Cycling trip: Climb to Semnoz East

Beauty of the lake and mountains evolving all the time! Lake Annecy's clear waters are surrounded by moutains which colours change with seasons or light: green in spring and summer, glowing colours in autumn, pristine white in winter. Simply amazing...It is possible to admire the landscape from summits, when paragliding or along the cycle path that runs from Annecy to Savoy. Moreover, thanks to numerous protective actions performed for over 40 years, local people and tourists enjoy a protected environment: lake Annecy is considered as one of the purest lakes in Europe. The clearness and pureness of its water offer the opportunity to practice many water activities: swimming, of course, but also sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, water skiing, scuba diving, fishing... Lake Annecy is a perfect place for sports, leisure and also to discover history and local heritage. Stroll around the colourful, paved streets of Annecy's Old town, discover castles and museums, meet local craftspeople... Lake Annecy is also famous for its markets (with local products, cheese and delicatessen) and restaurants (local or gastronomic cuisine, fish and seafood...).

La cathédrale a été édifiée en 1535 pour être l'église des Franciscains. Mais aussitôt, elle est devenue la cathédrale provisoire des évêques de Genève, réfugiés à Annecy suite à la Réforme protestante qui a eu lieu à Genève.Ancienne chapelle du couvent des Cordeliers, né d’un vœu de piété de Pierre Lambert, homme d’église, l’édifice est construit entre 1535 et 1538. Jacques Rossel, maître d’oeuvre sur le chantier de la cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Genève, y travaille. L’église de l’évêque de Genève A partir de 1538, suite au passage de Genève à la Réforme protestante et à l’exil à Annecy des membres du clergé catholique, l’église accueille le siège de l’évêque. En 1822, l’église est finalement érigée en cathédrale du diocèse d’Annecy. Entre architecture gothique et Renaissance L’église présente un gothique sévère mais typique. La façade, dernière étape de la construction, change de style, témoignant de l’influence de la Renaissance artistique italienne. Au premier niveau, la façade est divisée en trois parties grâce à des pilastres verticaux. Le deuxième niveau est surmonté d’un fronton triangulaire. A côté des éléments de style renaissant, la façade conserve deux baies en arc brisé et une rose gothique, qui s’inspire de celle que Jacques Rossel exécute à partir de 1511 à la tour sud de la cathédrale de Genève. Vers 1775, afin d’embellir le chœur, un nouvel aménagement est réalisé par l’architecte turinois Giovanni Piacenza.

As soon as summer arrives, the Marquisats grass beach is a spot highly-prized by the townspeople and holidaymakers alike.From the start of the school holidays until 31 August (11am-7pm), lifeguards will be on hand to supervise you. Showers and toilets. Snacks on site. Sailing, canoeing and rowing clubs are just a stone's throw away. Easily accessible by bus and directly from the cycle path. Thanks to a range of facilities, this beach enables people with disabilities to get from the car park to the lake completely independently. The facilities take account of all forms of disability: - safe pathways - audible markers and an ‘audioplage’ totem pole to help the visually impaired find their way around - accessible changing rooms - amphibious chairs (Hippocampe and Tiralo) and patient lifts available - interactive wristband for assistance and access to the beach The accessible beach is open from 5 July to 31 August 2025 at the following times: Mondays and Tuesdays, from 1pm to 3.30pm and Wednesdays to Sundays, from 1pm to 7pm. 4 seasonal staff (inclusion ambassadors) have been recruited and trained to welcome users and ensure the smooth running of the inclusive beach. They can provide carers with a lift and issue interactive bracelets enabling visually impaired people to activate audio terminals. As the ambassadors have other duties, they are not permanently present on site.

Lay your beach towel out on the grass at this recently revamped sandy beach and enjoy the peace and quiet as you gaze at Les Dents de Lanfon and Tournette Mountain.From 06/26 to 08.29, beach monitored by Lifeguards. Children's games. Showers and toilets. Snack bar and restaurant on-site. A ramp and floating loungers are available free of charge for people with reduced mobility for easier access into the water. Just a stone's throw away are the sailing and canoe and kayak clubs. Direct access from the promenade cycle path.

Le Semnoz mountain, a vast protected area, 16 km long and stretching from an altitude of 450 m to one of 1,699 m. Close to Lake Annecy, it offers a vast terrain for play and discovery in all 4 seasons (skiing, snowshoeing, walks, mountain biking...).Le Semnoz, to the north of the Bauges mountains and bordering the western bank of Lake Annecy, is a concentration of activities. In winter, the ski resort offers an ideal terrain for practicing cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing and snowkiting. In summer, make way for the alpine pastures with their animals, farms and cheese production. It is also the chance to go for a wander along the many walking paths and mountain bike circuits. The resort offers an alpine slide and various downhill activities (devalkart, runix...). You can also discover the botanical path and rock climbing sites. All year round, Le Semnoz - with the Crêt de Chatillon as its highest point - offers a viewpoint indicator and 360-degree view. A magnificent site for admiring the French Alps, with Mont-Blanc in the background.

Family walk on the Semnoz top plateau. Discover high mountain pastures and a magnificent panorama.The Semnoz top plateau offers a walking and sports area, all the year. To Le Crêt de l'Aigle, a family walk allows you to discover high mountain pastures and a magnificent panorama. When the weather is clear and blue, we can see mountains of lake Annecy, mountains of Les Aravis and of Les Bauges, and Le Mont-Blanc. In winter, it is better to use cross-country skis or snowshoes. To Le Crêt de Chatillon (highest point of Le Semnoz - 1699m), you will find a orientation table.