Looking for new original activities to do with your friends or family in Annecy? I found the most unusual, fun and original activities of this town. You will have an unforgettable and entertaining time.
Table of Contents
Atypical activities
Stand up paddle on the Annecy lake
Admire the beauty of the Annecy lake during this one-hour activity.
Stand up paddle is a sport accessible to all (from age 5) and does not require any particular physical attributes. You will choose a board among several, each of which will challenge your balance to a greater or lesser extent.
Spend a relaxing and fun time on the calm waters of one of the most famous lakes in France.
You can do this activity for several hours, or even for the entire day (for an additional cost).
Booking and further information (website in French only)
First time paragliding over the Annecy lake
To see the surrounding landscapes, paragliding is the solution! Try it for the first time with a professional and enjoy the thrill.
Do not worry if you are afraid of heights: you cannot have vertigo while paragliding because your feet do not touch the ground.
The flight lasts about 20 minutes. The activity takes place in Doussard, at about a 30-minute drive from Annecy. Make sure you have a means of transport to get there.
Booking and further information (website in French only)
Canoe-rafting on the Chéran river
Looking for a thrill? Go down 8 kilometers in a river in a canoe-raft to discover the Bauges massif. This activity is ideal for families (from age 8), the children will not forget it.
Note that this activity lasts between 2h and 2h30 and that it offers both thrilling courses and calmer ones to enjoy the view.
Also, you must know how to swim to take part in it and you need to provide your own means of transport as it is located in Alby-sur-Chéran (at about a 20-minute drive from Annecy).
The courses vary according to the water level of the river. You will be supervised by a professional guide who speaks French or English.
Booking and further information (website in French only)
Canyoning at the Annecy lake
If you are looking for a thrill, this activity is for you!
Canyoning is a combination of mountaineering, climbing and hiking. The activity is suitable for all ages (from age 7) and all levels (choose when booking). Please note that this activity only takes place from April to November.
Three courses are offered (duration: 3h or 5h) to discover the beauty of Annecy lake with a professional guide. You will have to go down natural slides, make jumps or abseil.
You will have access to a viewpoint at an altitude of 60 meters to contemplate the surroundings.
The starting point of the activity is in Talloires-Montmin, at about a 30-minute drive from Annecy. You will thus need to find a means of transport to get there.
Booking and further information (website in French only)
Photoshoot in Annecy
You would like to make a professional photo album of your holiday? Then you can rent the services of a professional photographer for 30 or 100 minutes (different formula) to immortalize your stay in the city.
He/she will give you advice (locations, clothing, etc.) so that your photos are perfect.
You will receive your photos within 4 days and if they do not like them, you have 7 days to get your money back.
Booking and further information
Initiation to BMX
Discover BMX on a track for an hour and a half with a passionate and qualified instructor.
Learn on a 350-meter track to ride over obstacles, through turns and even do jumps.
Once you have accepted the safety rules and warmed up, you will get to ride. All necessary equipment is provided (helmet, gloves, BMX). This sports activity is accessible from age 6.
Booking and further information (website in French only)
Initiation to flyboarding on the Rhône river
If you like thrills, height and water, then flyboarding is definitely for you. Try this fun sport and if you are good at it, you may even weave in and out and dive.
An instructor will teach you this new sport. Please note that this activity takes place in Montalieu-Vercieu, at about an 1h30 drive from Annecy.
Booking and further information (website in French only)
Rent a boat with Click & Boat
Annecy and its lake are best discovered from the water.
With or without a skipper, discover a crazy excursion on Thibaut’s 11-seater motor boat. The boat can be used for any occasion and even has a towable unicorn rubber ring!
If you’d rather enjoy the freedom of a day out, take the controls of Paulin’s 6-person Four Winns boat and cruise the lake for a lazy day. Enjoy lunch on deck, plug in your music, take a dive, and have a great day.
Don’t worry, you won’t even need a boating license to enjoy the lake without a skipper. Karim’s 5-person Sessa Marine boat is ideal for a peaceful excursion on the clear waters of Annecy Lake.
Microlight flight over the Annecy lake
This microlight flight takes you all around Annecy. You will see an incredible landscape with lakes, mountains, valleys and massifs of Haute-Savoie (the Dents de Lanfon, the Mont-Blanc and the Aravis mountain range, among others).
You will sit behind the pilot and will enjoy a quiet flight as the microlight is also silent.
You will have the choice between several flights (a simple twenty-minute tour of the lake or a longer flight of about thirty minutes over all the mountain ranges).
You must be at least 5 years old (parental permission required).
The activity takes place in Doussard, at about a 30-minute drive from Annecy. Make sure you have a means of transport to get there.
Booking and further information (website in French only)
First time hang gliding over the Annecy lake
The hang glider is quite special and impressive because you are lying down during the flight. You will feel as if you are really flying like a bird.
The flight is pretty smooth but in case there is wind, it will be at a somewhat higher speed.
