Lakes

The largest free beach on Lake Annecy: 400 m of grass and sand, summer lifeguards, free showers and toilets. Albigny district, Annecy.

Annecy's iconic 17,000 sqm beach between Albigny and the Pâquier. Major 2026 change: the beach becomes paying in summer (fenced, with a cap and modest fees).

Free grassy beach on Lake Annecy's west shore, shaded, supervised in summer. 10 min walk from town center, accessible by bus, wheelchair accessible. Showers, snack bar.

Mountain lake 15 ha, 1080 m, formed by a landslide in 1943. UNESCO geosite, interpretation trail, fishing. Bellevaux, Haute-Savoie.

High-altitude lake at 2,352 m in the Aiguilles Rouges reserve, facing Mont-Blanc massif. Access via Flégère or Col des Montets, Chamonix.

High mountain lake at 2,275 m in the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. Free access via trail from Planpraz, 3h30 round trip. Fishing permitted, distinctive crescent shape.

Plage de Tougues in Chens-sur-Léman, on the shore of Lake Geneva near the Geneva border: lawn and pebbles shaded by century-old trees, barbecue area, playgrounds.

Lake, 2 km loop, animal park, tree-top adventure, fishing, seasonal pool. Free year-round access at Cruseilles, Haute-Savoie. No swimming in the lake.

Sand and lawn beach at the southern tip of Lake Annecy, floating pontoon, adjoining water-sports centre. Bordered by the Bout du Lac nature reserve. Accessible.

Lawn beach facing the Château de Duingt (Ruphy) on the west shore of Lake Annecy. Lifeguards in July-August. Water-sports club, lakeside café, summer shuttle.

Only natural fine sand beach on the French shore of Lake Geneva. Gentle slope, water 25°C in summer, supervised swimming. Parking €6 in season, beach free.

Small alpine lake at 1,358 m at the foot of the Aravis range, accessible by car. Easy 2.7 km loop, starting point for hikes, cross-country skiing in winter.

Natural lawn beach at the mouth of the Redon near Port de Séchex on Lake Geneva. Mature oaks, wild and quiet feel, restaurants at the port nearby. Unsupervised.

Large 12,000 m² grass beach on the edge of Lake Annecy, supervised in summer. Paddling pool, jetties, diving boards, snack bar. Paid July–August, free off-season.

400 m 'Sous les Prés' lawn beach on the Messery peninsula, facing Nyon (Switzerland). Gentle slope, shade, summer snack-bar, paddle and pedalo hire.

4.1 ha glacial lake at 1,452 m, Natura 2000, at the foot of the Bargy. Free access via Morsulaz, seasonal refreshment bar. Mont-Saxonnex, Haute-Savoie.

Lac de Montriond, the 3rd largest body of water in Haute-Savoie. Set between cliffs and conifers, emerald 'green lake' waters at 1,072 m altitude.

Artificial 50-hectare lake with supervised beach, swimming, pedal boats, paddle, go-kart racing and Mont-Blanc views. Free access year-round in Passy.

Glacial lake at 1,200 m altitude with emerald waters, Mont-Blanc views and 30-min forest trail. Free access year-round, summer shuttles from Plaine-Joux.

Blue Flag 2026 - 15,000 sqm of lawn and pebble shore. Playground, beach-volley, ping-pong, pétanque. 2 lakeside cafés and snack. Nordic sauna corner.

Blue Flag 2026, a first (Teragir ranking, first year). The last French village before Switzerland, on the Franco-Swiss border. Peaceful, away from the crowds.

Large natural sand beach on Lake Annecy facing Dents de Lanfon. Paid July–August (€2.60), free rest of year. Blue Flag award.

Grassy Lake Geneva beach with supervised swimming in summer, dog area, games, boules and ping-pong. Free access year-round in Sciez, Haute-Savoie.

Recently renovated lawn and fine gravel beach on the west shore of Lake Annecy. 94 bike spaces, direct access to the Voie verte. Ideal for cycling families.

Shaded confidential beach: a vast lawn with large trees, set away from the bustle of Talloires centre. Exceptional view of the Château de Duingt.

250x200 m sand and lawn beach with paddling pool, diving boards, slide and integrated water-sports centre. Reopens May 2026 after lakefront works. Now free.

String of natural pebble beaches spanning 3 km on Lake Léman, bordering Ripaille Castle estate. Free access, protected shoreline.

Free Blue Flag beach on Lake Léman, supervised swimming in summer, adjacent to Châtaigneraie park in Thonon-les-Bains, Haute-Savoie.

3 ha beach + 50 m Olympic pool + 1.50/3/5/10 m diving boards + 100 m water slide + 3,000 sqm lake swimming area. Blue Flag 2026. Adult 5.70 EUR.

Blue Flag since 2009 (confirmed 2026). 7,000 sqm of lawn and sandy banks with paddling pool, T-shaped pontoon, diving board, snack-restaurant. Tiralo on site.

Blue Flag since 2020 (confirmed 2026). 3.5 ha of lawn, 50 m Olympic pool, 160 m slide and direct Lake Geneva access via diving boards. Historic Parc Dollfus.