Doussard
Tranquil Doussard offers serene lakeside beauty, vibrant nature reserves, and exquisite dining with stunning views of Lake Annecy.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views and dining
Doussard
Best Time
Golden hour views and dining

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tranquil Doussard offers serene lakeside beauty, vibrant nature reserves, and exquisite dining with stunning views of Lake Annecy.
"A dream setting with feet in the water, refined homemade cuisine, and an unobstructed view of Lake Annecy."
🎯 Reserve Lakeside Tables
Book tables at popular restaurants like Chez ma Cousine 48h ahead for prime lake views .
👟 Easy Nature Walks
The Bout du Lac reserve offers flat boardwalks, ideal for families and relaxed strolls .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Réserve Naturelle du Bout du Lac
South end of Lake Annecy
Explore a vibrant ecosystem with boardwalks, a suspension bridge, and scenic lake views. Perfect for easy walks.

Chez ma Cousine
Lakeside
Dine with breathtaking lake views and enjoy refined, homemade cuisine. A must-visit for foodies and sunset lovers.
Montagne du Charbon Hike
South of Doussard
Challenging hike offering unparalleled panoramic views of Lake Annecy from a unique rock-carved viewpoint.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Lakeside Serenity
Book Ahead for Prime Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Reserve Lakeside Tables
Book tables at popular restaurants like Chez ma Cousine 48h ahead for prime lake views.
👟 Easy Nature Walks
The Bout du Lac reserve offers flat boardwalks, ideal for families and relaxed strolls.
⛰️ Experienced Hikers Only
Montagne du Charbon hike is for experienced trekkers due to its challenging terrain.
🏕️ Campsite Bookings
Popular campsites like La Nublière fill up fast; book well in advance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Reserve Lakeside Tables
Book tables at popular restaurants like Chez ma Cousine 48h ahead for prime lake views.
👟 Easy Nature Walks
The Bout du Lac reserve offers flat boardwalks, ideal for families and relaxed strolls.
⛰️ Experienced Hikers Only
Montagne du Charbon hike is for experienced trekkers due to its challenging terrain.
🏕️ Campsite Bookings
Popular campsites like La Nublière fill up fast; book well in advance.
🚗 Explore Beyond
Consider Le 4.47 for a unique aperitif experience, even if it's 'in the middle of nowhere'.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Doussard is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the serene Réserve Naturelle du Bout du Lac and the picturesque southern shores of Lake Annecy. Visitors rave about the exceptional dining experiences, especially Chez ma Cousine, for its delicious food and breathtaking views. While the natural setting and culinary offerings are major draws, some find the area can be very busy during peak summer months.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Doussard is located at the southern end of Lake Annecy. You can reach it by car via the D909 road, which offers scenic views along the lake.
Public transport options include buses that run regularly from Annecy to Doussard, providing an affordable way to travel and enjoy the scenery.Yes, Doussard is accessible by bus from Annecy. This is a convenient option for those without a car, allowing you to enjoy the journey and the lake views without the stress of driving and parking.
For exploring Doussard and the lake, a car offers the most flexibility. However, cycling is also very popular, with dedicated paths along the lake. For nature reserves and specific viewpoints, walking and hiking are ideal.
Parking is available in Doussard, especially near the lakefront and popular attractions. During peak season, parking lots can fill up, so arriving early is recommended, particularly for accessing the Réserve Naturelle du Bout du Lac.
Absolutely! The cycle paths around Lake Annecy are extensive and well-maintained. Cycling to Doussard is a fantastic way to experience the landscape and is a popular activity for both locals and tourists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the Réserve Naturelle du Bout du Lac is generally free, making it an accessible natural attraction for everyone. It's a wonderful place for a peaceful walk and wildlife spotting.
It is highly recommended to book your table at Chez ma Cousine at least 48 hours in advance, especially if you want a table with a view of the lake. This is a very popular spot, particularly during summer.
Hiking trails in the surrounding mountains, such as Montagne du Charbon, are typically free to access. The main considerations are your fitness level and appropriate gear for the terrain.
Opening hours can vary, but lakeside restaurants like Chez ma Cousine are usually open for lunch and dinner, especially during the warmer months. It's always best to check their specific hours online or call ahead, particularly outside of peak season.
Yes, campsites in Doussard, such as La Nublière, are very popular and often book up months in advance, especially for tent pitches and during the summer holidays.
🎫 🏞️ Nature & Outdoors
The Réserve Naturelle du Bout du Lac is the prime nature reserve in Doussard, offering a unique wetland ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna. It's perfect for birdwatching and easy walks.
At the Bout du Lac reserve, you can spot a variety of bird species, insects, and aquatic life. The boardwalks and observation tower provide excellent vantage points for observing the ecosystem.
Yes, the Réserve Naturelle du Bout du Lac offers very easy, flat walking trails on boardwalks, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
The lakeside paths are also generally flat and accessible.Popular hiking routes include the Montagne du Charbon for experienced hikers seeking stunning views.
For more moderate options, trails around the southern end of the lake offer beautiful vistas without extreme difficulty.While Doussard itself is more about serene lake access and nature, the broader Lake Annecy area is excellent for water sports like swimming, paddleboarding, and sailing. The calm waters at the southern end are particularly inviting for a dip.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Chez ma Cousine is a standout for its refined homemade cuisine and incredible lake views.
For a more unique experience, Le 4.47 offers local products and a great summer aperitif spot.Yes, Chez ma Cousine is renowned for its prime lakeside location and stunning views, making it a top choice for dining with a panorama.
Chez ma Cousine serves refined, homemade cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. They are known for creative dishes, including impressive starters and desserts.
While specific budget-friendly spots aren't highlighted, exploring local bakeries for picnic supplies or casual cafes can offer more affordable meal options. The Réserve Naturelle du Bout du Lac is also a perfect spot for a picnic.
Le 4.47 is recommended for its summer aperitif experience, featuring platters with local products. It's described as a unique spot worth the detour, even if it feels 'in the middle of nowhere'.
📸 📸 Photography
The Réserve Naturelle du Bout du Lac offers beautiful shots of the lake and its ecosystem.
Chez ma Cousine provides stunning sunset and lakeside dining photos. For panoramic views, the summit of Montagne du Charbon is unparalleled.Golden hour, especially during sunset, offers magical light for photographing the lake and surrounding mountains.
Morning light is also excellent for capturing the tranquility of the nature reserve.Yes, the observation tower in the Bout du Lac reserve provides elevated views.
The summit of Montagne du Charbon offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of Lake Annecy.Doussard is ideal for landscape photography, nature shots (especially birds and wetlands), and scenic dining or sunset photography.
Yes, paragliders are often seen flying above the lake, especially from viewpoints like the one in the Bout du Lac reserve, offering dynamic photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many campsites in the area, like Camping La Nublière, are family-friendly and offer amenities that cater to children. The calm waters at the southern end of Lake Annecy are also great for supervised swimming and paddling. Packing a picnic to enjoy by the lake or within the nature reserve is a simple yet enjoyable way to spend time together.
🏕️ Budget Travelers & Campers
For meals, consider packing picnics to enjoy by the lake or in the Réserve Naturelle du Bout du Lac. This not only saves money but also allows you to savor the beautiful surroundings. Utilizing public transport for arrival can also be more economical than driving and parking fees, especially during peak season.
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider a stay at one of the charming lakeside campsites or a guesthouse for a cozy retreat. The area is ideal for quiet moments, enjoying the natural beauty, and exploring scenic trails together. The southern end of Lake Annecy offers a more secluded and intimate feel compared to the bustling northern shores.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Réserve Naturelle du Bout du Lac
Visitors can explore the reserve via well-maintained boardwalks that wind through the reeds and marshlands. These paths allow for easy access and minimal impact on the delicate ecosystem. A small suspension bridge adds a touch of adventure, and an observation tower provides elevated views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It's an ideal location for birdwatching, with various species frequenting the area. The reserve is also a peaceful place for a leisurely stroll, perfect for families and those seeking tranquility.
Key features include its rich biodiversity, accessible walking paths, and scenic viewpoints. It's a place where you can truly connect with nature and appreciate the delicate balance of a wetland ecosystem. The reserve is a testament to conservation efforts and offers a serene counterpoint to the more active pursuits around the lake.
Culinary Delights with a View
Reservations are crucial for securing a table with a prime view, often requiring booking up to 48 hours in advance. The menu features creative starters, well-prepared main courses, and delightful desserts, showcasing fresh, local ingredients. Beyond Chez ma Cousine, Le 4.47 offers a different, yet equally charming, experience. Located somewhat off the beaten path, it's highlighted as a fantastic spot for summer aperitifs with platters of local produce, providing a more rustic and unique vibe.
These culinary highlights underscore Doussard's appeal as a place where gastronomy meets natural beauty. Whether you're looking for an elegant meal with a view or a more casual, local-focused experience, Doussard offers memorable dining opportunities that complement its serene lakeside setting.
Hiking Adventures in the Bauges Massif
The rewards for undertaking these hikes are spectacular panoramic vistas. From the summits, you can truly appreciate the scale and beauty of Lake Annecy and its surrounding alpine landscape. These trails are part of a broader network of hiking routes in the region, catering to different fitness levels, though the most dramatic views often come from the more demanding climbs.
When planning a hike in this area, it's essential to be well-prepared. This includes wearing appropriate hiking boots, carrying sufficient water and snacks, and checking weather conditions. The stunning scenery and sense of accomplishment make these mountain excursions a highlight for many visitors to the Doussard region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit