune in Paris as the co-founder, along with her husband, of the beautiful art-deco department store, La Samaritaine.
Les Carroz d'Araches, Grand Massif
The pretty alpine village of Les Carroz d'Araches is also a short distance away from Annecy (1-hour 4-minute drive), and it's also a great base to explore the Grand Massif area of the French Alps - including the beautiful village of Samoëns. Along with some fantastic walking/hiking routes, Les Carroz has 7 dedicated mountain biking trails of differing levels in the bike park and can be accessed by the 8-seater Kédeuze cable car.
There's also plenty of other activities which ensure visitors can enjoy the stunning mountain scenery, such as swimming in the outdoor pool, fishing in the local lakes, horse riding, and golf! Les Carroz has also recently opened a year-round mountain coaster, offering an 850m descent and with an optional entertaining virtual reality element!
The self-catered apartments at the 4* luxury Les Chalets de Jouvence are a perfect choice for a comfortable and relaxing summer holiday in Les Carroz d'Araches! Guests have access to free WiFi, covered parking, as well as free access to the indoor pool, wellness area and Ô des Cîmes Spa (treatments payable).
Did you know?
The team from the tourist office put together a brilliant activities programme for each week, which can include live music, shows and activities for families. When one of our team visited, their children were able to make and launch rockets, and take part in a star-gazing session.
Want to know more about Annecy, the surrounding area and the Lakes? Head to our Annecy summer page with facts about the region, how to get there and ideas for things to do during your stay!
If you're ready to book your next mountain holiday or if you need some advice on where to stay near Lake Annecy, call us on 023 9283 9310 or request a quote and we will find you the perfect Alpine holiday! Don't forget to sign up to our newsletter to get all the latest news and deals.