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Do you want to bring a breath of fresh air to your holidays in Savoie and Haute-Savoie? We have visited the most beautiful lakes. On the program: beaches, explorations around nature, heritage… And of course, the best hotels with spa where to stay in Savoie Mont Blanc.
Lac du Bourget: the wildest!
Exploring a unique natural setting
What better way to enjoy the lake than to swim in it? The beaches of the Lac du Bourget are available according to your desires. For family outings, head for the Bourget-du-Lac beach! This beach has children’s games, beach volleyball courts and a huge shady lawn. If you don’t want to compromise between crystal-clear waters and greenery, go to the Mémard beach! It has the advantage of having a large wooded park, much appreciated by nature lovers. Finally, for large expanses of sand, it is the beach of Aix which is on the first step of the podium!
During your exploration around the Lac du Bourget, you will quickly notice that this area offers many relaxing activities. We are thinking in particular of the sumptuous Aix-les-Bains golf course. Thus, amateurs and professionals alike will appreciate this haven of peace and its luxury services. In the same way, the Lac du Bourget environment makes it possible to go on wonderful walks. Our favourite: the Lamartine Cave, a geological wonder.
… as well as its culture and heritage.
Do you know the canal of Savière? This area has an exceptional environment and an important biodiversity. During a boat trip, you can go along the picturesque and flowered houses of Chanaz. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to hear the special song of the yellow-bellied ringing toad?
Another very interesting visit by boat is the Hautecombe Abbey. It conceals artistic treasures such as frescoes, marble sculptures and its neo-gothic architecture. It is also the necropolis of the princes of Savoy and the last kings and queens of Italy. A concentrate of history that dates back to the XIIᵉ century and is very interesting to visit. Furthermore, if you are looking for a family outing rich in knowledge and emotion, Aqualis offers a museum area dedicated to the Lac du Bourget. With its wonderful tour around the lake ecosystem, expect cultural, scientific and sensory discoveries.
Staying in a hotel with spa near the Lac du Bourget
For a stay under the sign of romanticism, go to the Golden Tulip in Aix-les-Bains. This spa hotel enjoys an ideal location in the centre of the Alpine Riviera. Its little extra? The Casino Grand Cercle next to the hotel. Between its top-of-the-range services and its refined contemporary setting, you can naturally extend your escape in Savoie.
Lake Geneva: the biggest!
A destination halfway between France and Switzerland
Would you like to go on a little French-Swiss trip? You can cross Lake Geneva by boat from Evian-les-Bains to Lausanne. In this way, you can enjoy activities around the same lake, but from Switzerland!
Thus, the Olympic Museum takes you on a time travel around the Olympic Games. A very instructive visit in a friendly atmosphere.
To enjoy leisure activities by the lake, head for the Vidy beach! Would you like to organise a barbecue under the sun? Learn the joys of sailing? Or relive the joys of a game of basketball or tennis? Vidy beach welcomes you in a friendly atmosphere between creeks, lawns, huge expanses of sand and various facilities.
… and halfway between art and nature
On the Haute-Savoie side, Lake Geneva plunges you into diverse environments and allows you to discover a vast and colourful fauna and flora. For a pleasant stroll in the heart of this nature, the gardens of the Pré Curieux are a must. Accessible by solar boat, they reveal the richness and fragility of the wetlands and allow the exploration of different ecosystems. This real educational laboratory is of interest to all publics. A must-see! Among the heritage wonders to explore: the village of Yvoire. Classified as one of the “most beautiful villages in France”, it offers an immersion in a medieval village fortified between flowers and old stones. Similarly, consider visiting the Garden of the Five Senses, a plant maze bewitching both in its beauty and its scents.
To relax on the shores of Lake Geneva, we take you to one of its most beautiful beaches: Excenevex beach. Ideal for building sand castles, this 4-hectare stretch of land, bordered by a pine forest, is the only natural beach of fine sand on the lake. A unique moment to share with the family.
Staying in a hotel with spa near Lake Geneva
Because it’s important to recharge your batteries, come to the Hotel Royal Evian, a luxurious 5-star establishment. In a setting combining Belle Époque charm and contemporary architecture, a team of excellence will accompany you to make your stay an experience close to perfection. Its little extra: the restaurant Les Fresques, starred in the Michelin Guide and its culinary creations by Chef Patrice Vander. Don’t forget to visit the Evian thermal baths and enjoy the virtues of its renowned water.
Lake Annecy: the purest lake in Europe!
From walks in the heart of nature
You will be able to walk around the lake on foot, by electric bike or segway and enjoy its exceptional panorama. It will be pleasant to pass through the gardens of Europe and enjoy the freshness of its trees and then to reach the Pâquier via the mythical Pont des Amours. Moreover, you will succumb to this immense green expanse in front of the turquoise waters of the lake in which the mountains bathed in snow stand.
As for the beaches of Annecy, we advise you first of all the beach of Sévrier. Indeed, it is one of the best maintained beaches of the city with a breathtaking view of the Dents de Lanfon and the Tournette.
For a more intimate moment, head for the beach of Saint-Jorioz. With its large area of fine sand that melts directly into the water, it is ideal for moments of letting go. Finally, the beach of Annecy is a must for family outings: the beach of Talloires-Montmin in the centre of the village. It offers a paddling pool, diving board, slide, swimming lessons but also beach volleyball, petanque, table tennis… In addition, there is a large lawn where you can relax in front of the small lake.
Annecy is a true capital of outdoor sports because of its exceptional landscapes, and is a vast, life-size playground for many activities, whether aerial, nautical or mountain activities.
Finally, if you wish to get away from the lake and discover steeper landscapes, we advise you to take a trip to the Gorges du Fier. There, in a narrow gorge, you will cross a footbridge and observe the spectacular natural landscape shaped by rivers and erosion over thousands of years.
… to historical walks
If you prefer to stay at Lake Annecy, don’t worry! You can also visit the Duingt peninsula and its 1000 year old castle. A panorama of inestimable value of which a few moments are enough to make you feel the emotion.
In any case, don’t forget to visit the old town of Annecy and its picturesque lanes. This is an opportunity to taste the famous Savoyard specialities. Also, be aware that the city of Annecy is home to the Glacier des Alpes, considered to be one of the best in France. A nice way to refresh your sunny stroll. Finally, it abounds with museums and fun outings to do. To name but a few: The Museum of Contemporary and Regional Art, the Regional Observatory of the Alpine Lakes, or the Animated Film Museum.
Staying in a hotel with spa near Lake Annecy
This time, we are not offering you one hotel you fell in love with, but three!
For lovers of aquatic spaces, don’t hesitate any longer! The Black Bass Hotel plunges you into the translucent waters of Annecy and takes you into a carefully designed décor with a nautical feel. For a break full of authenticity, discover the Abbey of Talloires and its thousand years of history told by its old stones. Finally, for a stay under the prism of refinement, the Impérial Palace invites you in an environment as luxurious as it is grandiose.
As a bonus: the most confidential lake of Aiguebelette
We can’t help but reveal our most intimate address: Lake Aiguebelette. In view of its particularly privileged natural environment, you will quickly understand why Henry Bordeaux described it as “an emerald pearl set in a mountain setting”. It is an invitation to contemplation for all nature lovers who will appreciate its wild and gentle nature.
Last piece of advice for your holidays: if you want tailor-made activities around the lakes in Savoie and Haute-Savoie, know that Takamaka, outdoor sports specialist, will accompany you around beautiful outings punctuated with laughter. We wish you a pleasant discovery around the lakes of Savoie Mont Blanc!
