Plage des Marquisats
A serene lakeside beach with clear blue waters and stunning mountain views, perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, prime spots
Plage des Marquisats
Best Time
Fewer crowds, prime spots

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene lakeside beach with clear blue waters and stunning mountain views, perfect for swimming and relaxation.
"Swim in Europe's clearest lake with breathtaking mountain views – a truly mesmerizing experience.
"🥾 Bring Swim Shoes
Rocky entry into the water makes swim shoes a must for comfort.
☀️ Arrive Early for Shade
Shaded grassy spots fill up fast, especially on hot days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal-Clear Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy
Swim in Europe's clearest lake, with stunning mountain views. The water is a mesmerizing blue.

Shaded Grassy Areas
Lakeside
Relax on lush grass under shady trees, perfect for families and picnics.

Sunset Views
Western shore
Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the lake and surrounding Alps. A truly magical experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Prime Spots
Water Shoes Recommended
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Bring Swim Shoes
Rocky entry into the water makes swim shoes a must for comfort.
☀️ Arrive Early for Shade
Shaded grassy spots fill up fast, especially on hot days.
I've (28m) lived in Annecy my whole life. Here is some advice for tourist coming to our beautiful city.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
While there's a snack bar, a picnic is great for families.
🛶 Rent a Pedal Boat
Explore the lake and enjoy unique views of the scenery.
Lac Du Bourget/ Lac d’Annecy
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Bring Swim Shoes
Rocky entry into the water makes swim shoes a must for comfort.
☀️ Arrive Early for Shade
Shaded grassy spots fill up fast, especially on hot days.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
While there's a snack bar, a picnic is great for families.
🛶 Rent a Pedal Boat
Explore the lake and enjoy unique views of the scenery.
📸 Capture the Views
The mountain backdrop and clear water are incredibly photogenic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Plage des Marquisats for its stunningly clear, blue waters and breathtaking mountain scenery, calling it a must-visit for swimming and relaxation. The grassy, shaded areas are a hit with families, though the rocky entry into the water means swim shoes are highly recommended.
"A lovely place for a swim in the clearest lake in all of Europe. The water is an amazing blue. This beach (plage) is about a 10 min walk from the edge of the old town. Take the scenic route along the foreshore and past the marina. It was a busy place when we went which was just after lunch on a Friday. It has been hot so that isn't a surprise. While it was busy there were still plenty of places to sit and relax. The beach itself is mostly grass. There are lots of pebbles on the walk into the water. Everyone is doing a funny little dance as they try to navigate getting into the water 😂. It's well worth getting into the water though. A very nice temperature especially considering it was over 30 degrees outside. There was an ice cream truck which also sold drinks."
Craig Coffey
"Beautiful spotless swimming area. We found a nice shaded area on a grassy bank next to the lifeguard station, toilette and showers. Designated swimming areas for babies, young children and adults. Swim shoes recommend as it’s pretty rocky walking into the water and then turns to a weird clay/mud base. Water was lovely and the scenery is spectacular."
Aled Morrow-Powell
"great place for swiming while enjoying sunset"
Prabu Satria Sejati
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plage des Marquisats is about a 10-minute walk from the edge of Annecy's old town. You can take a scenic route along the foreshore and past the marina.
Parking can be challenging in Annecy during summer, so walking or cycling is often recommended.Parking spots around Annecy are limited, especially during peak season. It's advisable to consider public transport, cycling, or walking if possible.
Yes, cycling is a great option. Annecy has good cycling infrastructure, and you can easily reach the beach by bike.
While walking is easy from the old town, local buses may serve areas near the beach. Check Annecy's public transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The beach is well-signposted and a popular spot, making it relatively easy to find by following the lake's edge from the town center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Plage des Marquisats is a free-entry public beach.
As a public beach, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. The seasonal snack bar will have specific operating times.
Yes, there are lifeguards, especially during the peak summer season, ensuring a safe swimming experience.
No advance booking is necessary as it's a free public beach. However, renting pedal boats might be on a first-come, first-served basis.
The beach offers restrooms, showers, and a seasonal snack bar.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The water of Lake Annecy is renowned for its clarity and beautiful blue color. It's generally a pleasant temperature for swimming, especially on hot days.
The beach area is primarily grass, but the walk into the water is rocky, and the base can be clay/muddy. Swim shoes are highly recommended.
Yes, there are designated swimming areas for babies, young children, and adults, ensuring safety for all visitors.
Besides swimming, you can relax on the grass, enjoy the views, and rent pedal boats to explore the lake.
Absolutely! With designated swimming areas, lifeguards, and grassy spots, it's a perfect family-friendly destination.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning mountain backdrop against the clear blue lake. The western shore offers fantastic sunset views.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons and evenings provide beautiful golden hour and sunset light.
You can get panoramic shots of the lake and Alps, close-ups of the clear water, and candid shots of people enjoying the beach.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations for Lake Annecy and Annecy parks before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a polarizing filter can enhance the blue of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Annecy
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Lake Annecy's Waters
For those looking to explore beyond just swimming, renting a pedal boat is a popular option. This allows you to glide across the surface of the lake, taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Alps from a unique perspective. It's a leisurely way to appreciate the scale and beauty of the landscape. The combination of the clean water and the majestic alpine scenery creates a truly unforgettable aquatic experience.
The Allure of the Lakeside Setting
The scenery is a major highlight, with the majestic Alps forming a dramatic backdrop to the tranquil lake. This combination of crystal-clear water and stunning mountain vistas is frequently cited as a reason for the beach's appeal. Whether you're sunbathing, enjoying a picnic, or simply admiring the view, the picturesque surroundings contribute significantly to the overall experience. The beach also offers essential amenities like restrooms and showers, adding to its convenience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit