Lake Annecy
Semnoz ski area 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).
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
The Semnoz mountain is part of the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park and dominates the western shore of Lake Annecy.
A small but very family and beginner-focused, Semnoz is above Lake Annecy (20 mins away) at 1,704m with amazing 360 views towards the Lake and Mont-Blanc.
You can admire a 360° panorama of the surrounding mountains and even see Mont Blanc on a clear day.
There are 30km of alpine ski runs and 35km of cross-country/nordic ski runs.
Semnoz skiing info
At the foot of the slopes, you will find a car park as well as ticket offices to buy your ski pass. You can also take the bus from Annecy to Semnoz.
Semnoz alpine ski area has 18 groomed slopes, open from 9am to 5pm . The increasing level of difficulty at Semnoz makes this resort an ideal place for beginners and for improving their skills.
There are 10 greens, 4 blues, 4 reds and 1 black run.
Nordic skiing
At Semnoz, 35km of Nordic trails await you. All are equipped for classic Nordic skis (in the two parallel tracks) or skating skis (cross-country skiing in a skating style).
You will find 3 sectors at Semnoz:
- the Shepherd sector (for beginners),
- the Forest sector (ideal in case of bad weather and for those looking for elevation gain),
- the Plateau sector (for those who want to be blown away by a 360° view).
If you need to buy a pass or rent equipment, go to the Nordic chalet in the Forest.
Mountain fun zones
Snowpark
Located on the Annecy side of the mountain, along the Belvédère blue run, it offers a wide variety of features, accessible by ski or snowboard, for all levels.
Snow activities to do in Semnoz
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.
Toboggan run
The toboggan run is open every day from 9am to 5pm, free of charge. The return trip is on foot, to the left of the run.
Snowshoeing
Walk or snowshoe hike on the 3 marked trails! They are accessible free of charge, from 9am to 5pm. Snowshoe rental at Nordic chalet.
Snowkiting
Snowkiting is a free sport, at Semnoz as elsewhere. We have therefore set up two areas with free access to allow you to practice the sport in complete safety. They are located on the Plateau, at the top of the resort. One is behind the Courant d'Ere restaurant, the other behind the arrival point of the Panoramique chairlift.
Activities to do in Annecy
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.
Animal park
Halfway along the Semnoz road coming from Annecy is the small animal park of 'La Grande Jeanne' which will delight young and old alike. Fallow deer, hinds, stags, mouflons, this educational circuit will make you discover these non-domestic animals of the mountains. It is also the starting point for a nice hike Le circuit des Puisots.
Annecy Walks
Stroll along the cobblestones, discover the pedestrian and shopping streets of Annecy’s Old Town. On Tuesday, Friday or Sunday, you can also enjoy the market. Visit the old town and its monuments.
Lake cruise
Embark on a cruise on the lake to admire the beauty of the surrounding mountains and villages.
Museum visits
Visit the Museum-Castle, Palais de l’Ile and CITIA museums.
Annecy castle
Perched high above the town, the Château d'Annecy offers a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding area.
Lake walks
The Baie de Talloires promenade is ideal for a leisurely stroll with breathtaking views. The winter light creates an almost magical atmosphere, and the reflection of the mountains on the clear water adds an enchanting touch.
Visit the lookouts at 'Col de la Forclaz' or 'Roc de Chère'. These viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramas of the lake and snow-capped mountains.
Annecy restaurants
Annecy features a fabulous variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
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 & air:
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras. See our train services page for more information as we can pre-book the trains for you. The nearest train station is in Annecy itself.
4 international airports are nearby, see our flying page for information on airlines. We don't book flights, we invite you to do your own research.
Geneva Airport to Annecy is roughly 46km, approx. 45 mins
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Annecy is roughly 50km, approx. 40 mins
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Annecy is roughly 129km, approx. 1hr 30 mins
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Annecy is roughly 126km, approx. 1hr 20 mins
Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.
Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus transfers from some French/Swiss airports and SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with them), we invite you to do your own research.
