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Open Access · Free · Year-Round
Plage des Marquisats
Grassy beach 200 meters long on the west shore of Lake Annecy, supervised in summer, with disability access facilities and 10 minutes walk from the old town.
Lac d'Annecy · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Grassy beach on the lake shore
Access
Open · Free
Duration
10 min walk from the old town
Best season
June – September (lifeguards July–August)
Parking
Free (Marquisats, Colmyr, Tillier parking lots — fill up quickly in summer)
Dogs
Not allowed on the beach
Stroller
Suitable (paved paths)
Town
Annecy
What is Plage des Marquisats
Plage des Marquisats is a free grassy beach located on the west shore of Lake Annecy, 500 meters from Annecy town center. Approximately 200 meters long and 20 meters wide, it is bordered by a sand bank that facilitates water access. The lake floor is covered with pebbles and the water deepens rapidly a few meters from the shore.
Together with Albigny Beach, Plage des Marquisats is one of only two entirely free beaches in Annecy. It benefits from a prime location near the water sports center, tennis courts, the Brise Glace concert hall, and the Marquisats site, which houses the superior art and design school (ESAAA). To the north lies Annecy's water sports base where canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and divers operate — the launch zone is off-limits for swimming.
The beach is shaded by numerous trees, making it particularly popular with families with young children in summer. It is supervised by lifeguards from the start of summer school holidays until August 31, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Outside the season, the beach remains open for walks, picnics, sports, or simply enjoying the view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Rue des Marquisats, 74000 Annecy View on map
Coordinates
45,8934° N — 6,1365° E View on map
Opening hours
Year-round · Summer lifeguard supervision from start of school holidays to August 31, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Price
Free
Parking
Free: Marquisats, Colmyr, Tillier parking lots (full during peak season). Alternative: Hôtel de Ville underground parking (paid, 5–10 min walk)
Animals
Not allowed on the beach. Off-season: tolerated for walks, favor the tree-lined area on the south side (toward Sévrier)
Accessibility
Inclusive beach with Hippocampe and Tiralo floating wheelchairs, wheelchair lift, secure pathways, audio beacons, accessible changing facilities. Inclusion ambassadors present Mon–Tue 1–3:30 p.m., Wed–Sun 1–7 p.m. (July 5–August 31)
Facilities
Showers, free toilets, snack bar in summer. Adjacent water sports clubs: sailing, canoe-kayak, rowing, diving
Contact
04 85 46 70 00 · www.annecy.fr
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy town center, head toward Sévrier/Saint-Jorioz via Avenue du Petit-Port then Rue des Marquisats. Free parking at Marquisats, Colmyr, or Tillier lots (full in summer — prefer paid Hôtel de Ville parking, 5–10 min walk).
Open in MapsBy bike
Bike path alongside the beach, accessible from the Lake Annecy circuit. Bike parking across from the beach.
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
Plage des Marquisats is accessible year-round. In summer (July–August), it is very busy on fine days — visit early morning for clear water and calm, or after 5 p.m. when crowds subside. Summer lifeguard supervision runs from the start of school holidays to August 31, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Off-season (September to June), the atmosphere is quieter: perfect for picnicking, walking, exercising, or enjoying the lake view. The beach remains shaded by trees even in full summer.
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
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Gallery
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is admission to Plage des Marquisats paid?
No. Plage des Marquisats is completely free year-round. It is one of only two free beaches in Annecy, along with Albigny Beach.
How do I get to Plage des Marquisats from Annecy town center?
Plage des Marquisats is 10 minutes walk from the old town along the lake. By bus, take line 6, 'Marquisats' stop directly across from the beach. By bike, use the cycle path alongside the beach.
Is Plage des Marquisats supervised?
Yes. Plage des Marquisats is supervised by lifeguards from the start of summer school holidays to August 31, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Are dogs allowed at Plage des Marquisats?
No. Dogs are not permitted on Plage des Marquisats. Off-season, you may walk your dog in the tree-lined area on the south side (toward Sévrier), but not on the beach lawn itself.
Is Plage des Marquisats accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes. Plage des Marquisats is an inclusive beach with Hippocampe and Tiralo floating wheelchairs, wheelchair lift, secure pathways, audio beacons for visually impaired visitors, and accessible changing facilities. Inclusion ambassadors present July 5 to August 31.
Is there free parking at Plage des Marquisats?
Yes, several free parking lots (Marquisats, Colmyr, Tillier) serve Plage des Marquisats, but they fill up quickly in summer. Alternative: Hôtel de Ville underground parking (paid), 5–10 minutes walk.
What is the best time to visit Plage des Marquisats?
The beach is pleasant year-round. In summer, visit early morning for clear water and quiet, or after 5 p.m. when crowds decrease. Off-season, Plage des Marquisats is ideal for picnicking, walking, or sports by the lake.
Are water sports activities available from Plage des Marquisats?
Yes. Plage des Marquisats is adjacent to sailing, canoe-kayak, rowing, and diving clubs. Kayak, paddleboard, and pedal boat rentals available nearby. Perfect for exploring the lake from this beach.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
