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Free access · No charge · Year-round
Plage d'Albigny
The largest public beach on Lake Annecy, featuring 400 meters of grassy shoreline facing the mountains. Lifeguard-supervised in summer, very popular, full amenities.
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Public lake beach
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
2 hours–full day
Best season
June–September
Parking
Paid nearby (Parking Albigny, Parking Petit Port)
Dogs
Not allowed
Stroller
Suitable (flat lawn)
Town
Annecy
What is Plage d'Albigny
Albigny Beach is the largest free public beach on Lake Annecy. Located in the Albigny district (former municipality of Annecy-le-Vieux), it stretches over 400 meters of grassy and sandy shoreline facing the mountains. It is the only swimming area in this sector and one of only two free beaches in the city, along with Marquisats Beach.
A grassy beach bordered by trees and flowering hedges, it offers a spacious and sunny setting throughout the day. The lake bed is sandy with a gentle slope facilitating water access for young children. Three sanitary blocks, free outdoor showers, accessible water entry with free flotation chairs. Lifeguard supervision from noon to 7 p.m. in July–August.
Very crowded in summer — its main drawback. Difficult to find spots from noon onward during peak season. Water is clear in the morning, becomes murky in the afternoon with the crowds. Located between Impérial Palace Park to the west and Petit Port marina to the east, accessible on foot from Pâquier (30 minutes of brisk walking), by bike (cycle path along the beach), or by bus (Sibra lines, stops nearby).
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
6 avenue du Petit Port, Albigny district, 74940 Annecy View on map
Opening hours
Year-round, free access day and night. Lifeguard supervision July–August from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.Verified 14 May 2026
Admission
Free
Parking
Paid nearby (Parking Albigny on avenue d'Albigny, Parking Petit Port). Very full in summer — prefer bike or bus.
Animals
Dogs not allowed on the beach
Accessibility
Accessible water entry ramp. Free flotation chairs available July–August.
Amenities
3 free sanitary blocks, 2 blocks of 4 outdoor showers, pétanque court, ping-pong tables, children's play areas
Contact
Lake Annecy Tourist Office: 04 50 23 86 00
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy center (~3 km, 10 min), follow avenue d'Albigny along the lake toward Annecy-le-Vieux. Pass Pâquier, go by Impérial Palace, continue to Annecy-le-Vieux port. Albigny and Petit Port parking (paid) on the other side of the avenue. In summer, very difficult to find a spot — arrive early morning or prefer bike.
Open in MapsBy bike
Lake Annecy Voie Verte cycle path runs directly along the beach. From Annecy center: 15 minutes by bike along the lake. Rental available at Vélonecy (Annecy station). Challenge: finding a free bike rack in summer.
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
The best period for swimming is June through September, with water temperatures between 68 and 75°F. July–August: maximum crowds, arrive before 11 a.m. to find a spot on the lawn. Active lifeguard supervision 11 a.m.–7 p.m. May and September: reasonable attendance, water still cool but pleasant on sunny days. Off-season (October–April): the beach becomes a favorite jogging and walking destination with clear mountain views. Avoid sunny weekends in July–August if seeking peace and quiet.
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Where to eat, drink, stay
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Gallery
Been there? Share your photos — we'll add them to this page with credit. Tag #loisirs74 or email photos@loisirs74.fr
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to Albigny Beach paid?
No. Access to Albigny Beach is free year-round. It is one of two free public beaches in Annecy, along with Marquisats Beach.
Is Albigny Beach lifeguard-supervised?
Yes. Albigny Beach is supervised by lifeguards in July and August, daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Outside this period, swimming is unsupervised.
Is there free parking near Albigny Beach?
No. Parking Albigny and Parking Petit Port near Albigny Beach are paid. They are very full in summer — it is recommended to arrive by bike (cycle path) or bus (Sibra lines 2 and 5, free in July–August).
Are dogs allowed at Albigny Beach?
No. Dogs are not allowed at Albigny Beach.
Is Albigny Beach wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Albigny Beach has an accessible water entry ramp and free flotation chairs in July–August.
What is the best time to visit Albigny Beach in summer?
Arrive at Albigny Beach before 11 a.m. From noon onward in July–August, shaded and sunny spots are taken and it becomes difficult to find space on the lawn. Water is also clearer in the morning.
Are there showers and restrooms at Albigny Beach?
Yes. Albigny Beach has three free sanitary blocks (one at each end, one on the other side of the road) and two blocks of four free outdoor showers.
Can you rent kayaks or paddleboards at Albigny Beach?
Yes. A kayak, paddleboard, and roller rental operator is located immediately next to Albigny Beach on the Annecy side. Also a mini-golf between the beach and Impérial Palace.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
