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Free access · Year-round
Parc des Dronières
Free leisure complex with lake, forest trails, deer park, picnic areas and multiple sports and relaxation activities for all.
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Public leisure complex
Access
Free · Open to all
Duration
2 hours to a full day
Best season
Year-round · Pool May to August
Parking
Free (multiple car parks on site)
Dogs
Accepted on lead
Stroller
Adapted (4 km trail accessible for pushchairs)
Town
Cruseilles
What is Parc des Dronières
The Parc des Dronières is a vast public leisure and nature complex located in Cruseilles, 20 km from Annecy and Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, set in a 3-hectare forest setting at the foot of Mount Salève. The site offers free access year-round and brings together a lake, animal park, shaded walking trails, children's play areas, a 2.5 km fitness trail, a BMX track, and barbecue and picnic facilities.
The park also hosts facilities managed by operators: the Centre Nautique de l'Espace Bernard Pellarin (heated open-air pool open May to late August), an adventure tree-climbing course (Tactiq Aventure), tennis courts and a fishing lake (permit required). The animal enclosure allows free observation of deer, stags, does and mouflons, making the park a popular family destination in the Genevois region.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Route des Dronières, 74350 Cruseilles View on map
Coordinates
46.040150° N — 6.122339° E View on map
Altitude
785 m
Opening
Year-round, daily. Free access 24/7.
Admission
Free (park, trails, lake, animal park, play areas, barbecue). Pool and tree-climbing paid.
Parking
Free. Multiple car parks on site near the lake, animal park, water sports centre and tennis courts. Disabled spaces available.
Animals
Accepted on lead
Accessibility
Trails accessible by wheelchair and pushchair (4 km circuit). Disabled parking.
Contact
Cruseilles Town Hall: 04 50 32 10 33 · mairie@cruseilles.fr · Water sports centre: 04 50 44 12 68
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy (22 km, ~30 min) or Saint-Julien-en-Genevois (20 km), follow the RD 1201 to Cruseilles town centre. At the town centre roundabout, take the Route des Dronières (first right). The park is 400 m from the town centre. Multiple free car parks on site.
Open in MapsBy bike
Accessible via the departmental road from Cruseilles town centre (steep climb). Bike parking at the water sports centre entrance and near the play areas. The internal 4 km circuit is suitable for bicycles and balance bikes.
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
Parc des Dronières is accessible and pleasant year-round. In summer (May to September), the shade of the forest trails offers welcome coolness during hot spells, and the pool is open. Spring and autumn are ideal for nature walks with fewer visitors. In winter, the park remains open for peaceful forest walks, the animal park and play areas. Evening activities at the water sports centre take place during summer evenings. Weekends and school holidays are the busiest periods.
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Where to eat, drink, stay
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Gallery
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is admission to Parc des Dronières paid?
No. Admission to Parc des Dronières (trails, lake, animal park, play areas, fitness trail, barbecue, parking) is free and open year-round. Only the water sports centre (pool) and tree-climbing are paid.
Can you swim in the lake at Parc des Dronières?
No, swimming is forbidden in the Dronières lake. The lake is reserved for fishing (permit required). To swim, the water sports centre at Espace Bernard Pellarin (heated pool) is open from 18 May to 30 August.
Are dogs allowed at Parc des Dronières?
Yes, dogs are accepted at Parc des Dronières provided they are kept on lead at all times. They are not admitted to the water sports centre.
Can you have a barbecue at Parc des Dronières?
Yes, barbecues are allowed at Parc des Dronières in open spaces (not under trees or near the adventure trail). Ground barbecues are strictly forbidden. Do not throw hot ashes on the ground.
Is Parc des Dronières accessible with a pushchair?
Yes. Parc des Dronières has a 4 km flat walking circuit fully adapted for pushchairs, balance bikes and bicycles. The trails are shaded and well-marked around the lake and animal park.
What are the opening hours of the water sports centre at Parc des Dronières?
The water sports centre at Espace Bernard Pellarin is open from 18 May to 30 August 2026. Public opening hours (outside school group periods in May-June): Monday to Friday 11:15–13:30 and 16:30–19:00, Wednesday and weekends extended hours. Verified on the CCPC website on 14 May 2026 — subject to seasonal changes.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