Several options are available: a first-time flight or a longer one to stay in the air as long as possible, including several tricks.
You will fly with a professional instructor and will be able to admire the Annecy lake and its surroundings, and even the Mont-Blanc depending on the formula.
The meeting point is at the landing base in Doussard, at about a 15-minute drive from downtown Annecy. You will have to use your own means of transport to get there.
Booking and further information (website in French only)
Cruise on the Annecy lake
Go on a cruise on the Annecy lake to the Doussard nature reserve for an hour or an hour and a half of relaxation.
Enjoy the fresh air on the bridge and the commentaries of a guide. Enjoy the mountain landscape during the day or in the evening.
The cruises take place from April to November.
Booking and further information (website in French only)
Hot air balloon flight over Lake Annecy
Fly over the Annecy lake and over the mountains of the region during a hot air balloon flight of about three hours and thirty minutes.
You will participate in the tyre pressure of the balloon before boarding in the basket. You will be amazed by the beauty of the morning landscape.
The balloon can accommodate up to 3 people at a time (plus the instructor) and the activity starts early in the morning (between 6 and 8 am). The instructor will ride you back to your car.
The activity takes place in Doussard, at about a 30-minute drive from Annecy. You must have your own means of transport to get there. You must be at least 14 years old to participate.
Booking and further information (website in French only)
Quirky workshops
Tasting of local wines and cheeses
Discovering and tasting of local wines and cheeses.
In this two-hour workshop, a sommelier will have you discover wines and cheeses from the region. Taste the local specialities: Chevrotin des Alpes, Reblochon, Beaufort d’Alpage, Tome des Bauges etc.
Two people minimum are required for the workshop and must be over 18. The sommelier speaks English.
Booking and further information
Leather goods workshop
Take part in a leather goods workshop and make your own real leather purse, clutch or bag. You choose the size and materials (for the clasp, strap or chain, etc) and go home with your creation.
A creative workshop that also offers snacks and drinks to make your time enjoyable.
Booking and further information (website in French only)
Unusual transports
Visit the city on a Segway
Visit the city of Annecy on a segway for 1h30 with this stroll, which will allow you to get around quickly and avoid the tourist crowds.
The local guide will take you to the most popular sites such as the Imperial Palace and the medieval old town while explaining the history of the city.
You will then drive along the Annecy lake and enjoy the panoramic views.
Discover a city with a rich historical heritage and admire the landscape, especially along the Thiou river.
Booking and further information (website in French only)
Electric mountain bike ride in the Semnoz forest
Have a stroll on an electric mountain bike for an entire day (8 hours) in La Clusaz at about a 45-minute drive from Annecy.
This ride is accessible for all levels as different types of terrain are available.
An instructor will take you on the most beautiful trails and adapt the ride to your needs (if you are with children). You will enjoy a picnic lunch (included in the price) and the guide’s comments on the surrounding flora and fauna.
The necessary equipment is provided.
Booking and further information (website in French only)
Stroll in the city on an electric skateboard
Initiate yourself to electric skateboarding with an instructor for a one-hour stroll and discover the city in an original way. This activity is ideal for children (from age 8) and will make their visit more fun.
Equipment is provided (skateboard, helmet, kneepads and elbow pads).
A 2-hour ride is also available (at an additional cost).
Booking and further information (website in French only)
Stroll with an electric mountain scooter and tasting of wines / cold meats
Enjoy a nice group stroll on a circuit on electric mountain scooters, which are similar to bicycles. At the end of your ride, you will taste local wines and cold meats at a wine shop.
This ride is located in Marigny Saint Michel, at about a 20-minute ride from Annecy.
Booking and further information (website in French only)
Original Visits
Private walking tour of the city
For two hours, visit Annecy with a local guide who is passionate about his/her city and discover more about the past of this charming town.
You will discover the hidden corners and see the most beautiful sites such as the Annecy lake, the Jardins de l’Europe, the Old Town, the Pont des Amours or the Palais de l’Île, an art and history museum next to the Thiou canal.
This tour requires a minimum of two travelers. The guide’s comments are in French or English (your choice).
Booking and further information
Unusual restaurants
The Imperial Palace brasserie
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The Imperial Palace is a chic hotel facing the Annecy lake, which also features a brasserie serving traditional French and local cuisine.
Its unique setting will charm you. Indeed, you can eat on the terrace with a splendid view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Website: https://www.hotel-imperial-palace.com/
Lunch or dinner cruise on the Annecy lake
Go on a lunch or dinner cruise on the beautiful lake of Annecy and enjoy traditional French cuisine in a unique setting.
The dishes are made daily with fresh seasonal produce, so the menus change regularly.
This cruise lasts two hours and thirty minutes and is only available in spring and summer.
The dinner cruises are enlivened by a singer to make them even more enjoyable.
Website: https://www.bateaux-annecy.com/reserver-croisiere/ (website in French only)
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
