Make the most of the heavenly surroundings to prolong the summer. There's no shortage of things to do, so head for the water, get pedalling or grab your trainers!
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© Sources du lac Annecy The excitement of summer has died down, the beaches are empty and Lake Annecy once again invites you to sail on the calm waters of late-autumn. No more crowds, just sunny days to enjoy activities on the lake such as paddleboarding, canoeing or kayaking, and admiring the mountains covered in beautiful autumn colours. In Annecy, on any bank of the lake or at the Lake Annecy Sources, you’ll find plenty of canoe and paddleboard rentals. So treat yourself to some sporting fun or a meditative moment, crossing the small lake from Doussard, exploring the coves and cliffs of the Roc de Chère nature reserve, approaching the reedbeds to spot the wildlife that nests there, or visiting the old pile dwellings. This is the perfect time of year to quietly (re)discover Lake Annecy in all its beauty.
© C. Baudot / e-com-photos.eu 
© ©EsperanceIII Rent out the biggest catamaran on Lake Annecy, just for you and your family or friends. From the port of Sevrier, the skipper will take you on a discovery trip, a day cruise or a sail at sunset. A memorable experience during which you can hoist the sail, take the helm, or just sit back, relax and let the wind and your wishes guide you. For fans of old sailing ships, the Espérance III beckons you aboard in Annecy town centre or in Doussard. This lateen replica, a living symbol of Lake Annecy promises a fabulous cruise packed with revelations of the local natural and cultural heritage.
Until the end of September, a whole programme awaits you in La Clusaz. The summer lifts remain open on weekends, inviting you to take to the summits or explore the Beauregard plateau. Try farm produce that you can really taste at Les Corbassières farm which you can reach via the Beauregard gondola lift, or enjoy a long, exhilarating ride on the summer luge by taking the gondola lift from the skating rink.
Explore along the waymarked footpaths that criss-cross the Aravis mountains. From family walks to long-distance treks over several days, you can take advantage of the cooler weather to hike across the mountain pastures or up to the summits. Each resort – Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, Manigod, La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand – has maps showing trails suitable for all. And don’t forget to download the Virées en Aravis app which will guide you on your adventures!
Autumn is also a favourite season for cyclists. The weather is ideal for exploring along the cols and secret lanes of the Annecy Mountains but also the MTB trails in the Aravis massif, with or without electrical assistance. For children, the Lormay fun park in Le Grand-Bornand is a great place for mountain bikers with 2 trails and a pumptrack. For Gravel bike fans, note the date of the Résistance challenge: 24th September 2022!
Bring your family to get to know the king of our forests, the stag. Equipped with a headlamp, you’ll take a night-time walk to see the nocturnal wildlife that lives in our mountains. Children and adults will be enchanted by this original experience and are sure to be impressed by the bellow of the stag, if you’re lucky enough to hear it. Don’t miss it because the deer rutting season is very short, usually starting in mid-September and ending in early October.
