Paid
Doussard Watersports Centre
Doussard
Watersports centre at the southern port of Lake Annecy at Doussard: sailing, wakeboard and paddle hosted with Skiwake74 and other operators, reached via the Voie verte.
Free · Open access
Bout-du-Lac d'Annecy Nature Reserve
Protected reedbeds and marshes at the south end of Lake Annecy: walkway, observation tower and abundant birdlife.
At a glance
Type
National nature reserve
Access
Outdoor · year-round · free trail
Price
Free
Duration
1h to 1h30
Best season
Spring and autumn (migrations)
Town
Doussard
Wheelchair access
Accessible Source: Office de Tourisme du Lac d'Annecy
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Price
What is Bout-du-Lac d'Annecy Nature Reserve
The Bout-du-Lac d'Annecy National Nature Reserve, listed in 1974 and extended in 2017, sits at the southern tip of Lake Annecy, in Doussard. It protects an exceptional mosaic of reedbeds, marshes, wet meadows and the Ire delta, framed by the Tournette and the Bauges. It is managed by Asters, the Haute-Savoie nature conservatory.
A 1 km out-and-back trail leads to a wooden observation tower overlooking the reedbeds. Along the way, walkways cross the wetlands without damaging them, and interpretation panels introduce the flora and fauna. The reserve is home to over 200 bird species, including reed warblers, little bitterns, purple herons, plus beavers, dragonflies and orchids in season.
Access is free year-round. To protect the site, dogs, cycling and plant picking are forbidden. Perfect for a family walk, a birdwatching outing, or in combination with the Doussard beach and the Lake Annecy greenway.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Route de Chaparon, 74210 Doussard (entrance near Camping International du Lac) View on map
Coordinates
45.7822, 6.2147
Phone
Asters — CEN 74: +33 4 50 66 47 51
Official site
https://www.cen-haute-savoie.org
Hours
Open access 7/7, year-round. Tower accessible in daylight hours.
Booking
None; Asters guided outings on registration (online programme)
Duration
1h to 1h30 on site; longer for serious birdwatching
Parking
Free car park at the trailhead (Doussard, route de Chaparon)
Accessibility
Walkway trail: easy but not fully wheelchair-accessible
Audience
Families, birdwatchers, photographers, schools (with supervision)
Languages
Panels mostly in French; FR/EN leaflet available
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy: D1508 along the west shore to Doussard, about 25 min. From Geneva: A41 exit Annecy Sud then D1508, about 1h.
Open in MapsPublic transport
SIBRA / departmental bus lines to Doussard, then 10 min walk.
Open in MapsBy bike
Lake Annecy greenway (former railway): 30 km from Annecy, direct access to the reserve.
Open in MapsNearest stops
- Marceau la Plaine · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y51 · 552 m
- Pied du Village · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y51 · 657 m
- Guinettes · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y51 · 714 m
- Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Official fares & timetables →
Transport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)
When to visit
When to visit
Year-round. Spring and autumn for bird migrations; summer for dragonflies and orchids; winter for stillness and wintering ducks.
Events : Asters nature outings and lectures (spring, summer, autumn); Fête de la Nature in May.
Winter
Winter season
Winter access window
Not specified
Winter infrastructure
Not specified
Snow panorama
Not specified
Equipment mandated
Loi Montagne II — winter tyres or chains required (1 Nov – 31 Mar)
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
Photos
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 the reserve paid?
No, access is free year-round.
Can I bring my dog?
No, dogs are strictly forbidden, even on a leash, to protect wildlife.
Can I cycle in?
You can arrive by bike via the lake greenway and park at the car park. Cycling is not allowed on the reserve trail.
When is the best time to see birds?
Spring (April-June) for songs and nesting; autumn (September-October) for migrations.
How much time should I plan?
An hour is enough for the loop; allow 1h30 to 2h to observe from the tower.
Who manages the reserve?
Asters — the Haute-Savoie nature conservatory, under State agreement.
Is the site suitable for kids?
Yes, the walk is well suited to families. Bring binoculars and keep quiet.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
Nearby
Nearby
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